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Coronavirus Campus Information
Penn State Behrend is working to ensure the safety and health of our students, faculty, staff, and visitors as we prepare for a robust, in-person fall semester. Masks are required indoors on campus, and vaccines are strongly encouraged.
Questions and Answers
UPDATED: Friday, September 24, at 1:30 p.m.
For the most up-to-date information on masking and vaccination requirements, please see the Health and Safety section.
This site provides access to the most up-to-date information on Penn State's response to the coronavirus, as well as related campus-specific information. You also may find the following websites useful.
- KeepLearning.psu.edu: This dedicated website for students offers support for learning, resources for academic advising and tutoring, and contact information.
- KeepTeaching.psu.edu: Course instructors visiting the site will find information on effective teaching, technology training, webinars, and support as they update and teach their courses.
- VirusInfo.psu.edu: Penn State’s main website provides links to the latest news and answers to frequently asked questions about the University’s response to the coronavirus pandemic. The site’s resources page also contains links to dedicated resources for students and employees; information on testing, contact tracing, and monitoring for the campus community; classroom and office guidance; and policies on masking and social distancing.
Choose any of these links for information and answers.
- Academic Information
- Health and Safety
- Housing and Food Services
- Admissions
- Tuition and Other Money Matters
- Student Support Services
If you have additional questions not answered here:
Before visiting our offices in person, please reach out by phone, email, or virtual Zoom appointments. For a list of departments, visit the Penn State Behrend directory.
Academic Information
Fall 2021 classes began August 23. Students can get answers to questions about advising and class instruction modes on the Keep Learning website.
Are Fall 2021 classes being held in person?
You can expect mostly in-person classes in Fall 2021, though a range of course delivery options will be offered. As Penn State continues to prioritize the health of its students, faculty, staff, and local communities, plans for expanded in-person classes have built-in flexibility to allow the University to quickly respond to changing pandemic conditions, if necessary.
Where can I go to attend a remote class if I'm on campus?
You are free to use quieter public areas and classrooms that are not in use. You are expected to follow masking and distancing requirements in all of these areas and wear headphones.
To provide additional on-campus remote learning spaces, outdoor WiFi has been extended to the top level of the Burke Parking Deck and the Nick Lot. The Nick Lot is reserved weekdays for commuter student wireless access only. (Parking permits are required.)
Health and Safety
Penn State is following CDC recommendations for masking indoors on campus. The University urges everyone who can get a COVID vaccine to do so as soon as possible.
Are masks required on campus?
Yes, indoors. Masks are required for all individuals—vaccinated and unvaccinated—while indoors on all Penn State campuses, including Behrend. This applies to classrooms, meeting spaces, and other shared public indoor areas. Students, faculty, staff, and visitors should plan to wear masks indoors on campus until the latest COVID surge subsides, at which time the University will update its requirement.
Is the COVID-19 vaccine mandatory at Penn State Behrend?
Penn State strongly encourages all students, faculty and staff to get vaccinated and to share that vaccination status with the University as soon as possible. Students who have not been fully vaccinated and/or have not shared their vaccination status with the University are required to test regularly for COVID-19 until they share that they have been vaccinated.
Students who test positive will be referred to isolation, and any unvaccinated students who are identified as close contacts will be referred to quarantine. Students who do not comply with testing requirements will face significant compliance consequences through Student Conduct.
What should I do if I require health services or experience symptoms when I’m on campus?
Before visiting the Health and Wellness Center, any member of the Behrend community requiring services of the center must first make an appointment in advance by calling 814-898-6217 or making an online appointment. If you experience COVID-19 symptoms, you should contact the center immediately for instructions to be tested.
Housing and Food Services
Here are answers to the most commonly asked questions about Housing and Food Services on campus.
Are masks required in dining halls? What about in on-campus residences?
While students are required to wear masks indoors, they are permitted to remove them to eat in designated food service areas. Masks are required in common areas in residence halls, but students living in residence halls are not required to wear a mask in their living space.
Admissions
We offer many options to connect with us and learn more about Penn State Behrend, including virtual visits and in-person campus tours.
I'm interested in Penn State Behrend. Can I visit campus?
We're happy to be able to offer campus visits, including an hour-long tour. Visitors must follow necessary safety guidelines. Learn more on our Visit Us page.
Tuition and Other Money Matters
Here are answers to common questions about tuition and bills. For answers to other questions you may have, contact the Penn State Behrend Bursar’s Office at 814-898-6224 or fill out a form online.
Can I talk to someone about my semester bill and financial aid?
Visit the websites of the Financial Aid and Bursar’s offices for contact information.
Student Support Services
Here are answers to the most commonly asked questions about student support services, including tutoring and counseling, on campus.
Where can I get help with computer technology?
The University can support students' remote learning technology needs through phone, email, and 24-7 online chat. Visit the Remote Learning Support page for details.
How can I get materials from Lilley Library?
Students, faculty, and staff are not able to physically browse collections at Lilley Library. Print materials are being quarantined for 96 hours between uses and must be requested for pickup through the “I Want It” button in the Libraries Catalog. Some materials are only available electronically and are not available in print form through the “I Want It” button. Those items can be checked out electronically by clicking the "Check out digital copy through HathiTrust" link in the catalog record. The University Libraries also offer access to electronic journal articles, streaming video, electronic databases, and more. For the most current notices and information, visit the Lilley Library website.
What if I’m having trouble adjusting to courses delivered in a remote format?
Peer tutors have experience learning online, both as students and tutors. They can help you meet the challenges related to different virtual formats, find gaps in your understanding of concepts, prepare for tests, get the most out of your textbooks, and study for your courses. Visit Behrend's Learning Resource Center page to learn more.
Is help available if I want to speak to a personal counselor?
If you’re feeling stressed or having any other problem, our Personal Counseling office is here to help—even remotely. Virtual appointments can be made by calling 814-898-6504.