Allegheny Bound & Orientation

Arrive at the Wise Center at your scheduled move-in time to get tested and pick-up everything you need for the next week including your key, orientation information and your Class of 2026 shirt.  On Call Staff available in Murray Hall if you need additional assistance with connecting to the Allegheny Wireless Network.    

Come join Alumni, and representatives from the Meadville Independent ​Business Alliance, and the Crawford County Visitors Bureau, and Crawford Area Transportation Authority to learn about everything Meadville has to offer your students.

For your convenience, PNC Bank will be on campus during move-in to help you open your student checking account. PNC Bank’s Student Virtual Wallet checking account has many great features, including no minimum balance and no monthly fee for six years. PNC’s branch is located right down the street from campus. To open an account, a student will need two forms of ID and their social security number.

If you want to work on campus, attend one of these sessions (12:00pm & 3:00pm) and meet with Financial Aid to submit your employment forms (W-4, etc.).  Please bring the Federally required ID documents with you.

The welcome lunch provides students (and families) with an opportunity to hear from Allegheny community members that may share similar experiences such as going away to college, adjusting to a new town, or tips for culture shock. Establishing relationships is an essential part of adjusting to a new environment and we look to do just that amongst our communities of color and first generation students at Allegheny College. If you wish to attend the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (ODEI) requests that you RSVP here.  

If you want to work on campus, attend one of these sessions (12:00pm & 3:00pm) and meet with Financial Aid to submit your employment forms (W-4, etc.).  Please bring the Federally required ID documents with you.

Meet your fellow Allegheny transfer students and check in with Amy Stearns, Director of Transfer Advising, to ensure you understand how your transfer credits will apply toward your Allegheny degree, finalize your fall course schedule, and troubleshoot any other transfer-related questions or issues.

Kick Off orientation by connecting with the Office of Sustainability and pick up your FREE kit of reusables to help you reduce your environmental impact both on and off campus. Students will receive their choice of a stainless steel travel mug or a stainless steel water bottle plus a straw set and reusable utensils. After that, find your orientation group and your orientation leader.  This will be the first opportunity for you to meet the other students in your Orientation Group!

Meet with your orientation group to explore the campus and eat dinner together. 

Join the entire class of 2026 for your first big introduction to each other and to take your class photo. 

Meet up with your RA and your neighbors to learn more about the residence halls. You’ll also have the opportunity to meet your community and get to know the people that live around you. You play a part in shaping the culture of your community.

You’ll spend the day learning more about you and understanding your strengths, navigating the Meadville area, tips and tricks for eating on campus, creating a wellness plan, and showing you all the key places on campus including the campus recreation center (Wise Center).  

Join your fellow new students for an interactive activity that introduces you to identities that help shape who you are and provide an opportunity to discuss identities with your peers in a comfortable environment. 

Come out and dance to music you love…or music you love…or music you love, because you will get to choose what music you will listen to from two dueling DJs and styles of music.  Looking for something a little more low key? Take a break in one of our glass rooms coloring, playing uno or board games.  There’s a little something for everyone!

Gather with your orientation leader to get ready to be formally welcomes to the Allegheny Academic Community.  Don’t forget your nametag to help you find your FS 101 Class following Matriculation.

Learn more about your new friends, cohorts, and the resources on campus, while gaining knowledge about everything you need to know about college life.  

Come be entertained with humor as we discuss what it’s like to live in the Allegheny College community.  A community focused on consent,  healthy choices, setting boundaries, and bystander intervention.   This required session will be followed by a small group debrief in your orientation groups. 

If you score the most points you get FREE MONEY! It’s as simple as that! All you have to do is be at the event and you can play! Come compete in wacky challenges and pop culture trivia.  

Love performing?  Need something to do before classes start?  All-Day Theatre Fest is an annual back-to-school event hosted by Student Experimental Theatre in which you and your team are put to the test as you devise a short play and evening performance in one day.  No experience is necessary, and both groups and single participants are welcome to sign up.  This is a fun way to meet people during your first week on campus! Registration is now open and you can sign-up here.

Wear your pajamas, bring your favorite stuffed animal, and enjoy your first Saturday Brunch in Brooks as we watch some of your favorite childhood cartoons.

If you want to get off campus for a bit, take a bus to Woodcock Lake Park to experience walking/hiking trails, walking across the 1 mile-long dam, disc golf course, and picnic shelter.  Buses leave at 1pm from outside of Oddfellows and will return at 3pm. Pre-registration is required for this event, please register here.  

Come experience the last days of summer with camp-themed fun.  You can choose your favorite camp activity or try something brand new.  Activities will include arts and crafts, lawn games, camp-themed foods, and even a chance to decorate your class’ plank.

Come to the Campus Center to enjoy a variety of activities and meet new people!  Spike Ball, Cornhole, pick-up sports, UNO tournaments, Game Room, crafts, and more! 

The IDEAS Center Expansion Space, CC 309, is a 24 hour space. Come and see the space, hang out, play a game and discover how you might use it during and after the regular work-day!

Free space, Uno tournaments, Karaoke, Game Room Open (staffed by Student Life), Crafts, and Yard Games

Come participate in one of our traditions throughout the years. 

A chance for new and returning students to meet each other, and hear more about Christian life on campus. Food included!

Allegheny Hillel and the Director of Jewish Life invite new and returning students to meet Jewish students, faculty, and staff and have time to gather and learn about opportunities.

Islamic Cultural Association and the Director of Muslim Life invites new and returning students to gather, learn about opportunities, and meet Muslim students, faculty, and staff.

Want to meet some other new students who share similar interests?  Come check out some different activities to do on and around campus.  We’ll have yoga, writing workshops, theater activities, pick-up games, dance lessons, and more!

INTRODUCTION to SELF-DEFENSE with John Guthrie
Montgomery Lower Studio
Take charge of your personal safety and well-being. Be your own first line of protection by taking this first step. In this session, we will review concepts, attitudes and basic techniques of self-defense. Please be prepared to move.

SALSA AND SWING with Betsy Getschman Sumerfield
Montgomery Upper Studio
Be active, learn something new, have fun with something old, and meet new people. We will learn some basic Salsa and East coast swing then have fun dancing! Come and have fun with new friends.

LGBTQIA+ Mixer with IDEAS Center
Campus Center 301/302
Join the IDEAS Center as the team creates a comfortable environment for upper class and first year students to mingle, build some campus connections, and get to know the Center and various campus resources.

E-Sports Gaming Session
Murray Hall 117 Maytum Multimedia Classroom
Join other enthusiastic fellow Gators to an hour of unlocking a new level!  Game On!

Astro Club
Campus Center 303
Join others who also enjoy discussing and discovering astronomy, astrophysics, space news, stargazing and more!

Comics Club
Campus Center 318
Do you love comics?  Come to meet others who also have a keen interest in all things comics!

Are you the first in your family to attend college or want some additional support as you transition? You won’t want to miss this, First-Gen Students! Come spend time with other first-gen students and meet with a few folks from the Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Access & Social Justice (IDEAS) Center to learn about vital resources and comprehensive support for your time at Allegheny. Let’s build community together!

Are you a local area student or commuting to campus?  Come join other students just like you to make some connections!

Are you from out of state? Come meet other fellow students that are from out of State, learn about the special things about Meadville, and everything you need to know.  

Join your fellow second-year students and your Second-Year Dean to get the scoop on what to expect this academic year. From exploring study away opportunities to connecting with career education to declaring your major/minor, this year is pivotal for charting your Allegheny path. Come get set up for success!

Meet your Class Dean and join fellow 3rd Year students to discover what lies ahead for your Junior year.  Your 3rd year can be one of the most challenging in college, but with intentional choices, self-care, and perseverance, you will succeed.  Resources and tips will be shared during this session. 

Catholic Campus Minister, Fr. Jeff Lucas, celebrates Mass for students, staff, and Meadville residents.

Mass attendees are invited to gather for a picnic dinner after which the Rosary will be prayed.

Join your fellow hallmates to compete against the other halls in a variety of competitions to boast as the BEST residence hall. Activities will include decorating competition, Allegheny trivia, and a campus-wide game of capture the flag! Come out and meet new friends and represent your hall in an all-out battle to be the best!

Your first meeting with our advisor and class to get prepared for the semester.

Representatives from all academic programs will answer questions and assist with course selection.

A session to introduce first-year students to the Pre-Law and Policy program

For first-year students interested in education.  Students will meet the advisor and learn about education program requirements.

The Pre-Health advisor will provide an overview of the Pre-Health Professions program, including resources to help students prepare for careers in the medical, dental, and veterinary professions.  There will be time for participants to ask questions about the program.

You did it! You made it to your 4th and final year of college. Now is not the time to rest on your laurels, but rather attend this session to meet your Class Dean and learn about the resources available in your Senior year to support you.  Senior Comps, job search resources, and life after Allegheny will be discussed during this session.

Get a preview of all the resources the library has to offer you over your next four years.  Learn a little bit about all these areas and be rewarded with ice cream and a chance to win a prize.

Come celebrate the end of Gator Week of Welcome with the rest of the Allegheny community with games, fun, recreation, and more as we kick off the new academic year!

Keep your eye out for information from your RA about an activity! RAs will be planning an event just for you with snacks provided. This is a great chance to build a strong relationship with both your RA and your neighbors.

Watch for some spots for a First Day of School picture to send to friends and family!