Frequently asked questions about novel coronavirus
Table of contents
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Latest updates
- General information about coronavirus
- Penn State preparedness
- Classes and academics for students
- Housing and food
- Campuses and facilities
- Commencement and events
- Classes and academics for faculty and instructors
- Employee impacts
- Travel and study abroad
- Admissions
- Resources and support
Latest updates
In this section you will find questions that have been added or significantly updated in the past week. These questions also are repeated in appropriate sections below.
As was announced on April 6, the University is excited to recognize our students on May 9 with a virtual commencement ceremony, which is in line with orders from Gov. Wolf related to social distancing during the growing COVID-19 pandemic. This is all with a focus on the health and safety of our students and their families.
In addition, Penn State remains committed to inviting the Class of 2020 back to campus for in-person celebrations when public health guidelines permit this to occur.
Additional details are available on Penn State News. Answers to more frequently asked questions can be found at https://sites.psu.edu/virusinfo/faqs/#events.
Penn State IT and Teaching and Learning with Technology have developed a knowledge base article that provides step-by-step instructions for securing Zoom sessions from would-be hijackers. Additionally, if one of your courses is hijacked, report the incident to University Police.
Additional details are available on Penn State News.
Penn State Environmental Health and Safety (EHS), in coordination with University Health Services and Human Resources, has developed new protocols related to COVID-19 to help protect the health of employees who are continuing to perform mission-critical functions on campus.
These processes include instructions for supervisors who are responding to reported COVID-19 cases in their work units and guidance for employees working on campus. In addition, they include direction for employees to contact Penn State Absence Management at absence@psu.edu or 814-865-1782 if they are self-quarantining, exposed to or develop symptoms of the virus.
Additional details are available on Penn State News.
To address impacts caused by the novel coronavirus public health crisis, Penn State is implementing alternative grading policies for graduate, Penn State Law and Dickinson Law students for the spring 2020 semester. For more information about alternative grading for undergraduate students, visit remotelearning.psu.edu/alternative-grading.
The following provides additional information and links to resources for students at:
- The Graduate School: Graduate students may choose to keep their grades as received, or request to have one or more grades converted to one of three alternatives (P, V or Z). None of the three grades will have any impact on a student’s GPA. Please consult the Optional Alternative Grading for Graduate Students FAQ and Penn State News for more information.
- Penn State Law: Penn State Law at University Park will have a mandatory credit/no-credit grading system for the spring 2020 semester in order to be supportive of students during the novel coronavirus public health crisis. This mandatory credit/no credit approach is also the one most widely taken by law schools around the country. To learn more about the grading policy, read the memo on grading changes and FAQ or visit Penn State News.
- Dickinson Law: Penn State Dickinson Law has implemented a mandatory credit/no-credit standard for all Dickinson Law courses to be responsive to both the individual and collective needs of the entire student community. To learn more, visit Penn State News.
We are working to help people through this process, as we understand the significant distress our future Penn State students and their families may be experiencing as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
We have discussions daily on these topics. For now, students can still apply to the University Park campus through May 1 and to Commonwealth Campuses through July 31. Applications continue to be processed as usual on a rolling basis.
While we encourage students to accept their offers of admission by May 1 and to begin their transition activities, students who need additional time may go to their MyPennState portals to be automatically granted an extension until June 1.
We encourage applicants to reach out to us to discuss their unique circumstances. Students and/or their school counselors can send an email to admissions@psu.edu or call 1-814-865-5471.
In addition, out of an abundance of caution in protecting all members of the Penn State community, we announced that all activities relating to admitted student programs, prospective student events, and campus visitation are suspended through May 15. In lieu of on-campus events, visit admissions.psu.edu/experience for virtual events and resources so students can experience Penn State right from their home.
For additional information, visit https://admissions.psu.edu/coronavirus/.
General information about coronavirus
Common signs of coronavirus include mild to severe respiratory illness with symptoms of fever, cough and shortness of breath. In more severe cases, infection can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and even death. Symptoms may appear two to 14 days after exposure.
Although much remains unknown about how this new strain of coronavirus spreads, according to the CDC, the virus is thought to spread mainly between people who are in close contact (within about 6 feet) through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The CDC says it may be possible for a person to contract COVID-19 by touching a surface with the virus on it and then touching their mouth, nose or eyes. Learn more about transmission at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/transmission.html.
For the most up-to-date information about prevention and treatment, review guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The World Health Organization also has a comprehensive collection of resources for members of the public to recognize signs of the disease, and to reduce the chances of infection. Currently, there is no specific antiviral treatment for COVID-19 and no vaccine to prevent infection. The CDC recommends that people take the following preventive actions to protect themselves and others from respiratory viruses:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
University Park students experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 should begin the screening process for coronavirus over the phone by calling the UHS Advice Nurse at 814-863-4463. Students at Commonwealth Campuses should contact their on-campus health services office. Penn State urges faculty and staff to contact their health care provider immediately if they have respiratory symptoms with a fever and have recently traveled or think they have been exposed to COVID-19.
Beginning March 16, University Health Services will only see patients with a scheduled appointment and will not be accepting walk-ins. If you are experiencing upper respiratory infection or flu-like illness, you will need to call the UHS Advice Nurse line at 814-863-4463 prior to having an appointment scheduled.
All other individuals with medical concerns can call the UHS appointment line at 814-863-0774.
According to the CDC, anyone who feels sick should:
- Seek medical advice — Call ahead before you go to a doctor’s office or emergency room. Tell them about any recent travel and your symptoms.
- Stay home and avoid contact with others.
- Not travel while sick.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
- Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds to avoid spreading the virus to others.
- Wash your hands with soap and water immediately after coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose. If soap and water are not readily available, you can use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
Please visit https://sites.psu.edu/virusinfo/contacts-and-resources-for-penn-staters/ for resources and contact information for members of the Penn State community.
For information from national and global health organizations, visit: https://sites.psu.edu/virusinfo/national-and-international-health-resources/.
New and increased availability of COVID-19 testing kits, along with new CDC guidance for clinicians, has expanded testing to a wider group of symptomatic patients, and is likely contributing to the increase in U.S. cases. The CDC’s expanded recommendations for testing state: "Decisions on which patients receive testing should be based on the local epidemiology of COVID-19, as well as the clinical course of illness."
A new report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows that 20% of Americans who were sick enough to be hospitalized by the virus as of March 16 were 20–44 years old. This underscores the need for people of all ages to adhere to social distancing recommendations. Slowing transmission by social distancing will allow health officials to scale-up testing and treatment capacity to minimize the health impacts of this pandemic.
Penn State preparedness
The health and safety of students, faculty and staff is our utmost priority. Penn State President Eric J. Barron shared a message with the University community on March 11 announcing a move to remote instruction starting March 16 in response to the global coronavirus outbreak, and on March 18 Penn State extended the remote-delivery period for all classes through at least the spring 2020 semester.
Penn State leaders are meeting regularly and have established 11 action groups to discuss and plan for a variety of considerations that could impact University operations.
These 11 action groups are as follows:
- Communications
- Campus health preparedness and response
- Study abroad and support of international students
- General emergency preparedness and response
- Community interaction and coordination
- Semester/summer course delivery interruption and enrollment management
- Commencement
- Summer and emergency accommodations
- General business continuity
- Research support
- Athletics, camps and other large events
Additionally, Penn State is following CDC guidance on any suspected cases for specific evaluation and testing. Penn State will report any such cases to the Pennsylvania Department of Health immediately.
University Health Services is contingency planning for a variety of scenarios related to the coronavirus, including an outbreak on campus.
As is normal protocol, students who visit the Student Health Center are asked — and signs are posted — to wear a mask when they present with respiratory symptoms, and clinicians ask a travel history at every visit. In light of the disease’s spread overseas and in the U.S., University Health Services will be screening all students over the phone who are seeking care for respiratory symptoms and fever so that patient appointments are scheduled for coronavirus testing in accordance with CDC guidelines.
Beginning March 16, University Health Services will only see patients with a scheduled appointment and will not be accepting walk-ins. If you are experiencing upper respiratory infection or flu-like illness, you will need to call the UHS Advice Nurse line at 814-863-4463 prior to having an appointment scheduled.
All other individuals with medical concerns can call the UHS appointment line at 814-863-0774.
As needed, Penn State clinicians also are wearing personal protective equipment, including masks, eye protection and gloves, to guard against any potential exposure.
Penn State is following CDC guidance on any suspected cases for specific evaluation and testing. Penn State will report any such cases to the Pennsylvania Department of Health immediately.
The Student Health Center at University Park is equipped with negative-pressure rooms for patients who may present with COVID-19 symptoms and has a contingency plan to accommodate higher numbers of students who meet criteria for COVID-19. Penn State is following CDC and Pennsylvania Department of Health guidance on any suspected cases for specific evaluation and testing. Penn State will report any such cases to the Pennsylvania Department of Health immediately.
Classes and academics for students
Remote learning resources
We know this can be overwhelming and we will do everything we can to assist students. Information will be available on remotelearning.psu.edu to get students started. Further, faculty members will be reaching out to their classes directly via Canvas and email with information and expectations for how remote delivery classes will operate and how to access course materials. Faculty also will communicate any changes to your syllabus, assignments, and grading during this period of remote delivery of classes.
Information will be available on remotelearning.psu.edu to get students started. Further, faculty members will be reaching out to their classes directly via Canvas or email with information and expectations for how remote delivery classes will operate. Classes will meet following the class schedule that is currently in place. This will avoid time conflicts that will otherwise arise for students if faculty are independently moving the time of their classes. This also ensures that students who receive financial aid through the Pennsylvania State Grant will continue to receive this aid. Finally, this will enable our technology to function well and support course delivery.
The University began considering student connectivity needs early on in the process of deciding to move our courses to a remote teaching format. We are very mindful of the situation and we continue to work hard with our students to set them up for success.
Academic advisers are reaching out to students who are not connecting or may be having connectivity issues to learn about particular circumstances, and what we might be able to do to help them access content for their courses.
In addition, students should reach out to their instructors if they do not believe they have the resources necessary to connect remotely. More information is also available at https://remotelearning.psu.edu/ and as well as resources that can assist with a solution.
Students who do not have access to a computer or who have connectivity issues are asked to fill out the Penn State Mobile Request Form to formalize your computer/access request; email ITservicedesk@psu.edu; or call 814-865-4357. Penn State IT is continually working on availability of equipment and how to best distribute it. Once there is more information for your request, you will be contacted via the phone number you provide in the request form.
If you have further questions or need assistance when you receive your equipment, you can find 24/7 support by contacting the IT Service Desk.
The University began considering student connectivity needs early on in the process of deciding to move our courses to a remote teaching format. We are very mindful of the situation and we continue to work hard with our students to set them up for success.
First, we need to know who does not have good access—either because of lack of technology or poor connectivity. So, during the initial remote instruction period, we began identifying students who were not connecting. A combination of consulting with faculty and advising helped to identify those students who may be having connectivity issues. Academic advisers are reaching out to each of those students to learn about particular circumstances, and what we might be able to do to help them access content for their courses.
In addition, students should reach out to their instructors if they do not believe they have the resources necessary to connect remotely. More information is also available at https://remotelearning.psu.edu/, as well as resources that can assist with a solution.
The good news is that internet providers have expanded in areas that weren’t available before. As we get more information about student access, there are a number of options we are exploring, including the deployment of mobile hot spots in certain rural areas with limited access. And we are grateful for the internet providers who are stepping up to improve access.
If students have a difficult time connecting, they can get assistance by emailing itservicedesk@psu.edu or by calling 814-865-4357. A group of technology professionals are dedicated to answering these inquiries to learn about students’ circumstances and to connect them to the unit that can assist with their situation or provide appropriate resources that may be available.
-Your instructor may use tools like Office 365, Canvas, Zoom and Kaltura to offer their coursework in a remote-learning environment.
You can access online training for Canvas, Office 365, Zoom, and Kaltura.
University wide, 90% of our faculty, instructors and graduate students with teaching duties (more than 8,500 people in total) are using Penn State’s online learning management system, called Canvas, for at least one course. Nearly all of our students (96%) use Canvas for course content. Additionally, many of the courses currently taking place at Penn State already make use of Canvas. This spring, Penn State instructors are teaching nearly 18,000 course sections across the University. Of these, 77% make use of Canvas. Many of the courses that do not currently use Canvas fall into categories such as independent study and thesis research. Our faculty members will continue to work with students to determine the best way to continue instruction during this period of remote learning.
You now have access to a program called VitalSource Helps that can provide you free ebooks via an app called Bookshelf. Through this program, you have access to up to seven ebooks. If you foresee needing more than seven, look into other textbook options before using these seven ebooks.
How long is the VitalSource Helps program available?
This program is offering free access to ebooks for spring 2020 students. Ebooks will be available through May 25, 2020, to ensure you are able to use required learning materials through your final exams. Once the free access period ends, you will maintain access to your Bookshelf account. However, ebooks provided during the VitalSource Helps program will no longer appear.
How many ebooks may be accessed for free as part of the VitalSource Helps ebook program?
You may add up to seven ebooks to your account for free. There is a “counter” in the lower left corner of the Bookshelf screen to help you keep track of the number of ebooks accessed.
What happens if I have more than seven ebooks I could use from the program?
If you need more than seven ebooks, we recommend that you look for alternative sources for your textbooks before you select the seven ebooks you will have access to at VitalSource.
What type of content is available as part of the VitalSource Helps ebook program?VitalSource, publishers, and resellers have worked together to make tens of thousands of ebooks available to allow you to find your required learning materials. You may access up to seven ebooks.
This program provides access to textbooks only, not any other materials. Custom content, interactive content, and content used for assessment is not included. Commonly assigned materials from publishers, often referred to as “courseware” (like Pearson’s MyLab, Cengage MindTap, WileyPlus, etc.) are not included in this program.
How do I access VitalSource Helps ebooks?
To access VitalSource Helps ebooks, you will need to use an app called Bookshelf. To do this, visit bookshelf.vitalsource.com. Before you can begin searching for and reading ebooks, you will need to log in or create a Bookshelf account with your Penn State email address.
What do I do when accessing Bookshelf for the first time?To access Bookshelf, you will need to create a Bookshelf account with your Penn State email address.
Once you create an account, log in and click on the “Explore” tab in the upper left corner of the screen to find ebooks.
What if I already have a Bookshelf account?If you know that you have used Bookshelf in one of your courses and have an account with your Penn State email address, log in with that email address. You will see a new tab called “Explore” when you login. This tab will provide access to the free ebooks.
If you know you have an existing Bookshelf account that is not linked to your Penn State email address, you can learn how to change the email address associated with your Bookshelf account to your Penn State email address.
Penn State IT has provided tips on conserving bandwidth. One quick tip is to turn the wireless off on your phone if you are using your computer or tablet to connect to class. You are likely to consume bandwidth without knowing it.
Penn State campus computer labs are closed. Students with unmet technology needs should contact Penn State IT at 814-865-HELP (4357) or ITservicedesk@psu.edu for individual arrangements. We are committed to helping you fulfill your responsibilities.
Yes. Penn State’s WebApps provides remote access to the most-used, specialized software that you would typically access in a Penn State lab. Currently available applications include:
- Microsoft Office suite (Access, Excel, OneNote, PowerPoint, Publisher, Word)
- Dassault Systemes SolidWorks
- Esri ArcGIS Desktop
- Esri ArcGIS Pro
- Mathsoft MATLAB
- Minitab, Inc. Minitab
- Minitab, Inc. Minitab Express
- SAS JMP Pro
- SAS
- Wolfram Mathematica
The following applications have limited connections and are available by request only:
- IBM SPSS Statistics
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- Adobe Photoshop
- Microsoft Project
- Microsoft Visio
To request a connection for applications with limited connections or to to see if your application can be added, submit a request to Device Management.
Class schedules, exams and class participation
Yes, your classes will be held at the same time as originally scheduled. Be prepared to attend class remotely at the original time, in the Eastern time zone.
The University will make sure that students can complete assessments, quizzes and exams remotely. Your instructor will communicate additional information.
We will use discussion boards and online engagement tools to make sure you can continue working with peers and faculty. Tools like Canvas, Zoom, Office 365 (including Teams), and Kaltura will allow you to collaborate, discuss course work, and complete assignments. Your instructor will provide you with additional information.
Assignment deadlines will be communicated to you by your instructor. Your instructor will also communicate to you how group assignments will be handled or adjusted.
All Zoom recordings are automatically uploaded to Kaltura, which provides unlimited storage. Your instructor can edit, embed, and share Zoom recordings within Kaltura. Detailed instructions for accessing Zoom recordings in Kaltura are available.
No. The university has a camera-optional practice for teaching through Zoom. Faculty are aware that some students may have special circumstances that preclude the use of a webcam. Whenever possible, students should use their webcam during the classes conducted via Zoom, and they should use the other features such as chat and raise hand to participate and engage in the class.
We will use discussion boards and online engagement tools to replicate in-class discussions. In addition, your instructor may change expectations for engagement.
All students are expected to behave respectfully in classes, no matter the format or delivery mode. Disruptions in a remote class will be handled in the same way as in a face-to-face class. Your instructor may speak to you about your behavior. If your behavior does not change, you may be asked to leave the class. If your behavior continues to be disruptive, a report may be filed with the Office of Student Conduct and an incident may be reported through the conduct process. Students involved in a serious disruption of the learning environment may not be permitted to return to class until University procedures have been completed.
Synchronous learning is learning that occurs at a specific time via a specific medium. Before the University announced classes were moving online, it likely meant you attended class on specific days, at a specific time, and in a specific classroom.
Synchronous learning in a remote environment happens via video- or tele-conferencing, live chatting, or livestreaming lectures on your normally scheduled class day and time.
Do my classes have to be synchronous?
All courses must be taught synchronously at the time that they are regularly scheduled. This is important for three reasons. First, it will avoid time conflicts that will otherwise arise for you if faculty are independently moving the time of their classes. Second, if you are a student who receives financial aid through the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) state grant program, you could potentially lose access to this aid if courses are not delivered synchronously. Finally, this will enable Penn State technology to function well and support course delivery.
How will learning synchronously help me?
Maintaining the meeting time for regularly scheduled, in-person classes helps you because, during this transition period of moving classes to remote learning, you need to hear from and have access to your instructors to ease the transition. On-campus courses are designed for in-person instruction. With the sudden shift from face-to-face synchronous to remote synchronous learning, you can keep the familiar interaction you have with your instructor and it keeps the course on a normal pace. This also gives faculty time to adapt teaching methods, assignments, and syllabi designed for in-person classes to the new remote-learning context.
At the end of the spring semester, once students receive their letter grades, they will have the option, on a course by course basis, for those grades to remain as letter grades or to appear as one of three options on a new satisfactory/unsatisfactory grading scale.
We want to provide our students every opportunity for success during this unprecedented time and recognize the change in their learning environments and the need for a rapid adaptation to remote learning. The key is that this is optional for students, and we encourage all students to work closely with their academic advisers to makes these decisions. More details on this policy are available at https://remotelearning.psu.edu/alternative-grading.
Details about the scale: Students will have the choice to receive a “SAT” notation (in lieu of a letter grade of “C” or better); a “V” instead of the letter grade “D”; or a “Z” instead of a letter grade “F” — all with the notation on transcripts indicating the extraordinary circumstances we all are dealing with this semester. The alternative grades will not impact a students’ GPA in either direction but will still count toward credits achieved and progression of semester standing, which will help in the continuation of our students’ academic careers. This is important for helping students navigate many processes, from maintaining financial aid to maintaining a certain semester standing when purchasing student football tickets.
This alternative grading option is available to all undergraduate students, including World Campus students, and those returning from study abroad.
Additional details are available on Penn State News.
For information on graduate student grading, visit the Optional Alternative Grading for Graduate Students FAQ and Penn State News for more information.
To address impacts caused by the novel coronavirus public health crisis, Penn State is implementing alternative grading policies for graduate, Penn State Law and Dickinson Law students for the spring 2020 semester. For more information about alternative grading for undergraduate students, visit remotelearning.psu.edu/alternative-grading.
The following provides additional information and links to resources for students at:
- The Graduate School: Graduate students may choose to keep their grades as received, or request to have one or more grades converted to one of three alternatives (P, V or Z). None of the three grades will have any impact on a student’s GPA. Please consult the Optional Alternative Grading for Graduate Students FAQ and Penn State News for more information.
- Penn State Law: Penn State Law at University Park will have a mandatory credit/no-credit grading system for the spring 2020 semester in order to be supportive of students during the novel coronavirus public health crisis. This mandatory credit/no credit approach is also the one most widely taken by law schools around the country. To learn more about the grading policy, read the memo on grading changes and FAQ or visit Penn State News.
- Dickinson Law: Penn State Dickinson Law has implemented a mandatory credit/no-credit standard for all Dickinson Law courses to be responsive to both the individual and collective needs of the entire student community. To learn more, visit Penn State News.
Yes. LEAP and NSO are critically important to our new first-year students’ transition to Penn State. While the hope is that this global crisis resolves and there is an ability to return to return to in-person delivery of classes and services soon, leaders also are making plans for online delivery. Penn State’s World Campus, a longtime national leader in online instruction, has a robust student orientation program. Leaders from World Campus will be working closely with those who lead New Student Orientation to understand and meet student needs if online delivery is deemed necessary.
Penn State’s LEAP program, designed to help first-year students at University Park to get a head start in the summer before their first fall semester, will be delivered online if needed, with a commitment to providing incoming students with the resources they’ll need to succeed including a broad range of course offerings and engagement opportunities outside of the classroom. Additional information about format will be provided to participants.
Disability resources
Students who received testing or assignment accommodations from Student Disability Resources for the spring 2020 semester should continue to have access to accommodations throughout remote delivery of courses. The nature of any testing or assignment accommodations that were approved for spring semester 2020 in-residence courses may vary in the online format. Student Disability Resources will collaborate with faculty on the provision of testing and assignment accommodations specific to the online environment.
Students who received accommodations from Student Disability Resources for the spring 2020 semester should continue to have access to their accommodations throughout remote delivery of courses. Select accommodations may no longer be necessary in the online environment; conversely, a student may recognize a new accommodation need given the temporary transition to online learning. If you have any questions about your accommodations, please contact Student Disability Resources at 814-863-1807.
Graduation and academic progress
Our priority is to maintain the integrity of our course work while delivering that course work remotely. We do not anticipate this will affect your academic progress or graduation if you meet the expectations of the course and your instructor.
Your instructor will communicate expectations for how your course will continue and be graded.
The full resources of the University are behind meeting student learning outcomes and course objectives, and faculty are working to deliver the most critical information for student success. In laboratory courses, the University is working with faculty to prioritize that learning objectives are met with flexibility. Some examples of ways faculty are doing this include livestreaming demonstrations of experiments then providing data to students to analyze. Innovations are emerging daily. Please contact your instructor directly if you’re unclear about the expectations for your lab requirements.
The University is working with accreditors and state and federal agencies to provide appropriate guidance on requirements related to internships as part of the educational curriculum. Additionally, academic leadership of all units at Penn State are carefully evaluating how internships or other practicum, or requirements can be achieved for students in a timely manner. Cases may vary, depending on circumstances, like different accreditation requirements, and we will continue to work with students individually to address needs. The administration, faculty and staff are doing everything we can to limit disruptions to learning as much as possible, given these extraordinary circumstances, and will work with students to keep them on track.
Visit the commencement and events section below for the latest information.
Penn State is committed to addressing the health and safety of our faculty, staff and students while also maintaining academic progress as much as possible for our graduate students. First and foremost, graduate students should reach out to their advisers to discuss their individual needs. The Senior Vice President for Research has circulated guidance to all faculty about maintaining the research enterprise, and the University has had to scale back research in some areas, but we are doing everything we can to continue essential research and provide access to faculty and graduate students to maintain that activity. We are making every effort to support graduate students in accessing facilities and projects that are critical to their degree.
One of the things we’re all learning as we navigate this new landscape is the need for us to follow our core principles but also to allow for flexibility where it is required. We will maintain the expectation that graduate students meet their program’s thesis requirements and levels of accomplishment, but we also want to allow our students flexibility, understanding that demands and resources now are different from what they were before. For example, graduate programs are welcome to make the public presentation of a thesis available to the public remotely through video conferencing technology, or to cancel it, as they see fit.
All graduate students conducting research for their thesis/dissertation or as part of a research assistantship are expected to continue their research activities remotely, with the exception of those designated as essential personnel. Those graduate students who are designated as essential personnel should follow official University guidance for all activities on campus. Please consult with your research supervisor/adviser about the plans for your individual research group.
Additionally:
- Funding of teaching and research assistantships will not be affected by the University moving to remote delivery of courses.
- Graduate students serving as instructors and/or supporting courses offered by other instructors should contact the department/instructor responsible for the respective courses for guidance on how to adapt to a remote format for delivery/support appropriate for the course.
- More information for graduate students can be found on the Graduate School’s COVID-19 Updates page.
Tuition and assistantships
We understand the concern over tuition and the financial strain that this pandemic is putting on so many. Even during this unprecedented national and global challenge, our outstanding faculty are meeting the course and program learning objectives for our students by continuing to deliver a world-class Penn State education. University staff and educators are working around the clock. The full effort of the University is focused on getting all students into the remote environment to preserve their credits and enable them to finish the semester, and to graduate on time, which is important financially to students and families.
Unfortunately, we believe the cost of fulfilling our educational commitment in a remote setting is likely higher, and there are no plans to issue tuition refunds. Lab experiments are being video streamed, technical, research and operational infrastructures needs are being met, training and technology solutions are being delivered on an unprecedented scale, and more. The University is delivering on our educational promise to our students and will continue to do so.
Funding of teaching and research assistantships will not be affected by the University moving to remote delivery of courses.
Graduate students serving as instructors and/or supporting courses offered by other instructors should contact the department/instructor responsible for the respective courses for guidance on how to adapt to a remote format for delivery/support appropriate for the course.
Graduate students conducting research for their dissertation or as part of a research assistantship are expected to continue their research activities. Please contact your research supervisor for further guidance or if you have additional questions.
More information for graduate students can be found on the Graduate School’s COVID-19 Updates page.
Following the U.S. Department of State’s March 19 decision to issue a worldwide Level 4: Do Not Travel advisory, Penn State canceled all remaining study abroad programming and directed all Penn State students, whether on study abroad or traveling individually, to return home.
The University is working to assist students with unexpected, additional costs associated with the immediate need to exit from their study abroad programs.
However, on course delivery side, the Office of Global Programs has worked closely with our study abroad partners to maintain the same coursework and academic learning objectives through remote learning. While the experiential aspect has certainly been lost, the academic component in the majority of our programs has been sustained. There may be a few instances where those have not been able to be continued, and we will work with those students on a case-by-case basis.
Travel guidance
Visit the "travel and study abroad" section below for complete travel guidance for students, faculty and staff.
Future impacts
Advising and personal resources
Visit the resources and support section below for information about services available to students and employees.
Contact your course instructor first. If you need further assistance, contact the head of the department offering the course.
Your assigned adviser is an excellent resource. They can help triage situations and connect you with appropriate resources.
Log in to Starfish, click on the “my network” tab, and schedule a virtual Zoom meeting with your adviser.
Housing and food
Refunds for on-campus housing and meal plans
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to unfold, Penn State Housing and Food Services and Residence Life would like to thank all resident students and their families for the patience and understanding they have shown over the past several weeks as we respond to the unprecedented and evolving changes.
The change to remote learning, effective from spring break 2020 through the end of the spring semester, necessitated the closing of most on-campus residence halls statewide during this period.
Penn State President Eric Barron announced at the virtual town hall for students and families on Tuesday, March 24, that prorated refunds of room and board would be provided for students who have an on-campus Housing and Food Service (HFS) Contract this semester but then left campus during the remote learning period.
The total refund amount for each resident student will be calculated by applying a refund percentage to each student’s spring semester room charge and to the Campus Meal Plan base cost. All unspent spring semester Dining Dollars will also be refunded.
The refund percentage is a declining proration by day across the 16-week semester. Since the remote learning period began after the eighth week, the refund percentage begins at 50 percent on the first day of remote learning and prorates to 0 percent on the last day of the semester.
Room and/or board refunds will be credited to each student’s LionPATH account if the HFS Contract was initially paid through LionPATH.
The University recommends that students use eRefund, the fastest, safest, and most convenient way to receive a refund from the University if a credit balance remains on the account. Visit www.bursar.psu.edu/refund-policy for more information.
Refund processing will begin the first week of April for students who left at the beginning of spring break and did not return to campus.
Refunds for students who chose to leave campus sometime after the start of the remote learning period will be processed beginning April 13.
LionCash+ balances remain active and, as always, continue automatically from one semester to the next and from one year to another. Students currently residing in communities with vendors accepting LionCash+ can continue to spend their LionCash+ balance.
Details about the prorated refunds have been sent via email to every Penn State student who has a spring semester Housing and Food Services Contract. The University realizes that many may be experiencing financial strain during this challenging time and hope that this prorated refund will provide some comfort and relief.
Students in need of emergency assistance are encouraged to review support resources available through the Student Care and Advocacy office within Student Affairs, which includes a link to the Student Emergency Fund application. You can contact the office by email as well: StudentCare@psu.edu. Together, we will meet this challenge.
On-campus housing
Students should not return to campus at this time, and they will not be able to swipe into their on-campus residence halls. This is critical to the University’s efforts to create as much social distancing as possible and maintain a low level of exposure risk to our students as well as all our local communities.
Penn State is temporarily delaying plans to allow students who reside in University residence halls to return to campuses to retrieve their personal belongings in light of Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf’s March 19 order to close non-life-sustaining businesses. “We understand that students are anxious to retrieve their belongings, and we have a plan and procedures that will allow students and families to come back to campus and pick up their items in a safe and orderly manner once the state allows it,” said Damon Sims, vice president of student affairs. “But based on the governor’s order, we need to do our part to stem the spread of the virus, and not have people traveling to and from our campuses.”
We are committed to following Gov. Wolf’s stay-at-home order, however, we recognize that some individuals are facing extenuating circumstances where they are not able to leave campus. We are working directly with these students to meet their needs. Students should contact their campus Housing office. Contact information is available at https://hfs.psu.edu
The University will communicate when residence halls will reopen well in advance. Please continue to follow Penn State News and check your Penn State email should the circumstances change.
Off-campus housing
Students with leases in off-campus residences, including fraternities, also must understand the critical importance of social distancing and the risk they may pose to both peers and others in our communities with whom they interact. Any student who does not need to return to an off-campus residence should refrain from doing so in the interest of public health and their own.
Many off-campus student housing leases are contracted longer than the end of the spring semester, so many students with these private leases should have more time to make those decisions. The University has reached out to local landlords and requested they be reasonably flexible, especially with extraordinary experiences and extraordinary needs in this unprecedented time. If needed, students can reach out to Student Legal Services for advice at https://studentaffairs.psu.edu/legalservices.
Space on campus is very limited, but the University will work with these individuals to make special arrangements. Students should contact their campus Housing office or email COVID19StudentSupport@psu.edu.
LionCash
Yes. LionCash has always worked in a way that allows the balance to roll over from semester to semester and will be consistent with its current policies. Students can choose to carry their balance forward into the next academic year or they can seek a refund through the Lion Cash website. Visit https://idcard.psu.edu/lioncash to access and fill out the appropriate forms.
Campuses and facilities
Consistent with Governor Wolf’s statewide mitigation efforts, the University must continue to provide services essential to our community. Our main focus right now is providing the best education possible under the current circumstances, so we have faculty teaching and staff working remotely. Further, vital research projects must continue, the maintenance of animal and research facilities must be upheld, and the University remains committed to assisting the few students who remain in on-campus housing who have no other housing option. The University must continue to work with these individuals to address their needs. University Health Services (UHS) also remains open and is treating students by appointment only.
At this time, no Penn State campus is closed. The University is complying with a March 19 order by Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf to end physical operations at many businesses statewide. Penn State campuses have moved to remote instruction and steps have been taken across the university to increase social distancing and appropriate telecommuting among employees.
Penn State can never truly "close," however, and the governor's order recognizes many exceptions that apply to the University’s operations. The University must continue to deliver educational and other critical services that necessitate maintaining certain campus operations. This includes support for students remaining on its campuses, maintaining vital research and lab work, and caring for animals, as well as other important needs.
With Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf’s March 25 “Stay at Home” order, Penn State has updated the status of its Abington, Brandywine and Great Valley campuses. This new order supersedes the previous order on March 12 that effectively closed the three campuses. With the governor’s new order, this means that HRG10, the University’s policy governing weather-related absences and closedowns, is no longer in effect. Additional details are available on Penn State News.
- Dining operations will remain the same as those offered during spring break housing. For the limited number of students who remain in on-campus housing, the University is serving meals seven days a week in one dining commons and one on-campus convenience store also will be open daily.
- Campus Recreation facilities, programs and services at University Park campus are closed.
- University Libraries' physical locations are closed. Virtual library services and resources remain open, and faculty and staff are available remotely to assist with Penn State academic and research needs.
- University computer labs are closed.
- All retail eateries in the HUB-Robeson Center and the retail operation of the Penn State Bookstore have closed as of March 17. Public access to the HUB also will be restricted as part of the closure.
- The Panera Bread in Kern Building is closed at this time.
- Penn State’s Berkey Creamery is closing its retail store at University Park until further notice, although online sales are continuing.
- The Pasquerilla Spiritual Center and Eisenhower Chapel, which houses the Center for Spiritual and Ethical Development, are currently closed.
The University has made the decision to temporarily close the Bennett Family Center and the Child Care Center at Hort Woods effective Monday, March 16, until further notice. Centers managed by Bright Horizons at Penn State's Harrisburg and Behrend campuses, as well as Daybridge in Innovation Park, are also temporarily closed effective Monday, March 16, until further notice. Families will be informed of any changes to the operations of the child care centers.
Penn State health and safety officials are closely monitoring the global outbreak of respiratory illness caused by a new strain of coronavirus and making decisions for our facilities based on evolving federal and state guidance and in an abundance of caution in the efforts underway to stop its spread — globally and in our community.
At this time, The Penn Stater and Nittany Lion Inn will be closed for the foreseeable future. These decisions have been made with the health of our employees and guests in mind.
For questions about current reservations, please call 800-233-7505 or email reservations@psu.edu.
For specific information, contact your local LaunchBox. In keeping with statewide guidance to close all nonessential public spaces, Penn State’s physical LaunchBox locations are closed until further notice. Depending on programming at individual locations, some support services, accelerator programs and events / workshops will be held online. Others have been postponed or canceled.
With Gov. Tom Wolf’s order that all non-life-sustaining businesses in Pennsylvania close their physical locations, Penn State Transportation Services has announced that the following operational changes are now in effect and will continue until further notice:
— The Parking Office and Fleet Operations offices are closed. Customers with questions may reach staff by emailing parking@psu.edu or fleet@psu.edu. Fleet customers who need to fuel their vehicles may use their assigned fuel card at any local fueling station.
— Weekend parking regulations are in effect for permit holders, which means that all faculty/staff parking permits are valid in all faculty/staff parking areas and all student parking permits are valid in all parking areas normally available to them during evening and weekend hours. Visitors who need to park on campus may do so at no charge at the East, HUB and Nittany decks.
— Campus Shuttle and Hershey Shuttle service is suspended.
For updates on any changes to CATA service, visit catabus.com.
The Centre Area Transportation Authority (CATA) has announced that it will continue to operate on a modified service schedule, effective March 25 and until further notice.
CATA has ceased the operation of all routes, with the exception of the HM (Nittany Mall/Toftrees), NV (Harvershire/Martin/Vairo/Toftrees), P (Tussey Mountain), RP (Waupelani Drive/Downtown), and W (Valley Vista) routes and the Blue Loop and Red Link, all of which are operating on a modified service schedule with reduced frequencies.
All service now operates 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday. There is no weekend service.
In addition, to protect its employees and the community and encourage social distancing, CATA is not currently collecting fares on any of its services (including CATABUS, CATARIDE and CATAGO!). Passengers on fixed route service who are able to are encouraged to board the bus from the rear door (any passenger using a mobility device would still board the bus through the front door).
Additional information, including details about modified route schedules, is available at https://catabus.com/reduced-service/ and on Penn State News.
Yes, however, to reduce the potential for person-to-person contact during the coronavirus outbreak, the University Health Services Pharmacy at University Park will no longer allow walk-ins and instead will only provide prescriptions by mail or curbside pickup, available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, until further notice.
Additional details are available in this Penn State News story.
Commencement and events
As was announced on April 6, the University is excited to recognize our students on May 9 with a virtual commencement ceremony, which is in line with orders from Gov. Wolf related to social distancing during the growing COVID-19 pandemic. This is all with a focus on the health and safety of our students and their families.
In addition, Penn State remains committed to inviting the Class of 2020 back to campus for in-person celebrations when public health guidelines permit this to occur.
Additional details are available on Penn State News.
The virtual ceremony on May 9 is a way, during this time of social distancing, to more immediately recognize the completion of our students’ academic experience and to mark this significant milestone in their lives. We view the virtual commencement as the first step in recognition of the Class of 2020, which has endured the loss of multiple experiences in their final semester. A virtual commencement also will allow those graduates who are unable to travel back to their campus due to other circumstances, (e.g. employment, cost, family obligations) to take part and be recognized.
The Class of 2020 deserves a just reward for the hard-earned academic accomplishments of its members. When social restrictions are lifted and medical experts determine we can move forward with an in-person event, Penn State will set a date for those who are interested and who have the ability to come back together in celebration.
Penn State leaders have discussed the possible recognition of the Class of 2020 with many individuals, including student leaders. Their input has been invaluable.
The virtual ceremony will be streamed live across the globe and the ceremony will feature formal remarks, musical performances and sharable digital slides honoring each graduate. Each graduate will be recognized individually.
Penn State is committed to holding an in-person celebration for the Class of 2020 when health guidelines permit and the well-being of students and families is no longer in jeopardy due to COVID-19. We are exploring potential dates, logistics and activities for this recognition of nearly 14,000 graduates at all levels in the Class of 2020. We will continue to plan, with contingencies in place, given the uncertain nature of the pandemic.
Commencement marks a milestone in the life of students and it is certainly a time for joy and celebration. We would not want to miss this opportunity, as Penn State is an institution defined by its community.
Under normal circumstances and on a case-by-case basis, graduates in the past have been granted the ability to participate at ceremonies other than the one designated. However, with 14,000 students expected to graduate in May 2020, due to the logistics Penn State does not have the ability to combine graduations. Also, in addition to graduates, May ceremonies usually attract more than 100,000 people to University Park alone. Increasing the number of students receiving their degrees at any one time and increasing the expected audience size makes it unrealistic to consider combining ceremonies.
The University is exploring multiple locations, dates and options for an in-person celebration for the Class of 2020. At this time, due to the directives given by the governor, this is not possible.
The virtual ceremony will recognize all Penn State undergraduate students and all graduate students in the Penn State Graduate School.
The College of Medicine, Dickinson Law, Penn State Law, and Penn College will manage their own celebrations and communicate directly to their graduates.
Yes. If you would like to purchase a cap and gown to commemorate your accomplishments, you may still order your cap and gown directly from Jostens.
Yes. Your diploma will be mailed to the diploma address (if applicable) or permanent address set in LionPATH after all degree requirements are met.
You may contact graduation@psu.edu.
Regardless of the size of the meeting or event, all nonessential meetings and events should be canceled, rescheduled, or offered virtually until May 15. Aligned with the governor and national guidelines, the University will further limit the size of essential meetings. Any essential meetings that are held should maintain good social distancing practices, including ample space between participants (i.e., approximately 6 feet). No new nonessential gatherings with more than 10 individuals should be scheduled. For essential meetings or events expected to have more than 10 attendees, approval to hold the gathering must be sought from Executive Vice President and Provost Nicholas P. Jones at provost@psu.edu. All requests should include a description of how social distancing will be maintained during the event.
Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics also has announced the cancellation of competition through the academic year, including the Blue-White spring football game.
Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics has announced the cancellation of competition through the academic year, including the Blue-White spring football game.
Classes and academics for faculty and instructors
Remote teaching resources
Visit https://remoteteaching.psu.edu/ for resources and varying approaches for instructors to quickly adapt courses through Canvas, Kaltura and Zoom.
The university has multiple resources available to help faculty members successfully make this transition. Instructors have the following available options:
- Reach out to colleagues who have experience in teaching remotely and online.
- Instructional design support to help develop alternative methods and pedagogies.
- remoteteaching@psu.edu that offers a quick start to delivering courses remotely through tools such as Canvas, Kaltura, and Zoom.
For answers to frequently asked questions about remote teaching, visit https://remoteteaching.psu.edu/faq/.
Instructors whose required course materials are not currently available digitally via Canvas should submit an electronic reserve request using the University Libraries’ request form https://libraries.psu.edu/psulib_eres/eres for required materials.
Should physical course materials on reserve be available in digital form in the Libraries’ catalog, those materials will be linked to the course upon request. If physical content is not in the catalog in digital form, the Libraries will scan portions of required course material for short-term, temporary use, in a manner that respects Fair Use rights, the rights of copyright holders, and current copyright law.
The importance of maintaining connection, even if virtual, is vital for student success. Students should be talking frequently with their faculty and their advisers as building and emphasizing the importance of that connectedness is critical. We encourage both students and faculty to seek opportunities to connect with each other as they engage in teaching and learning remotely.
Penn State has years of experience providing online education, advising, and academic support services through World Campus. Additionally, the Schreyer Institute for Teaching Excellence, and Teaching and Learning with Technology, are known for instructional support for all faculty. To address the need to support faculty and students as Penn State moved rapidly to remote learning, these units combined their resources, including engaging a cadre a of instructional designers across the university. Together these units responded by consolidating resources to assist faculty create effective educational experiences for students, and to support students thrive in a remote learning space. They continue to work together to add to the initial set of resources and respond to the needs of faculty, advisors, and students.
For faculty and advisErs, a set of compiled resources, connections to direct support for transitioning to remote teaching, and updates related to remote teaching can be found at https://remoteteaching.psu.edu/.
For students, a set of compiled resources, connections to direct support for transitioning to remote learning, and a set of FAQs about remote learning can be found at https://remotelearning.psu.edu/.
No. Faculty should adopt a camera-optional practice for teaching through Zoom. A camera-optional approach respects student issues such as access and equity (some may not have cameras on their devices), safety and security (some may be deployed military or in need of safety or privacy), and religious strictures. Faculty members who previously did not take attendance in their in-person classrooms should continue to respect that their students will attend remotely. Faculty who took attendance previously should explore manual and automatic options for taking attendance through Zoom. For help with these options, visit remoteteaching.psu.edu/training. If a faculty member chooses to record a Zoom session, student participation during the session should not be required. Students should be provided the choice to opt-out from identification in the recording by muting their audio, disabling video, and not typing into the chat window. In these cases, students should still be considered in attendance and should not penalized in any way.
Penn State IT and Teaching and Learning with Technology have developed a knowledge base article that provides step-by-step instructions for securing Zoom sessions from would-be hijackers. Additionally, if one of your courses is hijacked, report the incident to University Police.
Additional details are available on Penn State News.
Class schedules, exams and workflow
All courses should be delivered synchronously at the time that they are scheduled. This is important for three reasons. First, it will avoid time conflicts that will otherwise arise if faculty are independently moving the time of their classes. Second, while there is confidence in the technology, spreading out delivery will maximize our technological resources. Third, students who receive financial aid through the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) state grant program may lose access to this aid if courses are not delivered synchronously.
Travel guidance
Visit the "travel and study abroad" section below for complete travel guidance for students, faculty and staff.
Candidate interviews and visiting scholars
While faculty searches may proceed, academic units are asked to make use of virtual modalities such as Zoom to prioritize the health of candidates and participants, and their families. In acknowledgement of the guidance issued by Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf, all scheduled on-site campus interviews for domestic candidates should be held virtually or rescheduled for after March 30 and for international candidates after April 20; please note that these dates will likely change as guidance is updated. Because it is likely these dates will be advanced, units have the authority to either postpone the search or decide to conduct an entirely virtual search. As you structure the interview process, please strive to make interviews as consistent as possible for each candidate. As always, make certain that the evaluation of all applicants is based on the extent to which applicants meet the criteria for the position.
Not at this time. All visitors scheduled to arrive on campus prior to May 11, 2020, will be asked to reschedule their visits.
Research, tenure and promotion impacts
Penn State's Office of the Vice President for Research has released comprehensive guidance, available at https://www.research.psu.edu/covid.
With the rapidly evolving circumstances regarding COVID-19 and our focus on social distancing and the health and well-being of the community, the Office of the Senior Vice President for Research, in consultation with the Vice Dean for Research and Graduate Studies in the College of Medicine, has issued revised standards related to laboratory research. Specifically, principal investigators should immediately begin preparing for all on-campus research to be reduced to essential research-related activities only by March 24.
Limited access to laboratories will be maintained so that essential research-related activities can continue. Guidance for researchers, including how to define essential research, a check list to ramp down lab operations and other lab protocols, is available at https://www.research.psu.edu/covid_labs.
Given the unprecedented challenges this semester, it is unreasonable to expect that faculty members can make normal progress in all areas of faculty activity: teaching, research and service.
The cancellation of conferences and other research-related travel, reduced access to labs, the suspension of research involving human subjects, and other factors understandably impede scholarly activity. Faculty members also are balancing many professional and personal demands during this period of uncertainty.
In acknowledgement of the COVID-19 crisis and its extraordinary impacts on our faculty, Penn State will be extending the provisional tenure period starting with the 2020-2021 academic year for all faculty in their pre-tenure probationary period, as defined in University policy AC23. This stay in the provisional tenure period will not count toward the two-stay limit. Any faculty members wanting to go through the tenure process "on time" (i.e., at their previously scheduled time) may do so without requesting permission for early-tenure consideration. The University will provide more guidance in the coming weeks regarding the implementation of this change.
Reviews for tenure and promotion that are already in progress will continue as scheduled because they are based on work completed before the COVID-19 crisis.
Personal resources
Visit the resources and support section below for information about services available to students and employees.
Employee impacts
Reporting to work, telecommuting and child care
In the face of this unprecedented national and global crisis, Penn State is meeting its education, research and service mission through the extraordinary contributions of all of our employees. We could not be prouder of our community’s response.
While most of our employees are working remotely, some who perform mission-critical functions, categorized as such by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, are required on site, provided they adhere to proper social distancing guidelines.
The safety and well-being of all Penn State employees is our priority. We are working diligently to meet the PPE and other safety-related requirements that keep our employees safe, and enable them to deliver these services, which include things like housing, IT, maintenance, utility systems, and lab and animal care, to name a few.
To be clear, this is consistent with published guidance from the Pennsylvania Department of Education, which we have confirmed with that office.
It’s important to keep in mind that our campuses are mostly empty. Buildings can be accessed only by approved personnel. And of course, if there was a safety concern associated with any of our buildings, we would close and disinfect them, in accordance with stringent public health practices.
Some — though not most — technical service employees have indicated they will refuse to work on-site to perform these functions without being paid additional compensation. Such actions are neither justified nor provided for in our union contracts, and will not be permitted.
It is important to understand that, in the auxiliary units alone, our estimated revenue losses for the semester will exceed $95.6 million. (Penn State’s overall revenue losses incurred as we fulfill our mission in a depressed economy will be much higher.) It’s these revenues that provide the base funding for employees' salaries.
In the face of these revenue losses, Penn State has made a commitment to pay the full salary of all our auxiliary and other workers through at least April 30. This will provide needed time for the University to develop a strategy to mitigate the potential financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on employees and local communities, and help to see that our employees do not experience an abrupt financial dislocation.
We value each and every employee at Penn State, and know we can count on you to help get us through this challenging time, and continue to provide for our students and communities the world-class education and life-affirming research and service our university is known for. The students, families and communities we serve have never relied on us more than now.
Penn State Environmental Health and Safety (EHS), in coordination with University Health Services and Human Resources, has developed new protocols related to COVID-19 to help protect the health of employees who are continuing to perform mission-critical functions on campus.
These processes include instructions for supervisors who are responding to reported COVID-19 cases in their work units and guidance for employees working on campus. In addition, they include direction for employees to contact Penn State Absence Management at absence@psu.edu or 814-865-1782 if they are self-quarantining, exposed to or develop symptoms of the virus.
Additional details are available on Penn State News.
Penn State is directing all faculty and staff who can work from home to continue to do so through at least the end of the spring 2020 semester on May 8. During this time, faculty will continue to teach their courses and most staff will continue to perform their job responsibilities remotely.
Additional details are available on Penn State News.
The University continues to operate. With the extension of remote course delivery, faculty will continue fulfilling their teaching obligations. Staff who are able to telecommute will continue to do so. Some staff are still needed on campus to fulfill critical roles. The University will work individually with staff whose particular job responsibilities make telecommuting difficult and are taking into very serious consideration the health and financial well-being of our employees.
Faculty members are expected to meet their faculty obligations during this period, including conducting online instruction for classes. All courses should be taught synchronously at the time that they are scheduled. This is important for three reasons. First, it will avoid time conflicts that will otherwise arise for students if faculty are independently moving the time of their classes. Second, students who receive financial aid through the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) state grant program will lose access to this aid if courses are not delivered synchronously. Finally, this will enable our technology to function well and support course delivery.
As a follow-up to Executive Vice President and Provost Nicholas P. Jones' March 20 announcement, it is important that everyone who can work from home do so immediately and completely until otherwise notified.
These arrangements will allow for the safety of our employees by promoting social distancing and will be needed to flatten the curve for the current pandemic.
To provide our employees with the necessary tools and resources needed to perform their ongoing work remotely, Penn State Human Resources has created a remote work website. This site will provide our employees and managers/supervisors with valuable information to help them as they transition into remote working, including a page with answers to frequently asked questions.
For any further questions, please direct them to your specific Human Resources Strategic Partner and/or Consultant.
Yes, if their position is one that lends itself to telecommuting. The telecommuting guidelines permit flexible scheduling, so long as the employee is able to meet their obligations and be available when asked to be available by their supervisor.
For staff members whose position does not lend itself to telecommuting, we’re encouraging leaders to be as flexible as possible, as creative as possible and looking at opportunities for telecommuting. For example, there may be work that lends itself to telecommuting that simply haven’t been done in the unit — projects, for example. And so we ask all employees to work with their unit leadership and their HR representative to think creatively about the kinds of work they can take on during the time of change and transition for the organization
To provide our employees with the necessary tools and resources needed to perform their work remotely, Penn State Human Resources has created a remote work website. This site will provide our employees and managers/supervisors with valuable information to help them as they transition into remote working, including a page with answers to frequently asked questions.
The University has made the decision to temporarily close the Bennett Family Center and the Child Care Center at Hort Woods effective Monday, March 16, until further notice. Centers managed by Bright Horizons at Penn State's Harrisburg and Behrend campuses, as well as Daybridge in Innovation Park, are also temporarily closed effective Monday, March 16, until further notice. Families will be informed of any changes to the operations of the child care centers.
Penn State Information Technology has created a website to answer your questions and provide links to resources that faculty and staff may need to prepare for their remote work.
To give University employees appropriate time to complete their 2019-20 performance management cycle, Penn State Human Resources is extending the time needed to complete the final step of the process (end-of-year review) to Friday, May 1, through Friday, July 31.
Previously, this step was to begin on Wednesday, April 1, with completion by Sunday, May 31. However, due to the current coronavirus pandemic, Human Resources, in agreement with University leadership, believed it was in the best interest of our employees to extend the time frame.
Additional details are available on Penn State News.
Pay and compensation
Penn State has made a commitment to pay the full salary of all workers through at least April 30, in the face of revenue losses in the University’s auxiliary units. This will provide needed time for the University to better assess and develop a strategy to mitigate the potential financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on employees and local communities. We value the work and dedication of our faculty and staff during this unprecedented global crisis, and we want to make sure employees do not experience an abrupt financial hardship.
Additional details are available on Penn State News.
It is important to note that there are not plans for a sudden transition on April 30. The University shared information about the decision to pay employees and student workers through April 30 in order to help members of our community manage their short-term financial needs. This decision enables the University to take time to think through how to best conduct financial planning to minimize the potential need for further actions should this situation and a challenged economy continue. Further, it gives the University time to consult with the Board of Trustees, and to take active steps, like advocating for stimulus support, and determining how available state or federal funds may help Penn State navigate these challenging times. The University anticipates being able to share with our community by mid-April decisions regarding any pay changes, furloughs and/or lay-offs, which, if necessary, would not take effect until May, at the earliest.
To help mitigate the potential financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on employees, Penn State has made a commitment to pay the salaries of all employees, including student workers, through at least April 30, in the face of revenue losses in the University’s auxiliary units. This includes full and part time faculty and staff, technical service employees, union employees, hourly wage workers, work study students, and paid student interns.
The academic mission of the University is paramount as we engage in a strategic budgeting process in response to COVID-19. Our faculty are core to the implementation of that mission and we aim to support faculty to the extent possible as we move forward. Faculty, like all Penn State employees, will be compensated for any work performed. Any faculty member engaged in teaching a course will receive full compensation for the course taught. Those faculty members who have a 36-week appointment period and are paid over 12 months will receive their salary as specified in their offer letter.
At this time, the University’s focus is on working through various strategies and potential options with the goal to minimize impacts for employees where possible. As soon as more information is available we will share it.
The University’s commitment is for all employees, including essential and non-essential technical service employees. The University is developing financial plans given closures and losses in self-generated revenue that fund auxiliary and other units’ operations, including Penn State’s two hotel and conference centers, the airport, and housing and food services. More information will be shared as soon as available.
Yes. The University’s commitment is for all employees, including union employees.
Penn State is directing all faculty and staff who can work from home to continue to do so through at least the end of the spring semester. During this time, faculty will continue to teach their courses and most staff will continue to perform their job responsibilities remotely. Faculty and staff will continue to be paid normally while performing their job responsibilities remotely.
This measure is a continuation of the guidance the University provided last week after Gov. Tom Wolf ordered all non-life-sustaining businesses in Pennsylvania to close. Recognizing that telecommuting is not possible for every employee and that each campus, college and unit has different needs, the University said that every employee who can work from home should do so.
Employee and family health
The health of the Penn State community is our highest priority, and we must all do our part in preventing the possible spread of coronavirus. Penn State faculty and staff are encouraged to stay home if they feel sick, particularly if they have a fever. We are asking faculty and employee supervisors to be flexible with work and class absences.
At this time, faculty and staff that are self-quarantining should reach out to Absence Management directly at absence@psu.edu or 814-865-1782.
Per HR16 employees are eligible for unpaid leave up to one month if they are within their first six months of employment. If employed over six months, additional unpaid leave is available. Please refer to the policy for the outline of eligible leave based on your length of employment at the time your leave begins. Please contact Absence Management for leave information and required documentation.
See HRG11 Family and Medical Leave.
Additional details are available at https://hr.psu.edu/covid-19-coronavirus.
Travel guidance
Visit the "travel and study abroad" section below for complete travel guidance for students, faculty and staff.
Personal resources
Visit the resources and support section below for information about services available to students and employees.
Travel and study abroad
General travel guidance
All University-sponsored domestic air travel is suspended between now and May 11. We strongly encourage minimizing campus-to-campus travel. Alternative forms of meeting, such as Zoom, are encouraged. We have placed restrictions on university-sponsored travel and though we cannot dictate decision-making pertaining to other professional and personal travel, such travel is strongly discouraged. If travel is essential, requests should be screened by and submitted through unit executives to the Executive Vice President and Provost, Nicholas P. Jones, at provost@psu.edu and include a description of how the travel is mission critical. For ARL, essential travel will be reviewed by the Senior Vice President for Research, Lora G. Weiss, at OSVPRTravel@psu.edu. For the College of Medicine, essential travel will be reviewed by the Dean of the College of Medicine, Kevin Black, at dean@pennstatehealth.psu.edu.
Effective immediately and until further notice, all university-sponsored international travel is suspended. This includes new travel as well as any currently booked trips between now and May 11. If travel is considered essential, requests should be submitted by unit executives to the Executive Vice President and Provost, Nicholas P. Jones, at provost@psu.edu and include a description of how the travel is mission critical. For ARL, essential travel will be reviewed by the Senior Vice President for Research, Lora G. Weiss, at OSVPRTravel@psu.edu. For the College of Medicine, essential travel will be reviewed by the Dean of the College of Medicine, Kevin Black, at dean@pennstatehealth.psu.edu. Any member of our community returning from a CDC Level 3 country is required to self-quarantine for 14 days before returning to campus.
On March 19, the U.S. Department of State issued a worldwide Level 4: Do Not Travel advisory and is advising all travelers to return home to the U.S., their home country of residence, or prepare to shelter in place until further notice. Penn State is extending the same guidance to all students, faculty and staff who remain abroad or may be planning to travel internationally.
Penn State is urging faculty, staff and students to be vigilant and to continue to exercise good judgment to stay as safe as possible. We have placed restrictions on University-affiliated travel and though we cannot dictate decision-making pertaining to other professional and personal travel, such travel is strongly discouraged. In addition to the risk to their personal health, travelers should be aware of the elevated risk to other members of the community — including individuals with compromised immune systems and the elderly — should they become infected and return to campus.
Travelers should consult the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website for the latest travel health notices, and research the restrictions imposed in the country they plan to visit, as well as any U.S. government restrictions that could impact their return to the United States, as the global travel situation is changing frequently.
Consistent with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendations for travelers returning to the United States, Penn State is requiring a 14-day quarantine period for travelers from CDC Level 3 countries before they return to campus. Penn State strongly recommends against personal travel to CDC Level 3 countries.
Consistent with CDC requirements for travelers returning to the United States from CDC “Level 3” countries, Penn State is requiring a 14-day self-quarantine period for travelers before they are permitted on campus. Students and employees who traveled to one of these countries must isolate themselves from others in their place of dwelling while monitoring for signs and symptoms of illness. Since most students will be returning to a home away from campus, students and their families should follow the same recommendations and advice.
For a full listing of steps, visit https://sites.psu.edu/virusinfo/traveler-info/.
Students, faculty and staff returning from all other countries (now designated as CDC “Level 2”) also are strongly encouraged to follow University guidelines for returning travelers.
Employee guidance
Students, study abroad
Following the U.S. Department of State’s March 19 decision to issue a worldwide Level 4: Do Not Travel advisory, Penn State canceled all remaining study abroad programming and directed all Penn State students, whether on study abroad or traveling individually, to return home. All Penn State travelers still currently abroad have been contacted with recommendations for returning home. If they are unable to travel, Penn State has provided students with guidance on sheltering in place.
Further, Penn State is strongly encouraging all faculty and staff to follow the guidance outlined by the U.S. Department of State. As previously announced, and until further notice, all University-sponsored international travel is suspended. This includes new travel as well as any currently booked trips between now and May 11, unless otherwise authorized by the provost.
Previously, Penn State has placed China, Italy, South Korea and Europe, including the United Kingdom and Ireland, on the restricted list for University-affiliated international travel for students and canceled student programming in those countries. Penn State also has canceled all spring break travel abroad for embedded courses and student organizations, as well as all summer education abroad courses and University-affiliated student group travel through August 2020.
The University is providing voluminous information to students and parents through its web presence and other communications, including the parent portal, social media and direct emails. We are working to beef up the parent portal to make sure that parents of students at all Penn State campuses receive direct, targeted messages with information and guidance. Student Affairs is working with Strategic Communications to establish a dedicated Student & Family Information Line related to coronavirus concerns. We’re also working with various federal, state, and local agencies to consider what monitoring and support from the University will be required to encourage safe and constructive practices related to self-quarantining.
The situation is fluid and can change at any time regardless of which country they find themselves in during travel. Should a traveler be quarantined, Penn State will work to provide support as necessary. Travelers should notify the Global Safety Office of any international quarantines.
All travelers have been contacted via email by Global Programs Education Abroad office and/or the Global Safety Office with information on the current situation as it relates to coronavirus and their specific location and program. Penn State’s travel recommendations are captured on the university website for coronavirus. Penn State will send weekly emails to all international travelers with updated guidance.
Penn State’s ability to assist Education Abroad students with returning home is becoming increasingly compromised with new travel restrictions being imposed across different countries. For this reason, we strongly encourage all students to end their Education Abroad studies and return to their homes.
The welfare of students is our top priority, and we are assisting students who are fearful or unable to return to their home country. Students seeking more information and assistance with summer plans regarding University Park break housing should visit https://housing.psu.edu/break-accessholiday-housing for more details and contact information, or contact the Housing and Food Service office at their Commonwealth Campus.
Admissions
We are working to help people through this process, as we understand the significant distress our future Penn State students and their families may be experiencing as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
We have discussions daily on these topics. For now, students can still apply to the University Park campus through May 1 and to Commonwealth Campuses through July 31. Applications continue to be processed as usual on a rolling basis.
While we encourage students to accept their offers of admission by May 1 and to begin their transition activities, students who need additional time may go to their MyPennState portals to be automatically granted an extension until June 1.
We encourage applicants to reach out to us to discuss their unique circumstances. Students and/or their school counselors can send an email to admissions@psu.edu or call 1-814-865-5471.
In addition, out of an abundance of caution in protecting all members of the Penn State community, we announced that all activities relating to admitted student programs, prospective student events, and campus visitation are suspended through May 15. In lieu of on-campus events, visit admissions.psu.edu/experience for virtual events and resources so students can experience Penn State right from their home.
For additional information, visit https://admissions.psu.edu/coronavirus/.
As a result of University efforts to engage in social distancing to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, all on-campus and off-campus visit programs are canceled through May 15. Guests who have registered for events prior to May 15 have been notified by email of their cancellation.
Prospective students can engage with Penn State through virtual visits, watching presentations, taking virtual tours, and connecting with your campus of interest, and more. Information is available at admissions.psu.edu/experience.
Individual questions about the admissions process can be directed to admissions@psu.edu or 1-814-865-5471. For additional information, visit https://admissions.psu.edu/coronavirus/.
Penn State wants to help support our future students impacted by the outbreak. We understand that fulfilling all parts of the application process may be difficult at this time, so we will remain flexible and work with students on a case-by-case basis. We continue to encourage students to submit applications and supporting documentation, including test scores (SAT or ACT) whenever possible.
The Undergraduate Admissions Office continues to operate, just differently through phones, live chats, email, Zoom appointments, and a growing number of scheduled live events online. Applications are being processed, mail is being opened, and notifications of admission decisions are being sent.
While we can’t invite prospective students to visit our campuses at this time, our staff are available to answer questions in any other format – visit admissions.psu.edu/experience to connect with us.
All of higher education is considering this very question – and most enrollment managers aren’t going to have any way to project with accuracy where enrollment will land. Just like all businesses and any operation in the U.S., or world, right now – the immediate future is unknown, but we are doing our best to reach and assist prospective students in ways that we can.
Our goal is to be available, given our resources located across the commonwealth to support individual students and their needs. Our campuses will exercise as much flexibility as possible for students with unique challenges, and families should reach out to individual campuses directly for any specific requests. Many prospective students have already experienced disappointment of a truncated senior year of high school and now face an uncertain start of college. We are working to assist in any way we can.
In addition, Penn State admissions counselors are available to meet with students one-on-one by phone. We recognize that the closure of high schools inhibits Penn State’s ability to make high school visits and the closures may delay communication with high school counselors. All of this change has reduced the opportunities for students to discuss and finalize their college decisions. Penn State admissions counselors are available by phone to answer questions about the academic and social opportunities at Penn State and to support individual students as they finalize their admissions decisions. We encourage applicants to reach out to us to discuss their unique circumstances. Students and/or their school counselors can send an email to admissions@psu.edu or call 1-814-865-5471.
Penn State values the diversity of its international population and welcomes students from across the globe. We will continue to monitor any international travel restrictions and must adhere to the decisions made by the U.S. government. The higher education organizations to which Penn State belongs have all been in contact with the federal government seeking guidance, clarification and information on the status of our international students and scholars.
Penn State’s student aid office is processing student aid applications and communicating to prospective students and families on a continual basis. Students and their families can visit studentaid.psu.edu/future-students for current information.
The Graduate School at Penn State is continuously monitoring developments related to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak, and doing everything possible to support applicants who may be affected. We understand that many testing services have suspended operations, and graduate programs at Penn State have been encouraged to extend their deadlines for applicants who may have been impacted by the suspension of testing services and other restrictions caused by the outbreak. Graduate Enrollment Services is taking this and other extenuating circumstances into consideration as we review applications and work with our admitted students. For applicants who have been admitted and are impacted by the outbreak, we encourage you to contact your graduate program regarding your specific situation.
For additional information and updates, visit http://gradschool.psu.edu/.
Resources and support
Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) at University Park is open for services. Students can receive services by calling CAPS at 814-863-0395 to schedule a phone appointment to discuss their concerns and review treatment options. If students have immediate urgent concerns, they can contact CAPS Monday through Friday (8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET), the Penn State Crisis Line 24/7 at 877-229-6400, or the 24/7 CrisisTextLine (Text “LIONS” to 741741).
Services and hours will vary by campus location. Please contact your local office at https://studentaffairs.psu.edu/counseling/caps-campuses.
For a full list of resources available to students and other members of the Penn State community, visit https://sites.psu.edu/virusinfo/contacts-and-resources-for-penn-staters/.
For a full list of resources available to students and other members of the Penn State community, visit https://sites.psu.edu/virusinfo/contacts-and-resources-for-penn-staters/.
The Office of Student Care and Advocacy and Counseling & Psychological Services are two resources that stand ready to support any student requiring attention to immediate financial or academic issues or counseling needs arising from the many changes and uncertainties caused by the global coronavirus outbreak.
Student Care and Advocacy
studentaffairs.psu.edu/studentcare
814-863-2020
StudentCare@psu.edu
Counseling & Psychological Services
studentaffairs.psu.edu/counseling
814-863-0395
24-hour Crisis Line: 1-877-229-6400
Commonwealth Campus Counseling Services
We know there are many students who are experiencing financial stress. The University has worked to adjust the pre-existing Student Emergency Fund to meet the growing needs of our student community during this pandemic crisis by making this a deliberate part of the University’s fundraising efforts. Students who are in need should reach out to the Student Care and Advocacy Office, which has increased its staffing to meet the influx of applications and help evaluate and assist students in the most dire situations. Additional resources for students, as well as faculty and staff, are listed at https://sites.psu.edu/virusinfo/contacts-and-resources-for-penn-staters/.
For a full list of resources available to students and other members of the Penn State community, visit https://sites.psu.edu/virusinfo/contacts-and-resources-for-penn-staters/.
For employees needing support, the Penn State Employee Assistance Program (EAP), through the EAP+Work/Life program, offers short-term counseling from licensed EAP professionals, by phone, email or in person to help employees better cope with personal, family and work issues. EAP also offers access to Personal Health Advocates, who can help navigate healthcare and insurance systems, efficiently and dependably. More information is available at https://hr.psu.edu/health-matters/employee-assistance-program.