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. Students admitted to a two-year Certificate Program or an Associate Degree Program are NOT required to attend a Pitt CARES program.

Registration for Pitt CARES for students who plan to start at PSU in Fall 2023 opens February 1, 2023 at 10:00am CT. 

 
 

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

Freshman Pitt CARES
  • Dates
  • About Freshman Pitt CARES
  • Pitt CARES Sample Agenda
  • Cost
  • Before Orientation
  • During Orientation
  • After Orientation
  • Frequently Asked Questions

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 August 2023:
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. 

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

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.
  • 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.

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
  • About Transfer Pitt CARES
  • Transfer Pitt CARES Sample Agenda
  • Cost
  • Before Orientation
  • During Orientation
  • After Orientation
  • Frequently Asked Questions

Transfer Pitt CARES Dates 

Monday, April 10, 2023
Tuesday, June 6, 2023
Note: Registration for these dates opens February 1. 

Friday, January 12, 2024
Note: Registration for this date opens October 1. 

Transfer Pitt CARES is an orientation event for students transferring to Pitt State. They will meet an academic advisor, enroll in classes, and check their financial aid status. Though it is not required, it is highly recommended for the best selection of classes. It is held in early November for new transfer students entering in the Spring and in April and June for students entering in the summer or fall semesters. New Transfer Students are also invited to attend our August orientation session which is a combined freshman/transfer session. 

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.

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. 

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 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.

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. 

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

Pitt CARES Leader Applications open in October for the following summer. Applications will be available in 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

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