Information Technology
LionPATH overview
LionPATH is where you will schedule classes, view your schedule, see your grades, pay your bill, and accept your financial aid awards. That's a lot, and it's really important that you know how to use it. See Getting Started with LionPATH tutorial for help.
Course schedule
Some of your course times and locations might change by the beginning of the semester. Be sure to get a final copy of your schedule from LionPath right before classes begin.
Granting delegate access to LionPATH
Parents or family members who will need access to student information will need to be granted Delegate Access to LionPATH by the student. Students can choose to provide access to class schedules, grades, financial aid, holds, to do lists, and enrollment verification. For help, watch this video. Delegates (parents) can check out Using Delegated Access for help in using LionPATH. To log into LionPATH Delegated Access, go to public.lionpath.psu.edu.
Granting authorized payer access
Authorized Payer access is separate and in addition to Delegate Access. Authorized Payer allows parents or others to view and pay student bills, enroll in the installment payment plan, and access IRS Form 1098-T. Watch this video and go to the Bursar’s website for information on how students can grant Authorized Payer access and how to use it. To log into Authorized Payer, go to public.lionpath.psu.edu.
Email and Microsoft Office 365
Penn State email is in Outlook as part of Microsoft Office 365. Student have free access to the entire Office 365 suite, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and so much more. OneDrive allows users to store and share files in the cloud. You can also download the Outlook client for Android/IOS onto your mobile device. Be sure to check your Penn State email at least once a day.
Canvas
Canvas is Penn State's online system for teaching and learning. It's where your professors will put information about your classes, such as the syllabus and assignments. Many professors only communicate with their students through Canvas, so it's important you're plugged into it. Get more information, download Android/IOS apps, and log in at canvas.psu.edu.
Adobe Creative Cloud
Students, faculty, and staff who need access to Adobe Creative Cloud can apply for a free account. Three tiers of access are available: Adobe Express, Adobe Acrobat Pro, and Adobe Creative Cloud.
Computers
The University does not provide students with computers. However, Penn State Beaver has many computer labs available for student use across campus. In addition, the library has some laptops available for short-term loans to students. Information is available at the library's front desk.
Connecting to the WiFi
Free wireless connectivity is available in all Penn State Beaver buildings as well as most outdoor locations on campus. For information on setting up your wireless device, check out our wireless connectivity page.
Housing & Student Life
Housing
Penn State Beaver offers on-campus housing for up to 215 residents in the recently renovated Harmony Hall. To request a contract, view the floor plan, or learn more about living on campus, visit the LiveOn Beaver.
Dining
Residential students are required to have a meal plan. For more information about the Campus Meal Plan options, visit LiveOn Beaver. We recommend commuters utilize LionCash+ in order to receive a discount on prepared foods, though cash and credit cards are also accepted for payment.
id+ Card and LionCash+
A Penn State id+ Card is necessary for all students. You can obtain your id+ Card at the Housing and Food Services Office located near the Brodhead Bistro. You must have a valid driver’s license, state identification card, or passport to obtain your id+ Card.
LionCash can turn your Penn State id+ Card into a convenient way of paying for on-campus purchases. Using LionCash+ in the Brodhead Bistro can save you 10% on prepared foods. Students, parents, and family members can apply funds to a student’s id+ Card online at idcard.psu.edu.
Banking
Students need to have a bank account. PNC Bank offers no-cost banking options for students. You can even use your id+ Card as your ATM card when you link it to your PNC account. To learn more about PNC’s student banking options, visit pnc.com/psu.
Parking permits
Parking is free on campus, but students, faculty, and staff must register their vehicles and display a valid permit. To apply for your permit, fill out the student permit form then pick up the permit in the Finance and Business Office on the first floor of the Ross Administration Building. To apply, you’ll need your vehicle’s license plate number and your student ID number. Students should park only in spaces designated by white lines. Permits are valid for one year.
Academics
Textbooks
Textbooks can be purchased or rented from the Penn State Bookstore located on the lower level of the Student Union Building. To see what materials are needed for your courses, go to your schedule in LionPATH and click on the View Books link. For more information about the bookstore or to reserve materials, visit the Penn State Bookstore online.
Academic calendar
The Academic Calendar outlines important dates and deadlines regarding student registration and enrollment. Students are responsible for taking any necessary actions, such as late drop or withdrawal, in advance of any established deadline.
Honors Program
The Honors Program enhances the academic experience for students with the ability and desire to excel intellectually. Get information about the program in the Honors Program section of this website.
Center for Academic Achievement
You can find free academic support and assistance in the Center for Academic Achievement, 105 Ross Administration Building (RAB). The center offers professional tutoring in writing, math and statistics, peer tutoring in a variety of subjects, as well as specialized software programs and copies of most course textbooks, which can be loaned out for short periods.
Disability services
Penn State encourages students with disabilities to achieve full participation and integration in its educational programs. Students with a documented disability should contact the disabilities services coordinator in the Center for Academic Achievement to discuss possible academic adjustments and begin the documentation process.
Health and Wellness
Safe and Aware
Penn State Safe and Aware is an interactive, online learning module that incoming students are required to complete before arriving on campus. The module provides information about alcohol, alcohol laws, and Penn State’s alcohol and drug policies. It also provides information about sexual assault, related laws, and resources for victims. Parents and family members can explore the family version.
Personal counseling
Penn State Beaver provides free personal counseling to help students overcome the challenges of college life. To learn more about the services provided, including crisis intervention, visit the Personal Counseling Services web page.
Health services
Penn State Beaver’s Health Center provides a variety of health services, including numerous health and wellness educational programs as well as nurse and/or physician consultation. To learn more about the services provided, visit the Health Services page.
Immunizations
All incoming Penn State students must provide proof of immunization (measles, mumps, and rubella). Students living on campus must also provide proof of the meningitis vaccine. For information on how to upload your official immunization records, visit the Medical Services web page.
Insurance
Every Penn State student is encouraged to maintain health insurance. The Penn State Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) is a comprehensive health plan offered at a competitive price with a wide network of providers across the nation. The plan is optional for domestic undergraduate students but required for international students. For more information, visit the SHIP web page.
Values and Conduct
Penn State Values
The Penn State Values — Integrity, Respect, Responsibility, Discovery, Excellence, and Community — represent our core ethical aspirations for students, faculty, staff, and volunteers. These values have been integrated into the culture of the University and should help guide members of the University community in the ethical decision-making process.
Student conduct
The University has established a Code of Conduct related to its educational mission. All members of the University community share the obligation to abide by this Code of Conduct which describes behaviors that are inconsistent with the essential values of the University community.
Intentionally attempting or assisting in these behaviors may be considered as serious as actually engaging in these behaviors. A person commits a violation when, with intent to commit a specific violation of the Code of Conduct, he/she performs any act that constitutes a substantial step toward the commission of that violation. Many Code of Conduct items are supported by University Policy Statements. For more information, please visit studentaffairs.psu.edu/conduct.
Computer and software misuse
Access to and use of computer facilities, electronically stored data, and software shall comply with federal law, the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and the rules and regulations of the University. Misuse of computers, computer facilities, and software are violations of law and may be charged as such.
University regulations apply to all University computers and computer equipment, computerized data, and all data owned or held through agreement by the University. These regulations may also apply to computer equipment and data belonging to or held by agreement by members of the University community or others when violations are deemed to have a substantial adverse effect upon the University community or upon individual members of the University community.
