Pitt CARES New Student Orientation

Orientation is more than just academic advising and registering for classes. It’s your official introduction to Pittsburg State University. Have fun, meet new people, learn about campus, and get acquainted with your new home away from home. Pitt CARES (Campus Advisement, Registration and Enrollment Services) is designed to assist new students with their transition to Pittsburg State University. During Pitt CARES, students gain valuable insights about college life through small-group activities, meet with an academic advisor to plan their fall semester, and complete university enrollment procedures.

All high school graduates planning to enroll for the fall or spring semester are REQUIRED to attend Pitt CARES. (This includes Fort Scott Qualified Admission Students). Students admitted to a two-year Certificate Program or an Associate Degree Program are NOT required to attend a Pitt CARES program.

RESPONSE TO COVID-19

While we very much look forward to the start of your journey with us, we must kick it off in a way we did not expect – online. To ensure the health and safety of our new students, faculty, and staff while uncertainty surrounds the COVID-19 pandemic, Pittsburg State University is shifting new student orientation (CARES) online for the fall 2020 and spring 2021 semesters.

All orientation activities will be online in the online learning platform Canvas. Please check your email upon registering for further instruction. 

(Students beginning at PSU Spring 2021 ONLY)

Registration for Pitt CARES for students beginning at PSU Fall 2021 will be available February 1, 2021.

Please contact Student Success Programs with questions at 620-235-6578 or orientation@pittstate.edu. 

Online Freshman Pitt CARES
  • About Freshman Pitt CARES
  • Online Pitt CARES Dates and Format
  • Before Orientation
  • During Orientation
  • After Orientation

Pitt CARES is an orientation event for new freshman at Pitt State. Due to Covid-19, Pitt CARES for students beginning at PSU in Fall 2020 and Spring 2021 will complete their orientation ONLINE. 

Online Pitt CARES students will prepare students to:

  • Enroll in courses for the fall semester

  • Feel better prepared to start PSU

  • Learn about campus services

Note: Pitt CARES dates for students beginning at PSU for Fall 2021 have not yet been announced. Stay tuned for more details. Registration for those dates is available beginning February 1, 2021. 

For students beginning at PSU for Spring 2021, registration for Pitt CARES will open October 1, 2020. 

Once registered, students will receive an invitation to join a Canvas course via email by November 1, 2020. 

On January 11, 2021, students will join us LIVE on Zoom for a session with their orientation leader and staff from Student Success Programs. 

Note: Pitt CARES dates for students beginning at PSU for Fall 2021 have not yet been announced. Stay tuned for more details. Registration for those dates is available beginning February 1, 2021. 

At orientation, you will receive materials and information that will be very helpful in getting you acquainted with our campus and the people that are here to help you be academically successful.
Here are some things you can do now to prepare for your CARES session:
  • 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 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.
  • 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.
Transfer Pitt CARES
  • About Transfer Pitt CARES
  • Dates
  • Cost

Pitt CARES for 2020-2021 is moved to an online format due to Covid19. 

 

Please Note: The most recent graduating high school students are NOT considered transfer students regardless of the number of college credit hours they have completed. These students need to register for FRESHMAN PITT CARES.

Transfer Pitt CARES Dates 

For students starting at PSU Spring 2021

December 21, 2020
January 11, 2021

Transfer students should contact their academic department directly for enrollment and can join us for Pitt CARES to learn more about PSU!

For students starting at PSU Fall 2021: dates have not yet been announced! Stay tuned for more information. 

There is no cost associated with Online Transfer Pitt CARES. 

Pitt CARES Leaders
  • Pitt CARES Leader Application
  • About Pitt CARES Leaders
  • Responsibility & Commitment
  • Compensation & Benefits
  • Qualifications & Application

Our Pitt CARES Leader Application for 2021 will be available from October 1-November 1 via Gorilla Engage.

Pitt CARES Leaders welcome freshman and transfer students and their families and assist with their transition to life at Pittsburg State University. Pitt CARES Leaders work to foster connections among new students and to provide students and their families with answers to questions regarding academics, student involvement, and more while representing Pittsburg State University.

Students selected as a Pitt Cares Leader will attend a training class throughout the Spring semester during which they will develop their knowledge of their campus, themselves, and the other students on the CARES team in order to prepare to provide new students with a transformational experience at orientation.

The training course will also cover the variety of roles filled by an orientation leader throughout the course of a CARES orientation day – from welcoming families, to assisting with check-in, facilitating small groups, and aiding with the ringing of the PSU Centennial Bell by new students, among other things.

Students wishing to apply as a CARES leader must plan to be available Monday-Friday during the month of June.
  • Leadership development that grows with the student; opportunities for increased responsibility as students continue over multiple summers
  • Significant networking opportunities with advisors, faculty & staff and other students
  • Student employment with bi-weekly, hourly pay during orientations sessions
  • 1 Credit Hour of course credit for the completion of the CARES training course as well as an optional 1 Credit Hour of additional course credit for the fall semester following completed work as a CARES leader during summer orientation.
  • 2 meals provided for each orientation session worked (breakfast and lunch)
  • Cares Leader Staff Uniform 
  • Housing provided for out-of-town students for orientation days worked
  • Staff wrap meetings at the end of each orientation session with the tradition of ice cream for the team!

Pitt CARES Leaders must meet the following minimum qualifications:

  • Be in good-standing with Pittsburg State University
  • Be enrolled as a full-time student
  • Have a graduation date no earlier than July
  • Be willing to serve as an enthusiastic representative of Pittsburg State University
  • Availability Monday-Friday during the month of June 2021

Students wishing to apply for a Pitt CARES leader position must complete and submit the Pitt CARES Leader Application found in Gorilla Engage.