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Coronavirus Campus Information

Penn State Behrend began the Spring 2021 semester on January 19 with a remote-only learning period. Students should expect to return to campus for in-person classes on February 15.
Questions and Answers

UPDATED: Tuesday, January 19, 2021, at 4:30 p.m.

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 remote 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.

If you have additional questions not answered here:

Most offices at Penn State Behrend continue to work remotely and have been very successful in doing so. Please reach out to our offices by phone, email, or virtual Zoom appointments. For a list of departments, visit the Penn State Behrend directory.

Spring 2021 Academic Information

The Spring 2021 semester began January 19 with a remote learning period. In-person classes are expected to resume February 15. Students can get answers to other questions about advising and class instruction modes on the Keep Learning website.

When will the spring semester end?

The spring semester will end as scheduled on April 30. Final exams will run from May 3 to May 7.

What will happen with course delivery in the Spring 2021 semester?

The flexible instruction modes—in-person, mixed-mode, remote synchronous, or remote asynchronous—that were implemented in the Fall 2020 semester will continue in spring. Classes currently classified as in-person or mixed-mode began on January 19, but will be held in a remote fashion until February 15. Please contact the instructor of your courses if you have any questions.

What should I know about internship opportunities for the Spring 2021 semester?

Students may complete internships and off-site learning experiences either in person or virtually. Because in-person internships can take place in locations where conditions differ from Penn State campuses, the University will review requests for in-person internships. More information, as well as the internship exception form, is available on the Internship Guidelines page.

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Health and Safety

If I am returning to campus, will I have to be tested for COVID before coming back?

Yes. Students at all Penn State campuses, including Penn State Behrend, will be required to participate in COVID-19 testing and have a COVID-negative result from a University-provided test on file with the University within 72 hours before they are back on campus, move into on-campus housing, attend classes, utilize campus services, start on-campus activities, and/or participate in any approved internships or clinical experiences. This requirement extends to students who may be studying fully remotely but live within 20 miles of the Behrend campus and those who have remained on campus or lived near campus during the semester break. Students who have received a positive COVID test result within the 90-day window before returning and who have submitted documentation of that result are not required to participate in testing. Self-test kits are being provided to students at no cost. Use this Pre-semester Testing Checklist to determine your testing requirements and timeline and log into the "Know Your Status" portal to get started.

How can I get tested if I have to return to Behrend or to the Erie community early?

You are urged to postpone your return to the community unless it is essential for work, academic programs, or other important circumstances. If you must return before February 15, please follow the steps and timeline on the Pre-semester Testing Checklist and log into the "Know Your Status" portal portal to get started.

What are the plans for the spring semester in terms of testing, contact tracing, and isolation/quarantine?

As in the fall semester, Penn State will continue to identify location-based rises in cases, monitor data, conduct contact tracing, and provide quarantine and isolation space and support services, in accordance with updated Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendations. The testing plans call for all students who have returned to campus following pre-arrival testing—whether for classes, housing, employment, and/or to utilize campus services—to undergo a second round of COVID testing within two weeks of their return and subsequently participate, along with faculty and staff who are on campus, in random surveillance testing conducted on a daily basis throughout the spring semester. Details of the full scope of testing plans for the spring semester can be found in this news article.

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Admissions

For the safety of visitors and our community, prospective students and their families are encouraged to connect with Penn State Behrend virtually.

I'm interested in Penn State Behrend. Can I visit campus?

We want to get to know you, and for you to get to know us. That's why we offer many options to connect with us and learn more about Penn State Behrend. Even though in-person visits are temporarily paused, we encourage you to join us for a virtual visit, virtual appointment, or virtual tour. Learn ore on our Visit Us page.

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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.

Will room and board rates be reduced because of the shift to remote learning?

Yes. Students who live on campus will see the adjusted room and board rates on their spring bills. Please note that tuition costs will remain the same, no matter if instruction is remote or in person.

What are the Spring 2021 due dates for the installment payment plan?

The Spring 2021 due dates for the Penn State Installment Payment Plan are January 25, February 22, March 22, and April 22. Further details can be found at the Bursar's Office page under Quick Links.

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.

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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 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.

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Housing and Food Services

Here are answers to the most commonly asked questions about Housing and Food Services on campus.

Can I return to my on-campus residence to collect personal belongings before the start of in-person classes?

No. Students who live on campus should not come back to campus to collect belongings during the remote period. For students who need to retrieve essential belongings, arrangements may be able to be made depending on circumstances. Please contact the Behrend campus housing office at [email protected] or by calling 814-898-6161.

Will on-campus housing continue to be available during the remote learning period for those currently staying on campus for the winter break?

The University will work with students, including international students, who cannot make alternative housing arrangements and must return to campus during the remote period due to extenuating circumstances. Students should contact the Behrend housing office at [email protected] or call 814-898-6161.

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