Graduate Orientation
Wednesday August 19, 2026
Swanson School of Engineering (SSoE) Graduate Orientation
"Powered by Curiosity, Driven by Innovation – 180 Years in the Making"
2026 ORIENTATION SCHEDULE
Wednesday, August 19 – On-Campus Events
Swanson School of Engineering School-Wide Graduate Orientation
Registration Begins at 9:15 am
Time: 9:15 am to 1:00 pm
Location: Benedum Hall First Floor Lobby – 3700 O’Hara Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
Dress: Registration begins at 9:15 a.m., and we will be distributing program t-shirts for you to wear during registration. Please plan to arrive early enough to allow time to register and change your shirt, if desired. While wearing the t-shirt is optional, we encourage you to do so as we kick off the academic year together as a unified graduate student community. We will also be taking a cohort group photo to commemorate the incoming Class of August 2026. We hope to capture this special moment and create a lasting memory of the beginning of your graduate journey.
Morning Information Session:
During this informative part of orientation, you can expect:
Welcome from SSOE Leadership (157 Benedum, across the plaza from First Floor Lobby):
- U.S. Steel Dean of Engineering – Michele Manuel, PhD
- Our Director of Graduate Recruitment & Enrollment Marketing – Stephanie Opalinski, MBA
- Our Associate Dean for Graduate Education – Robert S. Parker, PhD
- For more information on the team members of the Swanson's graduate programs, please visit our Who's Who in SSoE page.
Safety Protocol (157 Benedum) – Dr. Schohn Shannon (Assistant Dean Swanson School of Engineering)
Passport to Pitt: Explore the many opportunities, resources, and services available to you across the University of Pittsburgh during this interactive activity fair. Connect with representatives from the Swanson School of Engineering as well as valuable university-wide programs, student organizations, support services, and campus resources designed to enhance your Pitt experience.
Visit stations throughout the event, learn more about the resources available to you, and collect stamps as you complete the pages of your Passport to Pitt. Be sure to complete your passport and turn it in for a chance to win exciting raffle prizes!
Passport to Pitt is expected to be held outdoors, weather permitting.
- Bevier Science & Engineering Library (ULS) – Carrie Iwema (Head, Bevier Science & Engineering Library)
- Office Of International Services (OIS) – Louis Deemer (Immigration Specialist)
- Experiential Learning and Professional Engagement (ELPE) – Dr. Valerie Kerr (Associate Director of Graduate Professional Development)
- Ombuds Services — Cheryl Paul (Senior Director of Advocacy and Well Being)
- Office of National Scholarships - Kelly J. Medley (National Fellowship Advisor)
- Off-Campus Student Services - Elana Gutmann (Coordinator of Graduate & Commuter Student Programs)
- University Counseling Center (UCC)
- Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S)
- Graduate and Professional Student Government (GPSG)
- Engineering Graduate Student Organization (EGSO)
- International Engineering Students’ Organization (IESO)
- Graduate Women in Engineering Network (GWEN)
- Division of Student Affairs – Panther Ascend – Graduate and Professional Resources - Ami Elliot (Key Initiatives Manager for the Vice Provost for Student Affairs)
Academic Integrity (157 Benedum) – Dr. Katrina Knight (Assistant Professor, Bioengineering & Pitt Engineering Alumna)
Panther Engineer Graduate Luncheon and Networking Bingo
Time: 12:55-2:00 PM – Benedum Hall Lobby
Swanson School Department Orientation Breakout Sessions
Start Time: 2:00 PM (End times may vary by department. Times and Room locations all listed below. )
Location: Benedum Hall (BEH)
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.
Engineering Graduate Student Organization (EGSO) Party
Location: Benedum Plaza
Time: Begins at 5:00 PM
Division of Student Affairs - Panther Ascend: Connection Reception & Drone Show
Location: William Pitt Union, Lower Lounge & Patio
Time: 8 – 9:30 p.m.
RSVP: pi.tt/pantherascendrsvp
Thursday, August 20, 2026
Division of Student Affairs - Panther Ascend: Happy You Are Here Social Hour
Location: University Club
Time: 4 – 6 p.m.
RSVP: pi.tt/pantherascendrsvp
Friday, August 21, 2026
Craft Your Engineering Story – Industry Resume Tips & Tricks
12:00 – 1:00 PM | G029 Benedum Hall
Whether you’re building your resume from scratch or fine-tuning an existing one, this session will help you highlight your unique engineering background for industry opportunities. Kristina Badali, Specialist Leader at Deloitte, will discuss ways to make your resume stand out as an advanced degree candidate. We’ll also address preparation for fall career events.
Register Now – A pizza and salad lunch will be provided.
Graduate Orientation Resources: Everything in One Place
Missed a link or want to revisit something from Orientation? Find the resources, websites, and tools shared throughout the day below.
- Discover Pittsburgh - Find Your Pittsburgh Persona
- Getting Around Pittsburgh - Navigating Public Transit
- Graduate Student Unionization
- Graduate Student Unionization FAQ's
- Path to Pitt - Graduate Admitted Student Guide
- Pitt Pantry - increase food security among the Pitt community
- Pitt’s Academic Integrity Policy
- Regulations Governing Graduate Study
- Required EH&S Safety Training
- Safety Resources
- Swanson School of Engineering Graduate Catalog
- Swanson School of Engineering’s Academic Integrity Policy (PDF)
- Wellness Resources for Grad Students
- Who's Who in SSoE - Find Your Department Graduate Admins and Program Leaders