All new incoming students are invited to attend CHAMPS. It is an awesome opportunity for students to meet other students before the semester starts and help develop some communication skills to aid in first year success! If you are feeling nervous meeting new people or adjusting to college, this is the event for you!  

CHAMPS is a FREE opportunity for new incoming students at Penn Highlands. 

No, all new incoming Penn Highlands students are welcome to attend. However, the event is in-person at the Richland campus.  

Free parking at the Richland campus is available at the front of the building in the numbered visitor spots as well as at the back of the building near the gym entrance (former East Hills entrance).  

Check in for the event begins at 9:30am with the event beginning promptly at 10am.  

While there are many exciting events for your family to attend with you at Penn Highlands (including New Student Orientation on August 20th), this event is for students ONLY. Won’t you join us to meet new people and make lifelong connections?  

CHAMPS is a separate but fun day from orientation. New Student Orientation will be held on August 20th for all new students.  

CHAMPS is a pilot program designed to help ensure a smooth transition to college life for new incoming students, to help new students connect with other students in a stress-free environment, and to provide an opportunity for practicing communication skills and other skills important as a first-year student. So, if you want to meet other new students before the fall semester begins, if you want to feel more confident in getting started at someplace new this fall, RSVP to attend this pilot program in the summer of 2025.

No, instructors will be introduced to new students during orientation a little later in the summer (August 20th).  

CHAMPS attendance is not required, but it is a great opportunity to work out the nerves prior to starting the fall semester. This event will give you an opportunity to build connections with peers and be prepared to build success as a student.  

Some information will be shared; students are invited to participate in a Club and Activity Fair during the first few weeks of the semester.  

Financial Aid staff work at the Richland campus until 5pm on Tuesday, July 22. There will be time after the event to contact the staff at the Student Financial Services office. 

Staff from the Student Success Center will be hosting this event and will be available to share their roles in providing supportive services to students. More information about supportive services will be available at New Student Orientation in August.  

Students should already have a class schedule prior to attending CHAMPS. However, staff will be able to assist students with printing a copy or locating it in the myPEAK app while students are on campus before, after, or during the event. If you haven’t yet built a schedule and would like to for the fall, please reach out to the Admissions office (814-262-6400) to set up a time for testing and registration.