SIA Fall 2021 Orientation
Date & Time: August 20, 2021 | 09:30 PM – December 02, 2024 | 02:45 PM
Location: Lewis Katz Building
UPDATE: Penn State now requires masking in all indoor public spaces at all University locations, regardless of vaccination status.
SIA follows all Penn State COVID-19 related policies. Please note: students and employees who have not informed the University that they have been fully vaccinated by Aug. 9 will be subject to required testing during the fall semester. COVID-19 related policies are subject to change. Additional information can be found at: https://virusinfo.psu.edu.
We are excited to welcome you to the Penn State School of International Affairs! Orientation for the SIA Class of 2023 will take place Friday, August 20 at the Lewis Katz Building. In addition, we will host a Welcome Picnic on Tuesday, August 24 and follow-up workshops over the first few weeks of the semester (see below for a full schedule of orientation events and activities).
You must RSVP by Tuesday, August 17.
The MIA degree is a cohort-based program in which you participate in core classes and simulations with your peers. It is important for all incoming students to attend the SIA New Student Orientation. This is an opportunity to not only to learn about relevant academic, career, and programmatic information that will aid in your student success at SIA, but also to give you a chance to begin fostering team-building skills and rapport with your fellow classmates. As such, attendance is required prior to the start of the semester as well as to the academic advising and professional development workshops that will be offered during the first two weeks of the semester. Absences will only be excused due to unforeseen circumstances or class conflicts. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact SIA Admissions at admissions@sia.psu.edu.
| SIA ORIENTATION AGENDA — Friday, August 20 | ||
|---|---|---|
| 8:00 - 9:00 a.m. | Check-in and Professional Headshot Photo Please arrive during your designated time slot below base on the first letter of your surname: A-C — 8:00-8:10 a.m. D-G — 8:10-8:20 a.m. H-O — 8:20-8:30 a.m. P-S — 8:30-8:40 a.m. T-Z — 8:40-8:50 a.m. |
Katz Atrium |
| 9:00 - 9:15 a.m. | Welcome Message Retired Vice Adm. James Houck, Interim Dean |
Katz Auditorium |
| 9:15 - 9:25 a.m. | Convocation Dr. Elizabeth Ransom, Interim Director |
Katz Auditorium |
| 9:25 - 9:30 a.m. | Information Technology Matt Gardner, Assistant Dean for Digital Learning and Information Technology |
Katz Auditorium |
| 9:30 - 9:40 a.m. | Financial Information Kim Wyatt, Financial Officer Susan Bogart, Director of Financial Aid |
Katz Auditorium |
| 9:40 - 9:50 a.m. | Overview of Academic & Student Information Jamie Binney, Academic Adviser Matthew Detrick, Assistant Director of Admissions and IUG Academic Adviser |
Katz Auditorium |
| 9:50 - 9:55 a.m. | Capstone Planning, Internships, Employment, & Professional Development Grant Littke, Director of Career Services |
Katz Auditorium |
| 9:55 - 10:00 a.m. | Break | Katz Auditorium |
| 10:00 - 10:30 a.m. | Class Photo | Katz Lawn |
| 10:30 - 11:30 a.m. | University Resource Fair & Katz Building Tours | Katz Atrium |
| 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. | Free Time Optional: Meet Student Ambassadors in Katz Atrium and walk to the ID+ Office and/or Berkey Creamery |
Katz Atrium |
| 1:00 - 2:30 p.m. | Experiential Activities Wear sturdy footwear (not flip-flops) and casual clothing appropriate for outdoor activities |
Katz Building Grounds |
| SIA WELCOME PICNIC — Tuesday, August 24 | ||
|---|---|---|
| 12:45 - 1:00 p.m. | Meet Student Ambassadors & Walk to Sunset Park | Katz Atrium |
| 1:00 - 2:00 p.m. | SIA Welcome Picnic | Sunset Park |
| 2:00 - 2:15 p.m. | Return to Katz with Student Ambassadors | Sunset Park/Katz Building |
| ORIENTATION FOLLOW-UP WORKSHOPS (MANDATORY) | ||
|---|---|---|
| *Please note, there are two Group Academic Advising Workshops taking place on different days/times (August 23 and August 26). You only need to attend one. | ||
| Monday, August 23 4:00 - 5:30 p.m. |
Group Academic Advising Workshop | 116 Katz |
| Thursday, August 26 12:45 - 2:15 p.m. |
Group Academic Advising Workshop | 116 Katz |
| Friday, August 27 11:15 a.m. - 1:15 p.m. |
Cultivating Your Cultural Intelligence Workshop | 116 Katz |
| Thursday, September 9 12:45 - 2:15 p.m. |
Professional Development Workshop | 116 Katz |
| Friday, September 10 11:15 a.m. - 1:15 p.m. |
Bias Like Me: Challenging Ourselves in Crucial Moments Workshop |
116 Katz |
| ORIENTATION FOLLOW-UP WORKSHOPS (HIGHLY RECOMMENDED) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Tuesday, August 31 12:45 - 1:45 p.m. |
Penn State Library Resources Workshop | 116 Katz |
| Thursday, September 2 12:45 - 2:15 p.m. |
Graduate Academic Writing Workshop | 116 Katz |