CARES Leaders 2019

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.

NOTE: New TRANSFER students are invited to attend Transfer Pitt CARES but it is not required.

Now available for students starting at PSU Spring 2020

Note: Pitt CARES for students who will start classes Fall 2020 will be available February 1, 2020.

Freshman Pitt CARES

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

Pitt CARES is scheduled throughout the month of June each summer for students who will begin in August.

Plan to be on campus from about 8:30am-4:00pm, 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.

8:30-9:00
Registration

9:00
Welcome

9:15
Student Transition Program/Parent Transition Program

11:15-12:45
Lunch & Student Engagement Program Rotations

1:00
Academic Advisement/Enrollment

After Enrollment
ID Card/Financial Aid Help Desk/Check-out

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.
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.

Discover different campus resources like academic support, campus dining, living on campus, health services, and safety.
Get your student ID card made at Gorilla Geeks Office located in 109 Whitesitt Hall. You will need to bring a government issued photo ID and know your Social Security Number.
Learn about your college and major.
New freshman will be introduced to an academic advisor in order to register for classes.
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 the Center for Student Accommodations if you need to arrange academic accommodations.
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.

$50.00 for students
$25.00 for 1st guest over the age of 6
$15.00 for each additional guest over the age of 6

Pitt CARES Registration fees are non-refundable.

Q: What do I need to bring with me?
A: A photo ID and knowledge of your Social Security Number. The completed Immunization Compliance form along with an official copy of your immunization record if you have not already turned it in.

Q: When does the program start?
A: Check-in will begin at 8:30 a.m. in the Overman Student Center, and program activities are scheduled from 9:00 a.m. to approximately 4:00 p.m. Please plan to be here for the entire program. Full attendance is required for enrollment.

Q: Should my family plan to attend Pitt CARES?
A: Yes! Parent/guest sessions are offered concurrently with student sessions. The parent/guest sessions help families anticipate the rewards and challenges of sharing the college experience with their students.

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. No parking permits are required on the days of Pitt C.A.R.E.S. Click on this map of campus for a clearer view of parking locations: http://www.pittstate.edu/about/maps/campus-map.dot

Q: I would like to meet with someone regarding accommodations for learning and/or physical challenges. Will I be able to meet with someone during CARES?
A: All accommodations provided by PSU are channeled through the Center for Student Accommodations Office. If you plan to request accommodations for specific learning and/or physical challenges, please write a brief explanation 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.

Q: I plan to drive to Pittsburg the night before my CARES. session. Do you have recommendations for lodging?
A: The following is provided by the Crawford County Convention and Visitors Bureau:
https://visitcrawfordcounty.com/lodging/

Transfer Pitt CARES

About Transfer Pitt CARES
Dates
Transfer Pitt CARES Sample Agenda
Cost
Frequently Asked Questions

Transfer Pitt CARES is an orientation event for students transferring to Pitt State. They will meet their 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.

Transfer Pitt CARES Dates

For students starting at PSU Spring 2020
Monday, November 18, 2019
Tuesday, November 19, 2019

For students starting at PSU Summer 2020 or Fall 2020

Monday, April 13, 2020
Tuesday, April 14, 2020

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.

9:00
Registration – Overman Student Center

9:15
Welcome
Student Transition Program/Parent Transition Program

10:15
Your University, Your Choice - Services and Programs Rotation

11:15
Lunch

12:15
Enrollment Prep

1:00
Academic Advisement/Enrollment

After Enrollment
Bell Ceremony/ID Card

We are looking forward to welcoming you to Gorilla Nation!

-The Pitt CARES Team

$50.00 for students
$25.00 for 1st guest over the age of 6
$15.00 for each additional guest over the age of 6

Pitt CARES Registration fees are non-refundable.

FAQ

Q: Is there a cost associated with Transfer Pitt CARES?
A: Transfer Pitt CARES fees are $50 per student and $25 per parent/guest over the age of 6.

Q: Is Transfer CARES required?
A: No, Transfer CARES is not required. However, our surveys suggest that students find Transfer Pitt C.A.R.E.S. 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 would like to meet with someone regarding accommodations for learning and/or physical challenges. Will I be able to meet with someone during CARES?
A: If you plan to request accommodations for specific learning and/or physical challenges, please write a brief explanation 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 the Center for Student Accommodations prior to your Transfer 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

Apply to be a Pitt CARES Leader

Applications will be available October 7, 2019

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 2020 Pitt Cares Leader will attend a training class throughout the Spring 2020 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-Thursday during the month of June 2020.

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 in Spring 2020
Have a graduation date no earlier than July 2020
Be willing to serve as an enthusiastic representative of Pittsburg State University
Availability Monday-Thursday during the month of June 2020

Students wishing to apply for a 2020 Pitt CARES leader position must complete and submit the Pitt CARES Leader Application via Gorilla Engage no later than October 25^th, 2019 at 4:00pm.

Current & Former Pitt CARES Leaders will be available to answer questions about the application process and Pitt CARES leader responsibilities at the following dates, times, and locations:

Tabling

Monday, October 14, 10:30am-1:30pm, Crossroads – Overman Student Center
Tuesday, October 15, 10:30am-1:30pm, Crossroads – Overman Student Center
Wednesday, October 16, 10:30am-1:30pm, Crossroads – Overman Student Center
Thursday, October 17, 9:30am-1:30pm, Kansas Technology Center (outside Dean’s Office)

Info Session

Monday, October 21, 5:00pm-6:00pm, Kansas 1 Room – Overman Student Center

Questions can be answered anytime via email at orientation@pittstate.edu, calling Student Success at 620-235-6578, or stopping by our office in 113 Axe Library.