Panther Connect

Panther Connect is your chance to explore campus, connect with Pitt, learn about campus involvement and resources, and develop friendships. Five sessions will be offered throughout the summer–each session is optional and open to 250 incoming first-year students. The experiences and activities focus on Pitt pride, navigating campus, building connections with other students, and exploring Pittsburgh.

Panther Connect is offered in two different formats - a one-day session and a two-day session. One-day sessions are an opportunity for students who are local to campus and want to check out campus and meet fellow Panthers before arriving in August. The two-day session allows students to stay overnight in a University residence hall.

This is your opportunity to connect with the Panther Connect Leaders and gain insights from upper-class student leaders about their Pitt experience. Panther Connect is optional, but a great option for incoming students to network and prepare for their first year of college.

Beginning on April 15, you may register here. We look forward to seeing you on campus soon!

Cost

Registration for the single-day session is $75 and includes a continental breakfast and lunch.

Registration for the two-day session is $250 and includes one night and two days of on-campus lodging in a residence hall, meals, activities, and transportation during the program.

Financial Assistance

If you are concerned about your ability to afford the Panther Connect registration fee, please e-mail us at orientation@pitt.edu. Eligibility for fee waivers is based on a student's FAFSA information.

Refund Policy

A full refund will be given to those who request it at least two weeks before their Panther Connect session (the exact date is on your registration form). No refunds will be given for cancellations made after the registration deadline as program materials have already been purchased and reservations have been solidified. Special health-related cancellations will be considered on case-by-case bases. 

Parents and Families

Parents and families are not required to attend. Students may drive themselves to campus or use public transportation. If parents and families want to check out campus, they are welcome to join us for an information session when they drop their student off. There will not be a full program of parent and family sessions.

For one-day sessions, Panther Connect will offer a parent and family session in the morning during drop-off times. Parents and family members may also join us for the Closing Ceremony.

For overnight sessions, Panther Connect will offer a parent and family session on Day 1 at 1:30 p.m. This session will offer information to parents and family members while your student starts their journey at Pitt with their Panther Connect Kick-Off. Parents and family members will also have the opportunity to join us for the Closing Ceremony on Day 2.

Please not that students are limited to two guests for the parent and family sessions.

Travel and Transportation

It’s easy to get to campus from the Pittsburgh International Airport. Just hop on the 28X Airport Flyer, which will take you to campus! Megabus also provides low-cost, daily express bus service to and from Pittsburgh to various locations in Pennsylvania, New York, Ohio, Michigan, West Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C. If you are driving, you can find parking options around campus.

Session Dates:

Single-Day Sessions:

• Wednesday, May 29
• Friday, June 7
• Wednesday, July 17

Overnight Sessions:

• Thursday, June 27 - Friday, June 28

• Thursday, July 11 - Friday, July 12

Agenda

Single-Day Session

Overnight Session