Every family’s approach to moving their student in is different. Some have plans to drop their student off, spend a few hours in Pittsburgh then head home. Some will hang out multiple days. Whatever your plans are we want to offer activities and sessions to help transition you from ‘parent’ to “college parent’ and to familiarize you with our community because let’s face it, the excitement of First Year Welcome Week shouldn’t be limited for just the students! The Office of Parent and Family Resources, along with many other departments throughout campus, have created a fun and informative schedule for parents and family members of incoming first year students. To see what The Office of New Student Programs has in store for the entire Welcome Week, you can find that schedule here!
*This schedule will be updated when new events are finalized and details are set. Make sure to check back often!
11:00 AM- 1:00 PM, Hillel Jewish University Center, 4607 Forbes Ave.- Hillel Bagel Brunch
The Hillel Jewish University Center of Pittsburgh invites students, along with their parents, guardians, family members, and friends, to discuss Jewish life on campus and all the various ways to get involved. Students and Hillel staff will be there to answer all questions. Bagels and refreshments will be served.
3:00-4:30 PM, William Pitt Union Assembly Room- College Parenting 101 and Life On Campus Panel
Join us for two panels with guests from around campus, including Pitt Police, the University Bookstore, and Panther Central. These representatives will be available to lend some insight about life on campus and answer any questions you may have about their specific areas. We will also discuss upcoming dates and things to know regarding the first few weeks of the semester and how to support your student throughout their time at Pitt! This is open to parents and family members only.
4:45-5:45 PM, 157 Benedum Hall- Pulling it all Together: A Frank Conversation for Engineering Parents
An open discussion on transition issues first-year engineering students encounter, including academics and advising, college life, mental health, and special needs. Resources & information will be provided to help you to prepare for these challenges, & support your student. **Please note this is for Engineering parents/family members ONLY.**
7:05 PM, PNC Park- Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Washington Nationals
We are Pittsburgh Proud, and we plan on showing it as the Pittsburgh Pirates take on the Washington Nationals Monday, August 19th at 7:05 pm! Join us at PNC Park, enjoy the breathtaking views of the city, and cheer on the Buccos with your student and other new Pitt families!
Unfortunately transportation will not be provided, but the city offers multiple options to get from Oakland to the North Shore which you can find here: https://www.portauthority.org/trip-planner/
**We are out of free tickets. If you wish to pay for tickets to this game, please visit the Pittsburgh Pirates website.**
8:00 am, Location William Pitt Union Patio/Lawn- Family Group Exercise Class
Start the morning off right with a great stretch and core workout in one of our fitness facilities! There will be low impact exercises for all participants, and this will be a great introduction to the Campus Recreation program at Pitt. We'll bring the mats, you bring the sweat (just a little bit, nothing major :) ). The first 50 participants will receive a water bottle! Open to parents/family members AND students.
11:00 AM- 1:00 PM, Hillel Jewish University Center, 4607 Forbes Ave.- Hillel Bagel Brunch
The Hillel Jewish University Center of Pittsburgh invites students, along with their parents, guardians, family members, and friends, to discuss Jewish life on campus and all the various ways to get involved. Students and Hillel staff will be there to answer all questions. Bagels and refreshments will be served.
12:00-1:00 PM, 157 Benedum Hall- Pulling it all Together: A Frank Conversation for Engineering Parents
An open discussion on transition issues first-year engineering students encounter, including academics and advising, college life, mental health, and special needs. Resources & information will be provided to help you to prepare for these challenges, & support your student. **Please note this is for Engineering parents/family members ONLY.**
3:00-4:30 PM, William Pitt Union Assembly Room- College Parenting 101 and Life On Campus Panel
*This will be a repeated version of the Monday, August 19th event. If you attended Monday's session you do not need to attend this one.
Join us for two panels with guests from around campus, including Pitt Police, the University Bookstore, and Panther Central. These representatives will be available to lend some insight about life on campus and answer any questions you may have about their specific areas. We will also discuss upcoming dates and things to know regarding the first few weeks of the semester and how to support your student throughout their time at Pitt! Open to parents and family members only.
5:00 PM – 7:00 PM African American Alumni Council Parent and Family Dialogue and Reception
Family involvement can be vital to a student's success in college, particularly during this important transition. Members of the African American Alumni Council will meet with parents, guardians, family members, and friends to discuss important issues related to helping students to succeed at the University of Pittsburgh.
7:00-8:30 pm, Location Cathedral of Learning Lawn- Discover Pittsburgh!
At this family-favorite event, discover Pittsburgh's vibrant arts and entertainment scene, and sample food from local restaurants. Open to parents/family members and students.
8:00 AM, Meet in front of William Pitt Union facing Soldiers and Sailors Museum- Family Walk/Campus Tour
This time of year is incredibly beautiful outside, with the leaves starting to turn and the weather cooling down. Come enjoy the season and take a walk around campus. We will even have some fun facts about Pitt campus along the way! The first 50 participants will receive a water bottle! Open to parents/family members and students.
10:00 AM – 10:30 AM About Disability Resources & Services (DRS)
Staff members from Disability Resources and Services will provide a general overview of the accommodation process and respond to questions from parents and students.
10:00-11:30 AM, William Pitt Union Assembly Room- College Parenting 101 and Life On Campus Panel
*This will be a repeated version of the Monday, August 19th and Tuesday, August 20th events. If you attended Monday or Tuesday's session you do not need to attend this one.
Join us for two panels with guests from around campus, including Pitt Police, the University Bookstore, and Panther Central. These representatives will be available to lend some insight about life on campus and answer any questions you may have about their specific areas. We will also discuss upcoming dates and things to know regarding the first few weeks of the semester and how to support your student throughout their time at Pitt! Open to parents and family members only.
12:30-2:00 PM, Meet on Tennyson Ave, between Alumni Hall and Clapp Hall- Tour Of The 'Burgh!
The city of Pittsburgh has so much to offer everyone, even if you are only here for a few short hours! Join us for a trolley tour around the city to see the sights and hear about the amazing history of the place we call home. Space is limited and seats are first come, first serve. This tour is for parents and family members only. *Bus leaves promptly at 12:30 PM! Have to make it back by Convocation!
3:00-4:00 PM, Peterson Event Center- New Student Convocation: A Pitt Tradition
*REQUIRED FOR FIRST-YEAR STUDENTS, Parents and Family Members invited.
Chancellor Patrick Gallagher and other distinguished members of the University will welcome Pitt's newest students and its families and celebrate a successful transition to Pitt.
8:00-10:00 PM, O'Hara Student Center Dining Room- "Thank You Families" Reception
They are all moved in, getting settled, and just finished their first official ceremony welcoming them to the Pitt Family! Congrats to them but also to you!! You have been with them their entire life and helped mold them into the adults they are today. This reception will be a "thank you" to you as a family member, for supporting your student this far and trusting us to continue with that development! This is open to parents and family members only.
As a first-year family member, you should probably also familiarize yourself with the Family Weekend website! Registration is expected to open up in early July, but you can start making travel and hotel plans now for September 27-28, 2019!