WEDNEDAY, AUGUST 21, 2024

Swanson School of Engineering (SSoE) Graduate Orientation

"Where Passion Meets Precision"

Congratulations! You are going to be a Pitt Graduate Student in the Swanson School of Engineering (SSoE)!

Embarking on a graduate journey in engineering is a significant and exciting step towards shaping your future and contributing to technological advancements. This orientation website is designed to be your comprehensive guide as you transition into our world-renowned graduate engineering program.

Our mission is to foster a supportive and dynamic environment where you can thrive academically, professionally, and personally. During orientation, we aim to provide you with the resources, knowledge, and connections you need to excel in your studies and future career.

Please find our agenda for orientation below and note that items may change such as room numbers. We encourage you to check back for the most up to date information. We can’t wait to see you on-campus!

Don’t miss out on the chance to refine you resume as well on Friday, August 23rd. This session is designed specifically for Engineering Graduate Students. Details below. 

We encourage attendees to utilize Pittsburgh's public transportation including bus lines that service Oakland and various neighborhoods surrounding campus. Uber and Lyft are also available. Parking on-campus will be very limited. Please allow extra time in your commute. 

RSVP HERE FOR 2024 ORIENTATION

2024 ORIENTATION SCHEDULE

 

Wednesday, August 21 - On-Campus Events

Swanson School of Engineering School-Wide Graduate Orientation 

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Time: 9 AM - 1:30 PM 

Location: Soldiers and Sailors Ballroom 3rd Floor - 4141 Fifth Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15213 

Dress:  Registration begins at 9am and we will be distributing t-shirts for you to wear. Please be sure to arrive early enough to allow time for changing and registration. Wearing the t-shirt is optional, but we like to kick off the year as a unified graduate group.

During this informative part of orientation, you can expect: 

Welcome from SSOE Leadership including:

• Our Associate Dean for Graduate Education – Dr. Robert S. Parker
• Our Director of Engineering Student Services & Graduate Ombudsperson – Cheryl Paul, MEd
• Our Director of Graduate Recruitment & Enrollment Marketing – Stephanie Opalinski, MBA
• Our Program Administrator for the Graduate Programs Administrative Director – Tracy Anderson
• For more information on the team members of the Swanson's graduate programs, please visit our Who's Who in SSoE page.

Guidance for Grad Students - A Panel Discussion moderated by Cheryl Paul

• Perspectives within community
• Expectations and feedback from panel
• Address questions & share resources
• Ombuds supports & other opportunities 

Academic Integrity – Dr. Katrina Knight (Assistant Professor, Bioengineering & Pitt Engineering Alum)

Professionalism & Graduate Study - Dana Romano, Valerie Kerr (Presenter) & Alicia Olalde (International Opportunities) from our Office of Experiential Learning & Professional Engagement (ELPE)

Safety/COVID Protocol – Dr. Schohn Shannon (Assistant Dean Swanson School of Engineering)

Lunch to immediately follow

 

Panther Engineer Graduate Luncheon 

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Time: 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM 

Location: Soldiers & Sailors Ballroom - 4141 Fifth Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15213

 

Swanson School Department Orientation Breakout Sessions 

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Start Time: 2:00 PM (End times may vary by department. Times and Room locations all listed below. )

Location: Benedum Hall (BEH) - 3700 O'Hara St., Pittsburgh, PA 15213 

Learn everything you need to know about your specific department at Swanson. Information will include details about: 

• Curriculum
• Enrollment
• Advising
• Research
• Faculty
• and more! 

Below you will find the locations and start times for your Department's breakout session.