What are the different orientation session types?
New Student & Family Orientation Program (In-person)
First Year Students: First Year students will come on our Pleasantville campus for a two day program. Students will get the opportunity to stay overnight in our first-year building; Alumni Hall. During this time they will get both a fun and educational experience of what their next four years will look like at Pace. The orientation will include: info sessions, academic advising, interaction with current Pace students/staff, opportunities to meet campus partners/organizations, icebreakers and a night full of fun activities to get to know their new peers!
Parents & Families: We have designed a program to provide information and support to the families of new students. We aim to help them understand the university environment, resources, and key policies. We discuss all the information given to students, but touch on the parent/guardian side of them. Talking about topics such as campus resources for families, financial information, campus safety, services and involvement opportunities offered to students, meal plans, and more!
Transfer Student Program (In-person)
A one day experience specifically aimed and designed to help Transfer students with their transition to Pace. These sessions help students to integrate into their new university environment, understand academic requirements, and make connections with fellow students. We take time in these sessions to discuss Transfer Credit Evaluation, Academic Advising, and Registration so that students feel like they are starting at a point best for them.
Virtual Programs
Virtual orientations have become increasingly common, especially considering the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. These orientations aim to provide the same essential information and support as in-person orientations while utilizing online platforms such as Zoom. The virtual session goes from 10:00am to 3:00 p.m. EST. Students then will join us for a half-day, in-person portion on August 29 when they arrive on campus for the start of the school year.
Are students and families separated for Orientation?
Yes, students and families will be separated through the program. Families have their own program that focuses on providing information and support to the families of new students. And, orientation is a time for students to get to know their peers, and better understand what campus life will be like for them as a new student at Pace!
Are parents and families required to attend Orientation?
No, parents and families are not required to attend. However, we recommend that you join us for the session. We have designed the program to give information that will help you support your student through this new chapter of college. We aim to help you understand the university environment, resources, and key policies. We discuss all the information given to students, but touch on the parent/guardian side of them. Talking about topics such as campus resources for families, financial information, campus safety, services and involvement opportunities offered to students, meal plans, and more!
How many guests can I bring to Orientation?
Each student may bring up to two guests.
Do Honors students have a separate Orientation?
Honors students are required to attend the new student orientation program that is hosted through the Center for Student Engagement. At orientation, honors students will have an opportunity to meet with the honors college for their advising session and learn about all of their academic requirements as an honors student. They will also have the opportunity to attend an honors only breakfast on day two of the program where they can meet their cohort.
The Honors College does host an early move-in for students in August. During this early move-in week, the college hosts a week of their own series of workshops and programs. (This program DOES NOT replace students requirements to attend an Orientation session)
What are the Orientation Session dates?
New Student and Family Program(In Person)
- Tuesday, June 24, 2025Â鶹´«Ã½“Wednesday, June 25, 2025
- Tuesday, July 8, 2025Â鶹´«Ã½“Wednesday, July 9, 2025
- Wednesday, July 16, 2025Â鶹´«Ã½“Thursday, July 17, 2025
- Wednesday, July 23, 2025Â鶹´«Ã½“Thursday, July 24, 2025
Transfer Student Program (In Person)
- Monday, July 21, 2025
Virtual Program
- Wednesday, August 6, 2025
- Friday, August 29, 2025 (In-person session for virtual attendees)
How do I reschedule my orientation date?
Email us at plvorientation@pace.edu. In your email, please include:
- Your full name
- Original dates of the session you were registered to attend
- Dates of the new session you would like to switch to
What do I need to complete before coming to Orientation?
Before Orientation, please ensure you have completed all items on this checklist.
- Submit required documents to the Office of Undergraduate Admission
- Speak with a Financial Aid Counselor
- Submit your photo for your Pace ID Card
How do I know if my modules are completed?
On your application dashboard, under your checklist items, after completion of each item they should be checked off/marked as complete about 72 hours after completion. If a checklist item has not been marked as complete after this time, please contact us at plvorientation@pace.edu.
Who should I contact about placement assessments?
For questions about placement testing, please contact New Student Experiences by emailing newstudentexperience@pace.edu.
I donÂ鶹´«Ã½™t want to attend Pace anymore, who do I contact?
If you are no longer planning on attending Â鶹´«Ã½ in the Fall, please contact the office of undergraduate admissions. You can email them at undergradadmission@pace.edu.
How do I find my advisor?
To find out who your advisor is, please email whoismyadvisor@pace.edu.
What is the Clifton Strengths Test?
The CliftonStrengths test is a personality assessment tool designed to identify an individual's unique strengths. Developed by Gallup, it helps people discover their natural talents and understand how to apply them effectively in personal and professional settings. The test assesses 34 themes, such as Strategic Thinking, Relationship Building, and Executing, and provides a ranking of the individual's top five strengths. By understanding these strengths, individuals can gain insights into their capabilities, improve their performance, and enhance their overall well-being and productivity. It is widely used in corporate, educational, and personal development contexts. An access code will be sent to you via email before your orientation session. This will allow you to access the assessment and complete it before your arrival to campus. Completing the strengths assessment is required for all students before attending orientation.
If I go to the virtual orientation, do I really have to go to the in-person portion?
Attendance at all aspects of orientation is mandatory for every student. We will be monitoring attendance throughout the sessions, and any student who fails to attend will have their participation in orientation marked as incomplete.
When should I arrive for Orientation?
Traveling to Westchester from Out of State: Our in-person program is scheduled to begin at 9:00 a.m. on the first day. We recommend scheduling your travels to ensure you can be on campus by the start of the program on day one. If you are in need of a place to stay in the local area, we have hotel suggestions on our website.
Local: Please provide ample time in the morning to commute to our campus, park, and find your way to check in.Check-in begins promptly at 9:00 a.m.
What time does Orientation start?
Our check-in process will begin at 9:00 a.m. outside of the Kessel Student Center on the first day of the program and will remain open until 9:45 a.m., at which time the Welcome Address will commence.
Where does Orientation take place?
Orientation will take place at our Westchester campus, with sessions occurring throughout Kessel Student Center and our academic halls. Students will be accommodated overnight in our first-year residence hall, Alumni Hall.
Will I get my class schedule at orientation?
Yes, all students will have the opportunity to meet with their academic advisor and receive their class schedule at orientation. Please be sure to complete all placement assessments beforehand so you can ensure that your schedule has been created for you.
Are meals provided?
Meals are provided throughout the program. On Day 1, students and guests will be offered a small breakfast buffet with items like muffins, pastries and fruit along with lunch later in the afternoon. Students will also be offered dinner on day one with snacks provided to them throughout the night. On Day 2, only students will be provided with breakfast and afternoon snack bags for them to take home!
Do parents and family need to find their own housing?
Please note that room and board accommodations are not provided for parents and families on campus. They will need to arrange their own accommodations for the night between Day 1 and Day 2 if they are choosing to stay in the area/do not live locally. The Pace website provides some recommended hotels for your convenience
Do you provide any hotel discounts?
Any hotel discounts we offer will be listed on the website.
WhatÂ鶹´«Ã½™s the best parking on-campus?
For the Purposes of Orientation, we recommend coming into campus through Entrance 3 and parking near Kessel Student Center. Lots I and H are closest to Kessel Student Center, but you can park anywhere on campus.
Can parents and family leave early from Orientation?
Yes, parents and families may leave early from Orientation if needed. Parents and families are not required to attend. However, we recommend that you join us for the session. We have designed the program to give information that will help you support your student through this new chapter of college. We aim to help you understand the university environment, resources, and key policies. We discuss all the information given to students, but touch on the parent/guardian side of them.
Is there a fee for Orientation?
No! Orientation is completely free to new students and their guests.
Do commuters have to stay overnight at Orientation?
Yes, all first-year students are required to stay overnight at orientation. Attendance at all aspects of orientation is mandatory for every student. We will be monitoring attendance throughout the sessions, and any student who fails to attend will have their participation in orientation marked as incomplete. Staying overnight is a great experience for commuters in particular as it allows them to see a different side to campus life that they will not experience in the fall, and serves as a great opportunity for them to really connect to their peers and form friendships!
If I donÂ鶹´«Ã½™t stay overnight, do I have to come back for day two as a commuter?
Attendance at all aspects of orientation is mandatory for every student. We will be monitoring attendance throughout the sessions, and any student who fails to attend will have their participation in orientation marked as incomplete. Commuter students are required to stay overnight in our residence hall with all other students. If there is a medical or religious reason for not staying, and is approved by the Center for Student Engagement, students must return no later than 8:45 a.m. on day two.
How does advising work?
Students will be grouped by their respective colleges for their advising sessions. During these sessions, they will have the opportunity to meet with their advisor to discuss their first-semester schedule and the requirements for their academic path moving forward.
How does the overnight work for Orientation?
Students attending the New Student in-person session are required to stay overnight. Upon check-in, they will be given their room assignment and key for our First-Year residence building, Alumni Hall. Students will then bring their luggage to their assigned room before attending the orientation workshops. After the day's sessions, they will return to their rooms. On Day 2, students will pack their luggage and check-out the Orientation team in the afternoon after the conclusion of the program at 1:30 p.m. Students must take all of their belongings and return their assigned key at checkout.
What do I need to bring overnight?
We recommend that you bring:
- Linens, blankets, and pillow for bed
- Toiletries
- Towels (showers are available)
- Clothing for two days
- Comfortable shoes
- Water bottle
- Sweatshirt or Zip Up
- Any medications you may need
Do we have to share a room overnight?
Yes, students will be assigned roommates when they check-in. These roommates are randomly assigned before each orientation session begins.
Can I choose my roommate for the overnight?
No. Students are assigned a roommate at random for the night before the orientation program begins. Students spend very limited time in the room as the program has them busy all day and for most of the night. If there are any issues or concerns with an assigned roommate, students can speak to an orientation staff member during the program.
Where can I find my move-in dates?
For questions about housing, please Residential Life at housing@pace.edu or call (914) 773-3676.