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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 returned to campus and in-person classes resumed on February 15.
Questions and Answers
UPDATED: Monday, April 12, at 1:45 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.
- 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:
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.
Academic Information
The Spring 2021 semester began January 19 with a remote learning period. In-person classes resumed 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 are continuing in spring. Please contact the instructor of your courses if you have any questions.
Where can I go to attend a remote class if I'm on campus?
Whether you're a commuter student or a resident student, you can use one of several special Zoom Rooms/Remote Learning Spaces to connect to remote classes while on campus. These areas are located in Lilley Library, the Smith Chapel Living Room, and the lobby of Perry Hall. You also 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.)
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 occur 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.
What is happening with Spring 2021 commencement?
Behrend is planning to hold two in-person ceremonies to recognize Spring 2021 graduates. The events will be Saturday, May 8, outdoors at the Behrend Soccer Stadium. The morning ceremony, at 10:00 a.m., will be for graduates of the Black School of Business and the School of Science. The afternoon ceremony, at 3:00 p.m., will be for graduates of the School of Engineering and the School of Humanities and Social Sciences. Each graduate may bring two guests. Tickets are required for all who attend. For more information, visit the Behrend Commencement page.
What is being planned for Summer 2021 and Fall 2021 classes?
Penn State Behrend is planning a phased return to on-campus classes this summer in preparation to a full on-campus academic experience in the fall. Summer sessions will include remote and mixed-mode course delivery options, while maximizing opportunities for in-person courses. Fall semester classes are expected to return to the full on-campus learning environment. 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. Details of summer and fall course delivery plans can be found in this news article.
Health and Safety
Are masks required on campus?
Yes. All people on campus—including visitors—are required to wear cloth masks while in common areas. Masks should fit snugly over the nose and mouth. Students are expected to wear masks in classrooms and labs, in campus buildings, in common areas of residence halls, and while walking outside on campus. Masks are not required in individual residence hall rooms.
What happens if I don’t wear a mask to class?
Any student who fails to wear a mask to class or follow social distancing in a way that might put others at risk may be referred to the Office of Student Conduct and be required to participate in the University’s conduct process.
Did I have to be tested for COVID once in-person classes resume?
Yes. The University's universal testing plan means that all Behrend students taking in-person classes this semester or living within a 20-mile radius of any Penn State campus must participate in COVID-19 testing after returning to campus. Testing was conducted in Erie Hall on February 17-19. This was in addition to the pre-semester testing that students were instructed to undertake before the return to campus and is separate from random surveillance testing. Read more about the universal testing plan in this news story.
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. In addition to requiring student testing immediately following the return to campus, the University also will conduct random surveillance testing 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.
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.
What precautions are being taken to keep residence halls safe for students?
Residence halls, like all common buildings and dining facilities, are being cleaned on a daily basis by college staff. High-touch points are being given additional focus throughout the day. In residence halls, lounges have reduced-occupancy limits to support social distancing. Social distancing guidelines are posted in laundry rooms, kitchen areas, and other common areas.
Are visitors permitted in residence halls?
No. Guests from other residence halls are not permitted, and students may not visit other residence halls. Also, visitors from other colleges or communities are not permitted in any residence hall. This includes parents and family members.
What is being done to make dining facilities safe?
Enhanced safety measures are in place at all dining areas on campus, including modified seating areas, frequent cleaning, and employee wellness checks. In addition, a mobile ordering and pickup option, Penn State Eats, is available for convenient, contactless ordering and payment via the Penn State Go mobile app.
Admissions
We offer many options to connect with us and learn more about Penn State Behrend, including virtual visits and limited 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, to students who have been accepted or who are in the process of applying to Behrend. 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.
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 on 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.
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.