Question 1

How can first-year students who have not yet been through Virtual New Student Orientation make an informed decision when planning their semester?

Mary Angle · Accepted Answer

Our preference is for you to attend Virtual Orientation so that you can learn about the courses offered at your campus and make an informed choice. If you feel that you need an earlier consultation, you can contact the admissions office at your campus.

Question 2

Do I need to notify the University if I plan to learn at home?

Mary Angle · Accepted Answer

No. You will need to register for courses offered online at the University, but you do not need to notify anyone that you are doing online only courses. You should work with your academic adviser to make sure you register for courses that allow you to make progress toward your degree. If you have an on-campus Housing and Food Service (HFS) contract and plan to live at home, please contact the Commonwealth Campus Housing and Food Service Office (814-865-7862) or the University Park Housing Assignment Office (814-865-7501) to discuss the process.

Question 3

Are there reasons why I may not be able to learn at home?

Mary Angle · Accepted Answer

Some majors or affiliations may require you to study on campus to make full progress toward your degree, (e.g. programs with laboratories or studios, specialized programs where courses are offered at specific campuses, etc.). These programs include but are not limited to: allied health programs offered at the Commonwealth Campuses (such as Occupational Therapy Assistant, Biomedical Engineering Technology, Radiological Sciences, and Physical Therapist Assistant) and some performance-based or design-studio programs. Other students who may not be able to start or continue at home may include ROTC recruits, student athletes, or other groups.

Question 4

If I am not able to register for a course at my temporary campus or through multi-campus registration, who should I contact for enrollment assistance?

Mary Angle · Accepted Answer

At a Commonwealth Campus or World Campus, the Registrar Office can assist you. At University Park, you should contact the department offering the course.

Question 5

What are course controls, and will I be able to schedule a controlled course?

Mary Angle · Accepted Answer

Course controls are set by departments and can be viewed in LionPATH course descriptions. Course controls exist to assist with the specific demand of courses to ensure the students (from that campus) can make degree progress. Course controls should be reviewed before you decide to request a temporary change of campus. You may be able to schedule a controlled course.

Question 6

When will I see an updated student aid package as a result of my temporary change of campus?

Mary Angle · Accepted Answer

A revised student aid package should be available within 5–7 business days of when your temporary change of campus is updated in LionPATH. This will include updated costs and any reprocessed aid. Costs and aid may continue to change if courses are subsequently dropped or added.

Question 7

If I make a temporary change to my new fall campus, is my scholarship portable to that campus?

Mary Angle · Accepted Answer

If you have received a scholarship from a campus, college, or other awarding unit, please contact that awarding entity to discuss the ability to keep the award when transitioning to a new campus. You can verify the source of your awarding unit by accessing your LionPATH Financial Aid Award and clicking on the blue "i" button next to the award.

Some scholarships/endowments have very specific stipulations that make the award incapable of "traveling" with you to another campus. You may also want to discuss whether the scholarship can be reinstated to you when you return to your original campus.

Unfortunately, an equivalent alternative funding package is not always possible, given the relative lack of available scholarship funding.

It is very important that you discuss changes in your costs or aid options with your college or campus representative or the Office of Student Aid. If you are unsure who to speak with regarding your costs and aid, please contact the Office of Student Aid by phone at 814-865-6301, or by email.

Question 8

Will I be able to keep my scholarship if I take classes remotely?

Mary Angle · Accepted Answer

You can retain scholarships while attending remotely as long as you retain your original campus designation.

Question 9

Will I be able to keep my scholarship if I attend less than full time?

Mary Angle · Accepted Answer

Scholarship availability to part time enrollees is contingent upon the awarding unit’s discretion. Please contact that awarding entity to discuss the ability to keep the award if you are less than full time. Some scholarships also require a minimum of 24 credits to be completed in a year in order to be renewed (if applicable) for the following year.

Other grants, such as the Federal Pell Grant and the Pennsylvania State Grant, will be reduced if you attend less than full time.

Please contact the Office of Student Aid to discuss the impact on your aid if you plan to attend less than full time.

The Office of Student Aid can be contacted by phone at 814-865-6301 or by email. You may also contact the student aid office at your assigned campus.

Question 10

Will my federal or state aid be portable if I change my fall campus?

Mary Angle · Accepted Answer

Any federal aid of grants, loans, or work study can move to any campus, including World Campus.

If you have a Pennsylvania State Grant, it is portable to any campus, including World Campus, but the value of the award may be recalculated by PHEAA based on that campus’ tuition costs.

Question 11

Will my PLUS loan or private loan that is already awarded be impacted by a change to a campus with a lower tuition rate?

Mary Angle · Accepted Answer

Depending on the value of the PLUS or private loan already awarded, if you move to a lower-cost campus, the loan may be reduced to compensate for the lower tuition rate. If you are planning on applying for a PLUS or private loan, please process your temporary change of campus first so the loan value can be accurately calculated based on any updated costs. Students should consult with the Office of Student Aid for individual assessment, if needed. The Office of Student Aid can be contacted by phone at 814-865-6301, or by email.

Question 12

Who should I contact if I am interested in changing campuses and I have GI Bill questions?

Mary Angle · Accepted Answer

Students with GI Bill-related questions who may be interested in changing their campus should contact the Penn State Office of Veteran Programs at veteran@psu.edu or 814-863-0465, or the veterans representative at your campus.

Question 13

Who should I consult regarding any changes to my costs or aid if I temporarily change my campus for fall?

Mary Angle · Accepted Answer

Costs and financial aid are large considerations as you decide if temporarily changing your campus or learning at home to complete courses for the fall semester is right for you. It is imperative that students first consult with their academic adviser to determine if a temporary change of campus will ensure access to courses needed for timely degree completion. After that discussion, students should consult with student aid at their assigned campus to determine what aid is portable or transferable to their temporary campus, and how their tuition, housing or meal costs may change. Students with scholarships whose original campus is University Park are also encouraged to consult with their scholarship’s awarding agent to determine if the award is transferable to another campus.

Question 14

Am I required to be vaccinated before returning to campus for classes, advising, or activities?

Mary Angle · Accepted Answer

Review the Vaccine Information page on the Virus Info website for the latest vaccine requirement information for students.

Question 15

What should I expect and what resources are available to me in quarantine and isolation?

Mary Angle · Accepted Answer

For detailed information about quarantine and isolation, review the Quarantine and Isolation page on the Virus Info website.

Question 16

What is Penn State's masking policy?

Mary Angle · Accepted Answer

For the most up-to-date masking guidance, refer to the Health Guidelines page on the Virus Info website.

Question 17

Can students and/or instructors eat or drink in the classroom?

Mary Angle · Accepted Answer

With the exception of bottled water, all food and drink consumption is prohibited in classrooms. Straws are recommended to minimize the time masks are moved aside for those drinking water. And you should also be especially conscious of physical distancing when drinking. For more information, refer to policy AD62 – Use of General Purpose Classrooms.

Question 18

What happens to individuals who do not comply with the required testing?

Mary Angle · Accepted Answer

Students both on-campus and off-campus who have not shared with the University that they have been vaccinated will be notified when they have to test, and there will be significant consequences for noncompliance. Consequences for noncompliance include a process of warnings and sanctions up to and including suspension.

Question 19

If I am not fully vaccinated, what precautions do I need to take while in an on-campus space?

Mary Angle · Accepted Answer

Everyone must wear masks indoors at all times in all University public indoor spaces. The University encourages everyone who is able to get a COVID-19 vaccination as the vaccines are effective at keeping you from contracting COVID-19, as well as protecting you from severe illness should you contract COVID-19.

Question 20

What actions should I take to feel more comfortable being in-person on-campus?

Mary Angle · Accepted Answer

It may take some time to reacclimate to classrooms and offices on campus. You should continue the use of practices that help to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other seasonal illness such as flu (e.g., hand hygiene, wearing of masks, not coming to class when ill).

Question 21

Can an instructor or adviser ask me not to attend a class or a meeting if I am unvaccinated?

Mary Angle · Accepted Answer

No. If you are not vaccinated, you are permitted in classroom, advising, and other on-campus spaces as all others are, but you must remain masked.

Question 22

Can I ask a student, instructor, or adviser if they are vaccinated? Am I required to share my vaccine status if asked?

Mary Angle · Accepted Answer

While you can ask a someone about their vaccination status, no one is required to share this personal information.

Question 23

What should I do if I test positive for or believe I have contracted COVID-19?

Dave Housley · Accepted Answer

The Penn State Student Affairs website provides comprehensive information about COVID-19 including what to do if you feel sick, contact tracing, and quarantine/isolation.

Question 24

Will I be able to cancel my Housing and Food Service (HFS) contract if I decide to remain at home?

Mary Angle · Accepted Answer

Students who are scheduled for all remote learning classes and plan to live at home (at their permanent address) may request a cancellation of the spring semester HFS Contract. Students are not able to cancel the HFS Contract to live off campus. The deadline to submit a cancellation request is Friday, December 11. You can read additional information on the Penn State Housing site.

Question 25

I only have two classes in person and they are both on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Is it worth it to get campus housing when I live about 20 minutes away?

Mary Angle · Accepted Answer

Living on or off campus is a personal decision, based on the social aspect of living on campus and the financial implications involved. Living on campus will provide a great experience for students to transition to college, but there are will be changes to the usual living environment.

Question 26

If I did not get housing for fall, can I get housing for just spring?

Mary Angle · Accepted Answer

Students who do not have an accepted spring HFS Contract may add their name to the “On-Campus Housing Waitlist” that is available in eLiving. If it’s determined that space is available, HFS Contract offers will be made in December.

Question 27

I am a first-year student and I am moving from a campus with housing to one without housing, will my housing deposit be refunded?

Mary Angle · Accepted Answer

Yes, students will get their housing deposit refunded under these circumstances. This process occurs in the fall with the bursar, so they will not see that refund until after the start of the semester.

Question 28

I am an international student. What options and resources are available to me?

Mary Angle · Accepted Answer

Review the guidelines for international students for fall 2021 maintained by Global Penn State.

Question 29

As an international student, what do I do if I can’t access the technology in a course?

Mary Angle · Accepted Answer

Students can locate information about which software they can access from international locations in the International Restrictions of Penn State Software and Technology Services (PDF).

If you are unable to use the software of your choice, please consult the document to see if there is a Penn State provided alternative. You may also try to connect through a Penn State–provided VPN. However, international governments can change access to the software at any time.

Question 30

If I am a University Park student and attend a Commonwealth Campus, what student services will be available to me?

Mary Angle · Accepted Answer

Students will receive student services from the campus at which they are enrolled. Students should visit campus web sites to learn about what services are offered at particular campuses.

Question 31

From what campus will I receive student services like tutoring, advising, health services, athletics, and clubs?

Mary Angle · Accepted Answer

Students will receive student services from the campus at which they are enrolled for the semester. Students should visit campus web sites to learn about what services are offered at particular campuses.

Question 32

If I change my campus to Penn State World Campus, what co-curricular programs and academic and student support services will be available to me?

Mary Angle · Accepted Answer

Students who change their campus to World Campus will have access to all co-curricular programs and academic and student support services offered by World Campus. You can read information about those services. Students from other campuses are welcome to attend most World Campus co-curricular programs.

Question 33

If I am a Commonwealth Campus student and enroll at World Campus, can I still use the student services of my original assigned campus?

Mary Angle · Accepted Answer

World Campus students are eligible to use the resources offered through that campus. If you are located near a Penn State campus or have an existing relationship with services from your original campus of enrollment, accommodations may be made to grant access to non-World Campus services.

Question 34

Will libraries have textbooks available if I study remotely and can’t afford to purchase books?

Mary Angle · Accepted Answer

For the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic, Penn State University Libraries is licensing more e-books, and its course reserves materials will be available to students mostly online. Penn State instructors are encouraged to request course reserves as soon as possible, and libraries personnel are available to help instructors identify electronic resources for their courses. Learn more about course reserves.

Question 35

How does temporary change of campus affect earning credits toward the residency requirement for my major?

Mary Angle · Accepted Answer

Academic units across Penn State are committed to providing additional flexibility to accommodate the unique demands of spring 2021. To the extent permitted by external accreditation requirements, which only affect some majors, credits earned at any campus in spring 2021 for courses required by your major can count toward major requirements, including the 24-credit residency requirement. Because there are some exceptions, all students considering taking courses other than at their home campus should consult with their adviser.

Question 36

Will my campus assignment automatically change back to my current campus after my semester of a temporary change of campus?

Mary Angle · Accepted Answer

When a student is approved for a temporary change of campus, the approval is for the requested semester, and the campus assignment will automatically be changed back for the following semester. A student who would like to continue at the temporary campus for the next semester would need to submit another temporary change of campus request through LionPATH.

Question 37

If a course is open at another campus, does that mean a temporary change of campus student automatically can enroll in it?

Mary Angle · Accepted Answer

Some courses at Penn State campuses have course controls to allow only students from specific degree programs to have access to required courses. You may enroll in any available course where you meet the course controls and prerequisites.

Question 38

If I do a temporary change of campus, who will my academic adviser be?

Mary Angle · Accepted Answer

You will retain your current academic adviser at your original assigned campus. Additionally, we will connect you with an academic adviser at your temporary campus.

Question 39

If I request a temporary change of campus, will it automatically be approved?

Mary Angle · Accepted Answer

A temporary change of campus request is not automatically approved. Your assigned campus will first review the temporary change of campus request, including the appropriateness of your planned courses (i.e., do courses help you make forward degree progress?). If appropriate, the request will be forwarded to the temporary campus for final review. The requested campus will determine if they offer the courses requested and whether there is appropriate capacity. This process should take two to three business days if the process is followed efficiently.

Question 40

How will I know if my temporary change of campus request is approved?

Mary Angle · Accepted Answer

You will receive an email notification of the decision sent to your Penn State email account.

Question 41

I was in the process of moving to another campus for fall 2020. Can I now decide to remain at my original assigned campus?

Mary Angle · Accepted Answer

You can, but you will want to ensure that you will have access to courses that will still support your ability to make forward degree progress. You can make this request for a temporary change back to your original assigned campus by submitting the request at your LionPATH Student Center. To find this area in LionPATH, select “Degree Planning & Process” and then “Update Campus.” You can view a tutorial about updating your campus.

Question 42

Can I do a multi-campus registration and a temporary change of campus in the same semester and how would that affect my tuition?

Mary Angle · Accepted Answer

Yes, but keep in mind to consult with your academic adviser to ensure there are course offerings available that will allow you to continue to make progress toward your degree.

Under a multi-campus registration, students are only eligible to enroll in courses offered at a different campus one week prior to the start of the semester. Course offerings are likely to be very limited by that time and we encourage you to work with your academic adviser early if you consider this option.

If you decide to try to do this after consulting with your adviser, you will want to file for a temporary change of campus as early as possible within LionPATH to ensure you have access to the most course offerings the campus you would be changing to offers. Remember, seats fill up as the registration cycle continues.

Tuition will ultimately be charged at the rate of the campus you have temporarily changed to unless you have more credits at another campus through multi-campus registration for which you will be administratively changed to that campus and charged that campus’ tuition rate.

If you have further questions regarding your tuition, please email spring2021tuition@psu.edu.

Question 43

What options and tuition rates are available for students for spring 2021?

Mary Angle · Accepted Answer

Penn State will be offering the same flexible instructional modes used for the spring 2021 semester at all Penn State campuses. As a result, Penn State’s multi-campus structure will provide many options to optimize a student’s academic course schedule and tuition cost to suit their needs. While Penn State does provide many options, there is not unlimited availability at each campus, so plan and act early.

Ultimately, your tuition will be determined by which campus you are enrolled at. Use the Tuition Calculator for a detailed estimate of costs at the various Penn State campuses. In-state and out-of-state tuition rates still apply.