Getting Started

  • Offer Status: Once you have formally been offered admission, the next step is to accept your offer of admission and pay your acceptance fees. Once these fees have been recorded, you will begin to receive correspondence and literature from the campus regarding the primary activities that need to take place before you begin your academic endeavor.

  • Take Mathematics Placement Exam: If you are new to college or are transferring from another institution but do not have credits for mathematics, Penn State requires that you complete the ALEKS Mathematics test for proper placement.

  • Meet with Adviser and Schedule Courses: All Penn State Behrend students are assigned an academic adviser to assist you in planning courses to take for your major, to discuss your academic goals, and to assist you in your academic endeavors.

  • Set up Payment Options: Visit the Bursar website to find options for paying your tuition bill, filing for tax credit for educational expenses, claiming Employer Tuition Assistance, and more.

  • Obtain Penn State ID card and Access Account: You will need to obtain a Penn State photo identification card, which will enable you to access services such as the Lilley Library, meal plans, building and labs, Junker Center facilities, and sporting events, to name a few. The cards can be obtained at New Student Orientation or in Senat Hall. You'll also need to activate a Penn State Access Account.

  • Apply for a Parking Permit: All vehicles must be registered with Police Services. Parking permits are to be renewed each semester or academic year. All vehicles without a permit are subject to a fine. In addition, the Erie Metropolitan Transit Authority bus stops outside of the Reed Union Building on a regular basis and is free for students with proper Penn State ID. Schedules are available at the Reed Union Building Information Desk.

  • Purchase Books: The Campus Bookstore is located on the first floor of the Reed Union Building. View the Campus Map.