Pre-Orientation Advice for New Students

As a student new to PSU, you probably have lots of questions about what classes to take, how to register, how to decipher your transfer evaluation (if you are a transfer student), and what services you will find on campus—to name a few.

That is why it is so important to attend a New Student Orientation once you are admitted!

PSU expects all new students (both freshmen and transfers) to attend Orientation, a program designed to assure that all new students:

  • obtain a thorough explanation of PSU's graduation requirements
  • receive a free copy of the PSU Bulletin, the Registration Guide, and the Student Handbook
  • have an opportunity to speak with either a faculty or professional adviser
  • register for classes online

The following information summarizes the basics of PSU's graduation requirements. You should review this prior to attending New Student Orientation so that you will be better prepared to understand the wealth of essential information provided at your Orientation session.

There are three sets of requirements for a baccalaureate degree at PSU:

Prior to planning your schedule for your first term at PSU you should also be familiar with:

Important Publications

The Bulletin (catalog), an essential source of information, contains extensive information about PSU, including the requirements and course descriptions for all the undergraduate and graduate programs.

The Registration Guide is a critical tool which contains all information regarding the University Studies program, academic deadlines and policies and registration information.

The Student Handbook & Academic Planner


Transfer Students

Graduation requirements and institutional policies and procedures differ at every college and university. Thus, it is essential that you, as a transfer student, attend New Student Orientation in order to understand PSU's expectations.

Before attending Orientation, please review your transfer evaluation (received with your admissions packet). The transfer evaluation shows how your credits have transferred and how they apply to the general university requirements (not major requirements, however). You will learn how to understand this report at Orientation.

As a transfer student you should also review information about your placement for University Studies, one of PSU's general education options.