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.
VirusInfo.psu.edu: Penn State’s main website with 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.
Penn State Beaver Library: This page contains information about the campus library, including the most recent updates for the 2020-21 academic year.
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 for the upcoming semester. The site also features a newly created guide for instructors specifically designed for preparing and teaching this fall.
Updated: 11:30 a.m. October 9, 2020
FAQ index
Campus information
Updated 10/9: Where can I see how many people have tested positive for COVID-19?
The University's COVID-19 dashboard, which is updated twice a week, shows the number of tests and active cases at each campus.
Updated 10/9: What will happen in Spring 2021?
Plans for Penn State’s Spring 2021 semester include a later start in January; continuation of the current flexible instructional modes, including in-person; the elimination of spring break; and completion of instruction all undergraduate and graduate students by April 30.
The University will maintain its observance of Martin Luther King Jr. day on Jan. 18 for students and faculty, when no classes will be held and Dr. King’s legacy will be celebrated through a number of virtual events.
For more information, refer to the Penn State News story and the University's Coronavirus Information website.
What masks are acceptable?
The mask should fit snugly around the mouth/nose and comfortably against the side of the face. In addition, masks should:
- Be secured with ties or ear loops.
- Include multiple layers of fabric.
- Allow for breathing without restriction.
- Be able to be laundered and machine dried without damage or change to shape.
Note: Masks with exhaust valves are not acceptable. The valves allow air and respiratory droplets to escape the mask, which results in less protection for others.
What is the campus doing to keep people safe?
The University, including the Beaver campus, is following guidance from the CDC and the state Department of Health to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.
- Everyone is required to social distance while on campus.
- Everyone on campus must wear a mask.
- Hand sanitizer stations are located in every general purpose classroom and lab as well as at various points around campus, including building entryways and all restrooms.
- Bathroom doors have been retrofitted with foot pulls so the doors can be opened without using your hands.
- A few high-contact areas for employees have plexiglass “sneeze guards” installed.
- All classrooms have been assessed and rearranged to accommodate the social distancing requirements.
Students
Updated 10/9: When can I register for Spring 2021 classes?
The window of time for students to schedule spring 2021 courses has been adjusted to align with the recently announced revised spring semester schedule, which includes a one-week later start in January. The Schedule of Courses will be available in LionPATH on Oct. 15, with registration beginning on Nov. 1 for graduate students and Nov. 2 for undergraduate students. More information is available on Penn State News.
What is the difference between isolation and quarantine and why are there different time requirements?
The answer is a bit complicated. Please refer to the quarantine page on the University's virus info website.
What happens if a student on campus tests positive for COVID-19?
Arrangements have been made with an off-campus hotel to house students who must quarantine who are suspected positive or are positive for COVID-19. The University will support these students throughout the duration of their quarantine.
I have some classes being delivered in-person and some remotely. What happens if I have a remote class and an in-person class close together? Is there a place on campus where I can take my remote class?
Zoom rooms have been set up across the campus. These rooms are located in several buildings and can accommodate multiple students while still adhering to the social distancing guidelines. Each building will have a sign on the doors telling you what classrooms in that building are designated Zoom rooms. You can find an online map to the Zoom rooms on the campus map, or you can download a printable version at the link below.
I'm enrolled at another campus, but my classes are remote and I live near Penn State Beaver. Can I use your facilities?
Yes. As a Penn State student you may come to Beaver campus to use the Zoom rooms or whatever else you need to do. You must follow all of the University's distancing and masking requirements, and you will need to get a student parking permit. Apply for one online, then come to campus to pick it up.
What technology will students need if they don’t want to use the campus technology for their remote classes?
You will need a laptop, strong Internet service, and a good headset if you will be studying at home.
Laptop
Do you have a laptop with a camera and speakers? If not please request for a free loaner laptop via the Penn State Mobile Technology Request Form. You will need your PSU id and password to login.
If you are taking classes remotely, you will definitely need a laptop with a camera and speakers to use Zoom effectively. A smart phone will not suffice. A laptop is even much better than a Chromebook or tablet. If you are going to be on campus, you can use the lab computers for Zoom and for work, but it will be even nicer to have your own loaner laptop and they are free! So, please request one!
Internet
Do you have good internet service? If not, you can apply for a hotspot via the Penn State Mobile Technology Request Form. You will need your PSU id and password to login.
We recommend you have minimum bandwidth of 600kbps (up/down) and, even better, 1.5 Mbps (up/down). Almost all Internet plans far exceed this. To check your bandwidth, go to projectstream.google.com/speedtest.
Headsets
Do you have a headset with a microphone and headphones? If not, please purchase one ASAP. It will be important when you are in communal spaces with others or at home and don’t want anyone else to hear your class.
If the University has to transition to remote classes, and I have a contract with the residence hall, will I get my money back?
Any time the University has to cancel a residence hall contract, the contract will be prorated, and the student will be reimbursed for the days they cannot live in the hall.
I have concerns about my situation, and I don't know who to ask. Who should I contact?
Students concerned about something specific related to their education, support services, or other needs can contact the Office of Student Affairs & Engagement at 724-773-3956.
Students living away from home to attend college and who find themselves in need of help with food, housing or financial resources, please call Chris Rizzo, director of student affairs at 724-773-3957 or [email protected].
International students with concerns should contact Johnny Marcolini at 724-773-3963 or [email protected].
What if I need campus counseling services?
Students experiencing anxiety and/or other emotional concerns may contact Counseling Services at (724) 773-3961. See also the coronavirus mental health information page.
I need help financially right now. Is there something the University can do?
Students from all campuses in need of emergency assistance are encouraged to review support resources available through the University-wide Student Care and Advocacy office, fill out a Student Emergency Fund Application, or contact the advocacy office by email at [email protected]. You can also inquire about the Penn State Beaver Student Emergency Fund via the financial aid help form.
Faculty and staff
What happens if an employee tests positive for or believes they have been exposed to COVID-19 or they are not feeling well?
The employee or supervisor should contact Occupational Medicine at 814-863-8492. Someone from that department will call the employee and go through a series of questions with them. Based on their responses, Occupational Medicine will determine if the employee needs to quarantine or not. They will then repeat the process with anyone the employee had close contact with. They will notify the supervisors and Absence Management for anyone that has to quarantine, and they will be the ones that clear the employee to return to work after the quarantine.
Additional questions
Whether on campus or working from home, our staff is available to serve students by email and phone. Please see the campus directory for contact information.
If you cannot find the answer to your question on this page or on the University's Coronavirus Information site, contact Director of Campus Relations Kristen Doerschner at (724) 773-3816 or [email protected].