New Student Orientation

Pitt CARES is scheduled throughout the month of June each summer for students who will begin in August and in January for those starting in the spring semester. 

Pitt CARES Dates for students starting January 2024:
Friday, January 12, 2024
Note: Registration for this date opens October 1. 

Pitt CARES Dates for students starting August 2024:
Monday-Thursday beginning June 5. Click on the register for Freshman Pitt CARES button above for a list of open dates. 
Note: Registration for these dates opens February 1. 

Seating is limited on each Pitt CARES date. If you do not see a date listed when you click the Register for Freshman Pitt CARES button, that date is full. 

Pitt CARES is an orientation event for new freshman at Pitt State. While attending Pitt CARES students will:

• Enroll in courses for the fall semester

• Meet other members of their incoming class

• Meet current PSU students

• Receive their PSU ID card

• Feel better prepared to start PSU

• Learn about campus services

Freshman Pitt CARES features a number of different components. 

• Check In & Welcome 
• Concurrent Student and Parent Sessions 
• Presentations from University Support Offices such as Financial Aid, Student Health, Campus Activities, and more
• Academic and Course Overview
• Advisement and Enrollment in class schedule
• Bell Ringing Ceremony

Pitt CARES fees are $50 per student and $25 for the first guest and $15 for an additional guest. Fees must be paid to reserve a Pitt CARES date.

*Limited student fee waivers are available for those who demonstrate financial need. Please contact your PSU Admission Counselor or high school counselor. 

• Activate your GusMail Account.
• Register for Pitt CARES
• Submit your immunization records to the Bryant Student Health Center.
• Complete the free application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
• Finalize your housing contract.
• Contact us at 620-235-6578 if you need special accommodations during CARES
• If you have already earned college credit through Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, or Dual Enrollment courses, send your scores or transcripts to the Registrar’s Office, Pittsburg State University, 1701 S Broadway, Pittsburg, KS 66762. Many community colleges and universities send transcripts electronically. Your high school counselor should be able to help you get them sent to PSU. Note: High school transcripts are not appropriate documentation of college credit earned. We must have transcripts/scores directly from the institution granting the credit. 
• Submit your final high school transcript to the Office of Admissions, Pittsburg State University, 1701 S Broadway, Pittsburg, KS 66762.
• If you are unsure of your major, look over our Academic Programs for more information.
• For out-of-town students, consider your lodging if needed for your orientation session. We encourage you to visit the Hotel/Motel Directory provided by the Pittsburg Area Chamber of Commerce. 

• Plan to spend the full day with us getting to know the campus. 

• Discover different campus resources like academic support, campus dining, living on campus, health services, and safety.

• Learn about your college and major.

• New freshman will be introduced to an academic advisor in order to register for classes.

• Submit any remaining information needed to complete your file such as test scores, transcripts, or financial aid paperwork. 

• Find your place in the Pittsburg State University Gorilla Family.

• Send final high school transcripts to Office of Admissions, Pittsburg State University, 1701 S Broadway, Pittsburg, KS 66762.

• If you completed any college credits during high school or over the summer, send final college transcripts to Registrar’s Office, Pittsburg State University, 1701 S Broadway, Pittsburg, KS 66762.

• Review tuition information and payment plans.

• Contact Student Disability Services if you need to arrange accommodations for academics and housing.

• Order your Parking Permit.

• Review the Housing and Move-In Guide, if living on campus.

• Learn about your meal plan.

• Buy your textbooks:

  Pittsburg State University Bookstore

• Visit Career Services if looking for employment.

• Become familiar with campus and the ways to get involved.

• Learn more about scholarships, grants, research, and study abroad.

• If you have earned outside scholarships, send them to PSU Student Financial Assistance, 1701 S. Broadway, Pittsburg, KS 66762. Include a separate note with the student's name and PSU ID number. If a check is made out to PSU and the student, the student must sign the check. You can also drop them off in person to 103 Horace Mann. 

Q: Is there a cost associated with Pitt CARES?
A: Pitt CARES fees are $50 per student, $25 for your first guest and $15 for an additional guest. 

Q: Is Pitt CARES required?
A: Yes. All incoming freshman from the most recent high school graduating class are required to attend a new student orientation session. 

Q: What should I bring with me to my Pitt CARES Orientation? 
A: A willingness to learn and meet new people will help make sure you have the best day possible. Because we utilize the whole campus for orientation, access to a vehicle is ideal. Copies of any college credit transcripts/scores, a photo ID, and a copy of your immunization records are practical items to bring as well. 

Q: Where do I park?
A: On the day of the event, visitors are encouraged to park in the Parking lots North of Grubbs Hall or East of the Axe library and football stadium. Please use this map to navigate parking as you arrive on campus. 

Q: I had a 504 plan or an IEP in high school. Will I be able to meet with someone about this during CARES?
A: If you plan to request accommodations for learning and/or physical disabilities, please indicate you'd like to meet with our accommodations coordinator in the comments section of your Pitt CARES registration or contact us directly so that we can make arrangements for you to meet with appropriate staff while at Pitt CARES. You are also welcome to contact Student Accommodations prior to your Pitt CARES session. 

Q: I plan to drive to Pittsburg the night before my CARES session. Do you have recommendations for lodging?
A: Pittsburg has many lodging options and we recommend you make reservations well in advance of your stay. We encourage you to visit the Hotel/Motel Directory provided by the Pittsburg Area Chamber of Commerce. 

Transfer Pitt CARES Dates 

Monday, April 15
Note: Registration for this date opens February 1. 

Plan to be on campus from about 9:00am-3:00pm, although you may finish earlier or later, depending on how long your enrollment takes. A more detailed schedule will be provided to you when you arrive. 

Registration – Overman Student Center
Student Transition Program/Parent Transition Program
Your University, Your Choice - Services and Programs Rotation
Lunch 
Enrollment Prep
Academic Advisement/Enrollment
Bell Ceremony & ID Card

$50.00 for students
$25.00 for first guest
$15.00 for each additional guest

Pitt CARES Registration fees are non-refundable. 

• Activate your GusMail Account.
• Register for Pitt CARES
• Submit your immunization records to the Bryant Student Health Center.
• Complete the free application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
• Finalize your housing contract if you plan to live in the residence halls or Block 22. 
• Contact us at 620-235-6578 if you need special accommodations during CARES
• Send transcripts from all schools you have earned credits from to the Registrar’s Office, Pittsburg State University, 1701 S Broadway, Pittsburg, KS 66762. Electronic transcripts are encouraged and can be accessed through the institution's Registrar's Office. 
• If you are receiving financial aid, submit your final high school transcript to the Office of Admissions, Pittsburg State University, 1701 S Broadway, Pittsburg, KS 66762.
• If you are unsure of your major, look over our Academic Programs for more information.
• For out-of-town students, consider your lodging if needed for your orientation session. We encourage you to visit the Hotel/Motel Directory provided by the Pittsburg Area Chamber of Commerce. 

• Plan to spend the full day with us getting to know the campus. 

• Discover different campus resources like academic support, campus dining, living on campus, health services, and safety.

• Learn about your college and major.

• Enroll in your classes. 

• Get your PSU ID card. 
• Submit any remaining information needed to complete your admission file such as test scores, transcripts, or financial aid paperwork. 

• Find your place in the Pittsburg State University Gorilla Family.

• Once you complete any courses in the spring or summer semester, send final college transcripts to Registrar’s Office, Pittsburg State University, 1701 S Broadway, Pittsburg, KS 66762.

• Review tuition information and payment plans.

• Contact Student Accommodations if you need to arrange accommodations for academics and housing.

• Order your Parking Permit.

• Review the Housing and Move-In Guide, if living on campus.

• Learn about your meal plan.

• Buy your textbooks:

  Pittsburg State University Bookstore

• Visit Career Services if looking for employment.

• Become familiar with campus and the ways to get involved.

• Learn more about scholarships, grants, research, and study abroad.

FAQ

Q: Is there a cost associated with Transfer Pitt CARES?
A: Transfer Pitt CARES fees are $50 per student, $25 for your guest. 

Q: Is Transfer CARES required?
A: No, Transfer CARES is not required. However, our surveys suggest that students find Transfer Pitt CARES. incredibly helpful to students as they transition to Pittsburg State. 

Q: What should I bring with me to my Transfer Pitt CARES Orientation? 
A: Transfer students should bring copies of their transcript and a list of any classes they are currently enrolled in. Students should also bring a copy of their immunization records. 

Q: Where do I park?
A: On the day of the event, visitors are encouraged to park in the Parking lots North of Grubbs Hall or East of the Axe library and football stadium. Please use this map to navigate parking as you arrive on campus. 

Q: I had a 504 plan or an IEP in high school. Will I be able to meet with someone about this during CARES?
A: If you plan to request accommodations for learning and/or physical disabilities, please indicate you'd like to meet with our accommodations coordinator in the comments section of your Pitt CARES registration or contact us directly so that we can make arrangements for you to meet with appropriate staff while at Pitt CARES. You are also welcome to contact Student Accommodations prior to your Pitt CARES session. 

Q: I plan to drive to Pittsburg the night before my CARES session. Do you have recommendations for lodging?
A: Pittsburg has many lodging options and we recommend you make reservations well in advance of your stay. We encourage you to visit the Hotel/Motel Directory provided by the Pittsburg Area Chamber of Commerce.