- With more than thirty events, there is truly something for everyone. We will begin posting events in August and will continue to add events throughout the fall.
- Here's a sneak peek at a few events:
- Join us for the Chancellor's Ice Cream Social, Midnight Bingo (only earlier), and a Free Family Carnival and Picnic on Saturday.
- There will also be Glenhill Farmhouse tours, an all-academic school alumni reception, and much more!
- These events are complimentary and do not require a ticket purchase or reservation.
- There is a lot to celebrate at Penn State Behrend: a beautiful campus; talented faculty who foster academic excellence; a wide variety of extracurricular activities; the opportunity to develop close, lasting friendships; and so much more.
- Students are typically ready for a visit from home by this time in the semester. They may be tired and overwhelmed and in need of a little TLC (and maybe cookies). They are also somewhat settled into their new "home" at Penn State Behrend and may be excited to share what they have discovered with you!
- It's also a chance to experience something new at Behrend. Many of the events offered during Parents, Families & Alumni Weekend are not frequently open to families and guests, including tours of Glenhill Farmhouse and Erie Hall.
- Check-in for the Parents, Families & Alumni Weekend will begin on Friday at 3:30 p.m. ET.
- Registration is not required. But we encourage every family planning to participate to register.
- Yes, but we prefer that you register online prior to October 10. This helps us to better plan for every family and email communications with important information regarding Parents, Families & Alumni Weekend. Pre-registered guests will also receive information about events that require additional registration or ticket purchase. Many of these events sell out very quickly.
- To register on-site, please come to the Information Desk at Metzgar Center.
- Parking is complimentary and no pass is required Friday, October 17, through Sunday, October 19. However, if you are arriving earlier than Friday, you will need to stop at the Parking Office, located on the ground floor of Reed Union Building for a free visitor parking pass, during business hours (9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.).
- Check-in begins at 3:30 p.m. on Friday, October 17, through Saturday, October 19, at 5:00 p.m. To receive a name badge with a printed schedule of events, please stop by Metzgar Center.
- Events typically begin late afternoon on Friday and end after brunch on Sunday. Many families choose to come for the entire weekend, while others may drive in for a day (in that case, we would recommend Saturday). Some events only happen once, while others are held multiple times throughout the weekend.
- The complete agenda can be found on the Weekend Schedule or the Penn State Go smartphone app.
- We recommend planning at least one meal with your student at Dobbins Dining Hall. Penn State typically offers family meal deals at all-you-care-to-eat buffets in many of our locations throughout the weekend.
- Harborcreek and Downtown Erie offer a wide variety of wonderful restaurants. Ask our students and staff at the check-in desk for recommendations.
- You won't want to leave without getting Penn State's famous Berkey Creamery ice cream from the Paw's counter at Bruno's Café in Reed Union Building.
- Berkey Creamery Ice Cream is available for purchase in half gallons and pints at The Galley Convenience Store. (Don't forget your coolers and ice!)
- You can also get scoops of Creamery Ice Cream at Paw's Coffee Shop (limited weekend hours).
- Dobbins Dining Hall also has a few flavors that rotate daily included on the all-you-can-eat buffet.
- Yes, the University does not cancel classes for Parents, Families & Alumni Weekend. However, you are welcome to enjoy the campus and any scheduled activities while they are in class.
- Students may have exams and due dates the week following Parents, Families & Alumni Weekend. Encourage your student to plan ahead so they can enjoy your visit.
- No parking pass is required Friday-Sunday.
- View the campus map.
- The weather is typically beautiful with cooler days and lots of sunshine. Temps average in the 60s. We don't usually see snow until November, but bring an umbrella.
- Here's a link to the Campus Weather to check out the current weather conditions.
Yes, please register your student and all members of your family for the weekend.
Visit the registration website.
Divorced parents/families have the option to submit together under one registration form or submit their registration forms separately. Students only need to be included on one registration form if registering separately.
Metzgar Center is home base on Friday and Saturday.
Yes, everyone is welcome. Family-friendly events will be hosted throughout the weekend. Keep in mind that Behrend is a large campus built on a hill and you will be doing a lot of walking. There is ADA-compliant parking in all parking locations. In most situations, you will not be able to park next to a building that is hosting the event and walking will be required. Comfortable shoes are a must.
There is no shortage of places to stay near the Penn State Behrend campus, which is located off Interstate 90 at Exit 32. Some area hotels offer a Penn State rate. Ask when making your reservation.
And make sure to join us for the Chancellor's Ice Cream Social on Saturday to get your free Taste of Penn State!
Behrend is a large campus built on a hill and you will be doing a lot of walking. There is ADA-compliant parking in all parking locations. In most situations, you will not be able to park next to a building that is hosting the event and walking will be required. Comfortable shoes are a must.
Prior to the event, please contact [email protected]. During the weekend, this email will be only occasionally monitored.