What is the Pre-Orientation Program?
Offered for the first time in 2008, Advancing Women in Engineering Program (AWE) is again offering a pre-orientation program for all first year engineering students who support the advancement of women in engineering within the incoming class from August 18 to August 21, 2024. Last year we had an overwhelming response and we hope to repeat that this year! During the program new students will have a variety of opportunities to learn about Penn Engineering and the city of Philadelphia including:
- Meeting your fellow Class of 2028 engineering students who support the advancement of women in engineering
- Meeting current undergraduate engineering students who support the advancement of women in Penn Engineering
- Interacting with Penn Engineering Faculty
- Taking trips around Philadelphia
- Getting information about student clubs and leadership opportunities in the Engineering
This is a great time to get to know Penn and other engineering students who support the advancement of women in engineering within the incoming class in a relaxed setting before New Student Orientation begins! The AWE program will be facilitated by older undergraduate engineering students who support the advancement of women who are also leaders in the Penn Engineering community. Participants will be allowed to move into their campus residence early as part of the program. The program begins the afternoon of Sunday, August 18, 2024 and ends the afternoon of Wednesday, August 21, 2024.
The 2024 schedule has not yet been finalized but you can look at a past schedule as a reference. The 2024 schedule will not be available until August.
Please note that there is NOT a lot of free time in the schedule. Participants are expected to participate fully in the program. The cost of the program is $425 which covers your early move-in fee, food, and all program activities. If you are receiving financial aid from Penn, you are eligible to receive aid for the program, just indicate that on your application.
Student Testimonials
College can be intimidating – boost your confidence by meeting like-minded people and learning more about SEAS before your first day!
I made lots of connections, both with classmates and professors.
This program provides advice and insure as to how you can be successful and thrive in the next academic year. It’s also a great opportunity to meet staff, upperclassman, and other students in your class.
This is a good way to make friends and feel a little less isolated going into new student orientation.
This program helped me form amazing friendships.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Have a question about Pre-Orientation? Here are some of our most frequently asked questions! If you have a question not addressed below, send us an email.
Can I apply to more than one pre-orientation program?
Yes, you can apply to more than one program but you will only be accepted into one program. So even though the application to the other programs is separate, all of the program directors meet to review the applications together. This way the greatest number of students get to attend pre-orientation. All notifications will be sent on the same day. So you don’t have to sign up for more than one but its ok if you want to!
Will I move into my own room?
Yes, you will move into your assigned College House when you arrive and no, you will not be the only one in the building. While the buildings will be somewhat quiet, they are fully staffed and will have other pre-orientation students, athletes and other upper-class volunteers will all be around.
What will we be doing during pre-orientation? Will I have free time?
The schedule is still coming together but we will keep you pretty busy from Sunday around 4pm to Wednesday around noon. There will be small breaks of free time but for the most part we will have lots of cool events, panels, tours and fun for you while you are participating so you shouldn’t plan to have a lot of free time!
Is there financial aid available?
Yes, there is! If you are receiving financial aid through Penn, please indicate that with your registration and we will be in contact about what aid for the pre-orientation fee we are able to offer you.
What does the fee cover? How much does it cost?
Pre-orientation costs $425. The fee covers your charge for early move-in and all of your meals starting with dinner on Sunday and running through brunch on Wednesday along with other fun off campus activities that we do.
Can my parents come to pre-orientation?
Pre-orientation is just for you! And you won’t have a lot of time to spend with your parents if they choose to stay in town. Many parents will use that time to explore Philadelphia or do some shopping on your behalf but no, they cannot come to pre-orientation.
Do I have to participate in all the activities?
Yes! The schedule is carefully planned to be both fun and helpful so you’ll get the most out of pre-orientation by participating fully. This means you should NOT schedule other things – even work-study interviews- during this time. You’ll have plenty of time after pre-orientation to take care of all of that!