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FastStart: Events 2008-2009
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Please special note to events posted with an asterisk.

Date	FastStart and University Events
August 8/24 Sunday	Student Orientation Bagel Brunch* Meet members of the FastStart Student Advisory Board at 11:00 a.m. in the lobby of the HUB-Robeson Center by the fish tank and walk over to the Hintz Family Alumni Center for refreshments. The orientation will give students the opportunity to meet other student participants and to learn ways of connecting with mentors. Family members are welcome to attend. Location: Hintz Family Alumni Center Time: 11:00 a.m.–12:45 p.m. R.S.V.P. by Aug. 25, 2008 (participants must attend one of two orientations or meet individually with the program coordinator) Location: Bryce Jordan Center Time: 6:30 p.m.
8/24 Sunday	Multicultural Resource Center (MRC)/Paul Robeson Cultural Center (PRCC) (Highly recommended, but not required by FastStart) The purpose of the MRC/PRCC orientation is to provide all new self-identified multicultural students (African/Black American, Asian and Pacific American, Latino/Hispanic American, and Native American) an opportunity to meet their MRC counselor, interact with staff from their academic college as well as other support staff. In addition, students will receive valuable suggestions and strategies that will assist them in becoming socially engaged and academically successful. Location: Heritage Hall, HUB-Robeson Center Time: 5:30-8:00 p.m.
8/25 Monday	Fall Classes Begin
8/25-8/28 Monday–Thursday	Get Involved...Your Outlet for Success: Involvement Days 2008 This is your chance to learn about the many opportunities to become involved on campus and in the community. Beginning on Monday and Tuesday, you can learn about Student Organizations on campus. Wednesday is the Volunteer Fair, which provides Penn State students, faculty, and staff with the opportunity to meet with representatives of more than 50 local, non-profit agencies and campus organizations. Discover new ways to volunteer and learn what it means to truly serve the community. Thursday meet with brothers and sisters from sorority and fraternity life. Call Student Activities at 863-3786 for more information, or check the new Web site to learn more at http://www.sa.psu.edu/engage Location: HUB-Robeson Center Alumni Hall Time: 11:00 a.m.—4:00 p.m.
8/27 Wednesday	Mentor Orientation* This orientation will provide mentors with an overview of resources and techniques for supporting student protégés. Refreshments will be provided. Location: Hintz Family Alumni Center Time: 5:30–6:30 p.m.
8/27 Wednesday	Student Orientation* This orientation will give students the opportunity to meet other student participants and to learn ways of connecting with mentors. Location: Hintz Family Alumni Center Time: 7:00–8:00 p.m.
8/28 Thursday	FastStart Welcome Reception* Meet your mentor/student protégé. Please invite students who are interested in learning more about getting a mentor. Refreshments sponsored by the Office of the Vice Provost for Educational Equity. After the Welcome Reception, we will go to the World Cultural Festival on the HUB Lawn. Location: Hintz Family Alumni Center Time: 5:00–7:00 p.m. R.S.V.P. by Aug. 25, 2008
8/31 Sunday	Fresh START (not affiliated with FastStart) Want to have fun, meet new people, and make a difference in your new community? The 2008 Fresh START Day of Service for first-year, change-of-campus, and transfer students is an opportunity for students to build new and lasting friendships, get involved at Penn State and in the surrounding communities, and learn a few things through service. As Penn State's largest day of service, Fresh START encourages new students to "get rooted" in service during their academic careers at University Park, not just for the day, but for a lifetime. Along with receiving a free T-shirt and free food, you are invited to attend a free service fair at the end of the day where you can learn about other service opportunities in the local community. Register online at www.sa.psu.edu/engage! Time: 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. Location: HUB-Robeson Center Alumni Hall
September 9/2 Tuesday	Blue & White Bash The Blue & White Society is hosting its annual welcome-back party for Penn State students on the University Park campus. There will be free food, games, great prizes, and music. The Blue & White Society is the student contingent of the Penn State Alumni Association and is the largest and most active student group at University Park. Location: Hintz Family Alumni Center Time: 4:00–6:00 p.m.
9/12 Friday	World Cultural Festival This event is aimed at promoting diversity and understanding through an afternoon filled with entertainment, education, and a barbecue. The event will involve multiple components. Location: HUB-Robeson Center Lawn Time: 5:00–9:00 p.m. *For more information, please go to www.sa.psu.edu/usa/att/freshstart.
9/15 Monday	Diversity Chat This multicultural networking reception provides students with the opportunity to meet employers and learn about internships, co-ops, summer jobs, and full-time opportunities. Registration is required at http://www.fairs.sa.psu.edu/fall/. Location: HUB-Robeson Center, Heritage Hall Time: 3:00–6:00 p.m.
9/15-9/19 Monday-Friday	Fall Career Days Career Fair featuring employers from a variety of fields hiring full-time, summer, internship, and co-op positions. Co-op and internship day is Wednesday, Sept. 19. We recommend you dress in business casual attire and attend this day to familiarize yourself with the venue, maybe even stop and network with a few recruiters. This event will be crucial to your internship search during your sophomore year. Location: Bryce Jordan Center Time: 1:00–6:00 p.m.
9/16-9/17 Tuesday-Wednesday	University Libraries Open House The libraries open house for first-year students is an annual event to introduce the libraries to new students. There are tours, games, prizes, and refreshments. Location: Paterno Library Time: 10:00–6:00 p.m. each day
9/26 Friday	Rally in the Valley The Blue & White Society and Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics are teaming up to host "Rally in the Valley" football pep rally. Coach Joe Paterno, the Penn State football team, cheerleaders, Lionettes dance team, Blue Band, and the Nittany Lion will all participate in the pep rally and rev up students, alumni, and friends for the clash with Illinois. Location: Rec. Hall Time: 8:00 p.m., doors open at 7:30 p.m.
9/27 Saturday	FastStart BBQ Tailgate at Hintz Family Alumni Center* Enjoy a barbecue lunch and play lawn sports with your mentor/student protégé before heading to the stadium for the 8:00 p.m. kick off. Family members are welcome and encouraged to attend. Location: Hintz Family Alumni Center Time: 11:30 a.m.–2:00 p.m. R.S.V.P. by Sept. 22, 2008
October 10/3-10/5 Friday-Sunday	Parents & Families Weekend For more information, go to http://www.alumni.psu.edu/events/pfwknd/
10/25 Saturday	FastStart Networking Etiquette Reception* Meet you mentor/student protégé for a reception-style gathering to learn networking tips, etiquette conventions, and activities. Learn how to make the most of professional and social gatherings. Location: Hintz Family Alumni Center Time: 2:00–4:00 p.m. R.S.V.P. by Oct. 20, 2008
November 11/24-11/28 Sunday	Thanksgiving Holiday—No classes
December 12/12 Friday	FastStart Fall Celebration* Celebrate the last day of classes and the completion of the fall semester with refreshments and new FastStart friends. Location: HUB-Robeson Center’s Heritage Hall Time: 5:00–7:00 p.m. R.S.V.P. by Dec. 7, 2008
January TBD Week of January 5	FastStart Winter Celebration in Philadelphia* Reception designed to connect current students with alumni living in their hometown. Location: TBD Time: TBD
TBD Week of January 5	FastStart Winter Celebration in Pittsburgh* Reception designed to connect current students with alumni living in their hometown. Location: TBD Time: TBD
TBD Week of January 5	FastStart Winter Celebration in Washington D.C.* Reception designed to connect current students with alumni living in their hometown. Location: TBD Time: TBD
1/12 Monday	Spring Semester Classes Start
1/19 Monday	Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service—No Classes Join other FastStart participants to help make a difference in our community. We will have more details before the end of the fall semester. Location: TBD Time: TBD
February 2/7 Saturday	FastStart Ice Skating Party* Enjoy winter at Penn State by ice skating and drinking hot chocolate. Locations: Ice Pavilion at the Greenberg Indoor Sports Complex Time: 1:00–3:00 p.m. R.S.V.P. by Feb. 2, 2009
2/15 Sunday	Steppin’ Up Career Planning Conference and Networking Dinner Designed for multicultural Penn State students, this conference is an opportunity for students to meet with professionals to discuss ways to make the most out of job searches. More information is available at http://www.fairs.sa.psu.edu/spring/. Members of the FastStart Student Advisory Board will be in contact about attending this event. Location: The Nittany Lion Inn Time: 1:00–6:00 p.m. Conference, 6:00 p.m. Dinner
2/15-2/18 Sunday-Wednesday	Spring Career Fair Spring Career Fair This Career Fair is a good opportunity to look for summer positions and begin networking with employers in a wide range of fields including business and engineering. For a full schedule of activities, go to http://www.fairs.sa.psu.edu/spring/ (this Web site will be updated one month prior to include the spring 2009 event) Location: Bryce Jordan Center Time: 1:00–6:00 p.m.
March 3/9-3/13	Spring Break—No classes
3/21 Saturday	Building Your Network/Ice Cream Social* Mingle with your protégé/mentor and learn the importance of networking to your future job preparation while learning from our presenter and alumni mentor Christopher Clermont, Penn State human resource specialist and former HR recruiter/generalist, Marriott International in Omaha, Neb. Location: TBD Time: 2:00–4:00 p.m.
April 4/14 Tuesday	FastStart Spring Celebration* Celebrate the end of the 2008-09 academic year! Congratulate previous FastStart participants who are now graduating. Location: Hintz Family Alumni Center Time: 5:00–7:00 p.m. R.S.V.P. by April 8, 2009

*FastStart Program Events (available exclusively to FastStart participants and guests). To RSVP for events, please contact Teresa McGowan at 814-863-6386 or e-mail tch4@psu.edu.