University Park Guide

A G U I D E F O R

Students Offered Admission to Penn State University Park

20112011

Contents

1 Welcome

2 Accepting the Offer of Admission

Housing

Health Services

Disability Services

Consulting and Advising for First-Year Students

3 Your Academic Area

Student Aid

As Classes Draw Near

Adding Credits to Your Penn State Record

4 Starting in the Summer

Conditions of Our Offer of Admission

5 If You Decide to Cancel

Penn State Academic Calendar

Back page Contact Information

Penn State has a proud tradition of excellence in teaching and learning as well as service and research. We have grown and changed in many ways since our founding in 1855. Our first class of sixty-nine students was taught by a faculty of four. Today, more than 80,000 Penn State students study with a faculty of more than 5,000 at campuses throughout Pennsylvania.

For undergraduate students, we offer more than 160 baccalaureate degree programs, associate degree pro-grams, and hundreds of different options and minors. We also offer extensive graduate and professional pro-grams in agricultural sciences, the arts, business, edu-cation, the humanities, engineering, medicine, and the sciences. You will find a wealth of opportunities from which to choose, all linked by a common commitment to the pursuit of excellence.

Penn State offers many ways to grow educationally, so-cially, and culturally. Your challenge is to explore your options and take advantage of the possibilities.

This guide will help you understand all the steps leading to your first day as a Penn State student.

First, we will tell you how to accept the offer of admission.

If you want to visit the campus before making your decision, please contact the Admissions Office at 814-865-5471 or go to our Web site at admissions.psu.edu.

Next, we will tell you about the events that will happen after you have accepted the offer of admission: hous-ing assignments, placement testing, academic advis-ing, and more. You will also find reference information including a calendar, useful Web sites, and important phone numbers.

As a new member of the Penn State community, you will find that we are all ready to help you in any way we can. Please feel free to call on us at any time.

Welcome to the Penn State Family!

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It is a pleasure to invite you to join the Penn State community.

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Accepting the Offer of Admission

Please take this step after careful consid-eration. Accepting our offer of admission reserves a spot for you in our next class. To accept the offer of admission, either access your MyPennState account (click on Accept your offer of admission), or return the following items in the preaddressed envelope provided. BE SURE TO COPY THE ACCEPTANCE NOTIFICATION FORM FOR YOUR RECORDS.

Please return:

1. The signed Acceptance Notification enclosed in this packet.

2. A check or money order (drawn on U.S. funds) made payable to The Pennsylva-nia State University for the total amount listed on the Acceptance Notification. Please include your Penn State ID num-ber on your check.

Please note the specific reply date on the Acceptance Notification; replying after that date may void this offer of admis-sion. In addition, the sooner you send in your acceptance, the sooner Penn State can begin preparing for your arrival.

Housing

As a first-year student at Penn State University Park, you are guaranteed housing and required to live on campus. A housing deposit is included in the fees required with your acceptance. If you are over 21 years of age, married, a veteran, or a resident of Centre County, you are exempt from the housing requirement. Married students requesting an exemption must contact the Assignment Office for

Campus Residencies regardless of how they accept their offer of admission.

You will be notified in late July when room assignments are posted on the eLiving Web site. Your room number, building, roommate(s), and roommate(s) contact in-formation will be displayed.

Please note: If you accept your offer of admission to Penn State close to or after the May 1 deadline, you may be assigned to supplemental housing. Supplemental housing accommodates four to eight stu-dents and offers the same amenities as regular double rooms, including furniture, cable television service, and Internet ser-vice. Students assigned to supplemental housing receive a reduced room rate. Learn more about supplemental housing at www.supplemental.psu.edu.

Online

If you accept the offer of admission online and pay your $300 acceptance fees, you may then complete the Housing Contract online. You will be invited to log in to www.eLiving.psu.edu to indicate your housing preferences such as roommates, building location, meal plan level, and special living options. If you are eligible for a housing exemption, it will be indicated at that time.

On Paper

If you accept the offer of admission on paper, the Housing Contract will be activated once the University receives your $300 fees. You will need to log in to eLiving (www.eLiving.psu.edu) with your Friends of Penn State account and accept

the Housing Contract. If you meet one of the housing exemption criteria, contact the Assignment Office at 814-865-7501 for further instructions.

Health Services

If you have any health problems (physical or emotional) that limit your activity, please notify University Health Services of your situation and anticipated needs as soon as possible. For additional information about health services for students, visit our Web site at www.sa.psu.edu/uhs.

Disability Services

For information about services for students with disabilities at University Park, contact the Office for Disability Services at 814-863-1807 (voice or TTY/TDD) or visit our Web site at www.equity.psu.edu/ods.

Consulting and Advising for First-Year Students

After you accept the offer of admission, you will be scheduled to take part in Penn State’s First-Year Testing, Consulting, and Advising Program (FTCAP), designed to help you learn more about the curriculum and programs of study and select appro-priate courses from the very start. FTCAP has two major components: testing and consulting/advising.

First-year testing involves a series of place-ment tests in English, math, and chemistry.

When: Placement testing begins early in the calendar year and continues on a roll-ing basis through the summer.

A Guide for Students Offered Admission to Penn State University Park

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Where: These placement tests are com-pleted online. You will be sent information on how and when to access your tests after you accept your offer of admission.

The second portion of FTCAP is a daylong informative program for you and your fam-ily. During this program, you will receive a Profile of Academic Abilities based on your placement test results, high school record, and SAT/ ACT scores. You will meet with academic advisers who will talk with you about your educational plans, help you select and register for your first-semester courses, and discuss the educational op-portunities within your area of enrollment. You and your family may also attend ses-sions concerning student life, housing, meals, roommates, and campus activities.

When: A specific date is confirmed after you have completed FTCAP testing.

Where: University Park campus

For more information, visit the FTCAP Web site at www.psu.edu/ftcap.

Your Academic Area

With a few exceptions, first-year students are admitted to an academic college or the Division of Undergraduate Studies rather than to a specific major. Unless you have been admitted to one of the majors that are exceptions to this rule†, you will be asked to declare a major at the end of your sophomore year. At that time, you must meet entrance-to-major requirements, which may include the achievement of a specific Penn State grade-point average and completion of prerequisite courses with specified minimum grades. Although most majors require a minimum cumula-tive grade-point average of 2.0 (C), certain majors may have more competitive re-quirements. You may wish to discuss your intended major with an academic adviser during FTCAP.

† Architecture; Art; Golf Management option of Recreation, Park, and Tourism Management; Graph-ic Design; Landscape Architecture; Music/Musical Theatre; Nursing; Theatre; Workforce Education and Development; the Accelerated Premedical-Medical Program; and the Accelerated Bachelor of Science/Doctor of Physical Therapy

Student Aid

How to Apply

If you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resi-dent, your Offer of Admission packet in-cludes an Applying for Student Financial Aid brochure. Please access the Office of Student Aid Web site (www.psu.edu/stu-dentaid) for more information on the aid application process.

When to Apply

Pay close attention to the recommended completion dates outlined in the Applying for Student Financial Aid brochure. Missing a recommended date may mean that some aid programs will not be available to you.

We encourage you to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on the Web at fafsa.gov as soon after January 1 as possible. Most student aid programs are available throughout the year, but we strongly recommend that you submit the FAFSA on the Web by February 15 for maximum consideration.

When to Expect a Decision

Penn State will begin making student aid awards to first-year students in mid- to late March.

Have Questions about Student Aid?

Access the Office of Student Aid Web site, www.psu.edu/studentaid, or contact the Office of Student Aid or the student aid representative at the Penn State campus nearest you (see the contact information on the back of this brochure).

As Classes Draw Near

About six weeks before classes begin, watch your e-mail for your tuition bill and other important information. Your housing assignment and roommate’s name will be sent to you about four weeks before the start of classes.

Preface Magazine

Shortly before arrival day, a copy of Preface magazine will be mailed to your home. In Preface you will find helpful information about the campus, important tips on how to smooth the transition to campus life, and the complete schedule of events for new students.

Arrival Week

New first-year students arrive on campus about four days before classes begin. A number of events are planned for Arrival Week.

Your college meeting, along with aca-demic information, social activities, and recreational programs, will help round out what most new students find to be a very exciting and event-filled week. But no matter how busy things get, save time for a trip to the Cream-ery for a leisurely ice cream cone.

Adding Credits to Your Penn State Record

Credit by Examination*

To receive credit consideration for the Col-lege Board’s Advanced Placement (AP) ex-ams or College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) exams, you must have official score reports sent directly from the College Board to the Undergraduate Admissions Office at University Park. The code for Penn State is 2660.

To receive credit consideration for higher-level examinations in the International Bac-calaureate (IB) program, you must have official transcripts of grades sent directly from the IB office to the Undergraduate Admissions Office at University Park.

Advanced work completed in some for-eign secondary education systems can also be reviewed for credit. You must have official or certified copies of score reports or certificates forwarded directly from the examining authority to the Undergradu-ate Admissions Office at University Park. Academic records must be in the original language and accompanied by certified English-language translations. A syllabus for each subject should also be sent.

Credits Earned at Other Regionally Accredited Colleges and Universities

High school students who take college courses while still in high school should have an official college transcript sent to the Undergraduate Admissions Office at University Park once all course work is completed. We will review the transcript to determine whether course credit may be added to your Penn State record.

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Credits Earned at Other Colleges and Universities That Are Not Regionally Accredited*

Courses completed with grades of C (2.0) or above at institutions that award associ-ate degrees or higher but are not members of a regional accrediting association may be validated by the Penn State academic department offering comparable courses. If you are interested in having courses vali-dated, please contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office for instructions on the validation process.

Credit for U.S. Armed Services and Noncollege Training Programs*

If you completed formal training courses in the U.S. armed services or courses spon-sored by select businesses, industries, or government agencies, you may ask to have them reviewed for credit. Submit an offi-cial record of successful completion of the programs or courses to the Undergraduate Admissions Office at University Park.

Credit by Portfolio Assessment*

Some academic departments will consider awarding credit by portfolio assessment for specific courses offered by that unit. An undergraduate student interested in receiving credit for college-level learning obtained in noncollegiate settings may develop a portfolio that reflects areas of knowledge mastered, request assessment of the portfolio, and be awarded credit. For more information, contact an academic adviser in the college or major of admis-sion.

*After you enroll, you may request a review of credits in these categories.

Starting in the Summer

Each year more than a thousand new stu-dents begin their Penn State education during the summer. Review your offer let-ter to determine whether your offer is for summer or fall.

The summer session for new students be-gins in late June or early July and lasts six weeks, with classes concluding in August. (See the calendar on page 5 for details.)

While the summer session at Penn State is a concentrated period of study, the courses offered are standard Penn State courses, with requirements and demands

comparable to those offered during the rest of the academic year.

What’s So Special about Summer at Penn State University Park?

—A head start on your education

—A number of special academic programs offered for new students who begin in the summer. The Learning Edge Aca-demic Program (LEAP) allows you to take your first Penn State courses in a team-learning environment. Other programs focus on special interests like intensive language study.

—A lighter course load that makes it easier to adjust to the demands of college study

—A special learning environment

Approximately 12,000 students are en-rolled at University Park during the summer, compared to 40,000 in the fall. This means you will experience a somewhat quieter environment in which to learn your way around campus and discover the capabili-ties of computer labs, the vast resources of the libraries, and other aspects of college life.

Oh, and By the Way—Summer at University Park is Also Fun!

Outdoor concerts and movies, art exhib-its, theatre, and plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation allow you to relax and socialize. And, for five days in July, the Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts brings hundreds of artists and perform-ers to University Park and downtown State College.

If you were offered admission for the fall semester but would like to change to sum-mer, it’s not too late. Just contact the Ad-missions Office at 814-865-5471 or e-mail us at [email protected].

Additional Information for Students Beginning in Summer Session

To begin at Penn State in summer session, there are some special points you need to know.

Student Aid for Summer Sessions

If you are interested in receiving student aid during the summer session, you should complete a 2010–11 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), on the Web

at fafsa.gov, by June 30. This application determines your eligibility for summer 2011 only.

You should also complete a 2011–12 FAFSA on the Web by February 15, for consideration for aid during fall and spring 2011–12. You must file both the 2010–11 and 2011–12 FAFSA if you wish to be con-sidered for aid during summer 2011 as well as fall and spring 2011–12.

Housing Contracts

Students interested in living on campus during summer will have a separate con-tract for summer and for the academic year, and must accept both contracts. Housing Contract information is available through eLiving (www.eLiving.psu.edu).

Students living on campus during the sum-mer will be assigned to the residential area that is in operation. Most likely, the fall room assignment will be different from the summer assignment. However, you will receive the full range of Penn State Hous-ing and Food Services and Residence Life offerings.

What about High School Graduation?

Some students who begin in the summer will return home for graduation ceremonies during the first few weeks of classes. While absence from class for graduation does not remove responsibility for completing required course work, your professors will try to accommodate your graduation day plans. If you will be arriving on campus af-ter Arrival Day, please notify the University of your plans.

Conditions of Our Offer of Admission

Completion of High School

Our offer of admission to Penn State is conditional upon your completion of all en-trance requirements, including graduation from high school. We will ask your coun-selor to forward official verification of your graduation.

GED or High School Equivalency Diplomas

Applicants may present satisfactory scores from the General Educational Develop-ment (GED) test or a high school equiva-lency diploma in place of a high school diploma. Please forward a copy of your

high school equivalency diploma, and have your former high school forward an official copy of your high school transcript show-ing your work from ninth grade until the time you withdrew from high school.

Foreign/Second Language Entrance Requirements

Two units of the same foreign language from high school are recommended for all baccalaureate programs. Students who graduated from high school in 2001 or later who have not completed the recom-mended two high school foreign language units will need to schedule the appropri-ate foreign language course work at Penn State within the first two years of study.

This requirement may be met by taking one three- or four-semester credit course in a foreign/second language at the col-lege level at either Penn State or another regionally accredited institution. Credits taken to meet the foreign/second lan-

guage requirement cannot be counted toward graduation from a baccalaureate program at Penn State, although they will be counted as part of a student’s academic course schedule. The requirement will not apply to students who can demonstrate fluency in a foreign/second language.

Courses Taken at Other Colleges and Universities

If you are attending a college or univer-sity after high school graduation, our offer of admission to Penn State is condi-tional until we receive your official college transcript(s). The transcript(s) must verify that you have earned at least a 2.0 (C) cu-mulative grade-point average as computed for Penn State students, attempted fewer than 18 semester credits, and did not leave the college on probation.

Transcripts should be sent directly to the Undergraduate Admissions Office at Uni-

versity Park campus by the registrar of the institution(s) you have attended.

Full Disclosure

The offer of admission may become invalid if information on your admission applica-tion or about your credentials or educa-tional history is omitted or misrepresented.

Statement of Academic Integrity

Penn State students and faculty are com-mitted to scholarly principles that respect and acknowledge individual achieve-ment. At Penn State, certain behaviors are viewed as unacceptable, including cheating, plagiarism, falsifying or fabricat-ing information, and aiding and abetting academic dishonesty. Students who violate these principles are subject to penalties, including course failure and dismissal from Penn State. By accepting the offer of ad-mission, you agree to observe all the rules and regulations of The Pennsylvania State University.

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SPRING SEMESTER 2011

Arrival Day*—January 8

Classes Begin* —January 10

Martin Luther King Day Holiday—January 17

Spring Break—March 7–11

Classes End—April 29

Final Exams—May 2–6

SUMMER SESSION 2011

Arrival Day*—June 26

Classes Begin—June 28

Independence Day Holiday—July 4

Classes End—August 10

Final Exams—August 12

FALL SEMESTER 2011

Arrival Day*—August 19–20

Classes Begin*—August 22

Labor Day Holiday—September 5

Thanksgiving Holiday—November 21–27

Classes End—December 9

Final Exams—December 12–16

*New international students will arrive several days prior to this date. All dates are subject to change.

Penn State Academic Calendar

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If You Decide to Cancel

If at any time you decide not to attend Penn State, please e-mail us about your plans at [email protected]. If you decide not to attend after accepting this offer of admission, your accep tance fees will not be refundable.

Questions? Give us a call.

Academic Areas

Agricultural Sciences ................................................. 814-865-7521

Arts and Architecture ................................................. 814-865-9523

Smeal College of Business ........................................ 814-863-1947

Communications ........................................................ 814-865-1591

Earth and Mineral Sciences ....................................... 814-863-2751

Education ................................................................... 814-865-0488

Engineering ............................................................... 814-863-3064

Health and Human Development .............................. 814-865-2156

Schreyer Honors College ........................................... 814-865-2060

Information Sciences and Technology .......... 877-690-1266 (in U.S.)

Liberal Arts ................................................................. 814-865-2545

School of Nursing ...................................................... 814-863-0245

Eberly College of Science .......................................... 814-863-0284

Division of Undergraduate Studies ............................ 814-865-7576

Admissions

Voice .......................................................................... 814-865-5471

TTY/TDD* .................................................................. 814-863-9419

Fax ............................................................................. 814-863-7590

Bursar (bills and fees) ....................................................... 814-865-6528

Career Services ................................................................ 814-865-2377

Center for Adult Learner Services ................................... 814-863-3887

Child Care Program Services ........................................... 814-865-5886

Disability Services

Voice/TTY/TDD* ........................................................ 814-863-1807

First-Year Testing, Consulting, and Advising ................... 814-865-2578

Health Services ................................................................. 814-865-6556

Housing and Food Services

Assignment Office for Campus Residences ............... 814-865-7501

International Student Services ......................................... 814-865-7681

Parents and Families Day ................................................ 814-865-6516

Parking Office .................................................................. 814-865-1436

Penn State Blue Band ...................................................... 814-865-3982

Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC)

Air Force ROTC .......................................................... 814-865-5453

Army ROTC ................................................................ 814-863-0368

Naval and Marine Corps ROTC ................................. 814-865-6289

Residence Life ................................................................. 814-863-1710

Sports

Varsity Coaching Staff ................................................ 814-863-0237

Varsity Tickets ............................................................ 814-863-1000

Student Aid Office ........................................................... 814-865-6301

University Safety .............................................................. 814-863-1111

Veterans’ Support ............................................................ 814-863-1798

Penn State encourages qualified persons with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation or have questions about the physical access provided, please contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office at 814-865-5471 (voice) or 814-863-9419 (TTY/TDD) in advance of your participation or visit.

This publication is available in alternative media on request. The Pennsylvania State University is committed to the policy that all persons shall have equal access to programs, facilities, ad-mission, and employment without regard to personal characteristics not related to ability, performance, or qualifications as determined by University policy or by state or federal authorities. It is the policy of the University to maintain an academic and work environment free of discrimination, including harassment. The Pennsylvania State University prohibits discrimination and harass-ment against any person because of age, ancestry, color, disability or handicap, national origin, race, religious creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or veteran status. Discrimination or harassment against faculty, staff, or students will not be tolerated at The Pennsylvania State University. Direct all inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policy to the Affirmative Action Direc-tor, The Pennsylvania State University, 328 Boucke Building, University Park, PA 16802-5901; Tel 814-865-4700/V, 814-863-1150/TTY.

Produced by the Penn State Department of University Publications U.Ed. EMA 11-20E

*TTY/TDD numbers are for persons who are deaf or hard of hearing.