Coronavirus and Return to Campus Information
Updated: 12:20 p.m. January 11, 2021
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.
Resources
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.
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 COVID-19 Compact: Before returning to campus, students are asked to verify that they understand the behavioral requirements and guidelines, via LionPath.
Updated Information
In-person classes have resumed across all campus locations as of Feb. 15. As currently scheduled, the 15-week semester will end on April 30, with finals week following from May 3–7. For the latest announcements, visit https://virusinfo.psu.edu/.
Is my campus event or activity cancelled?
Select activities and events will be held remotely and in-person in accordance with the University’s strict social distancing and mask guidelines. To inquire about the status of a specific event or activity, please contact the appropriate department or call 724-430-4100.
Will the alternative grading system be available for the spring semester?
Students will have the option to select alternative grades for Spring 2021. Students are strongly encouraged to consult with their academic advisers as they make their decisions about alternative grades. It is especially important to discuss how alternative grades may affect entrance to major requirements and financial aid. Please refer to https://keeplearning.psu.edu/alternative-grading/ for details.
Will the campus bookstore be open?
The Bookstore will remain open to the campus and community with limited hours. Please call 724-430-4180 for availability.
Textbooks for the Spring 2021 semester may be ordered atpsu.bncollege.com.
General
Are there any cases of coronavirus at the Fayette campus?
Please refer to the Penn State COVID-19 Dashboard for the latest information.
I am having technological or accessibility issues with remote instruction.
Due to increased regional and national demand for telecommuting software capabilities, we expect some timeouts and delays. The University will be flexible and adaptive as issues arise. If you experience a problem or require additional accommodations, please call 724-430-4163.
Do I have to wear a mask and practice social distancing?
All students, employees and visitors are required to practice physical distancing and wear face masks/coverings at all times in campus buildings; outdoors when they cannot be physically distant from others; and whenever state or local laws require.
Those who put others at risk by not following the University’s requirements will be held accountable in a manner consistent with how other violations of Penn State guidelines and policies are managed. For policies, visit the Office of Student Conduct website.
Is my campus event or activity cancelled?
Select activities and events will be held remotely and in-person in accordance with the University’s strict social distancing and mask guidelines. To inquire about the status of a specific event or activity, please contact the appropriate department or call 724-430-4100.
What if I don’t feel well?
All individuals who feel sick should stay home. Students experiencing upper respiratory infection or flu-like illness should contact Ronette Poorbaugh, campus nurse, at 724-430-4137. Employees should contact their primary care providers.
According to the CDC, anyone who feels sick should:
- Seek medical advice—Call ahead before you go to a doctor’s office or emergency room. Tell them about any recent travel and your symptoms.
- Stay home and avoid contact with others.
- Not travel while sick.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
- Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds to avoid spreading the virus to others.
- Wash your hands with soap and water immediately after coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose. If soap and water are not readily available, you can use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
What if I test positive for COVID-19?
Individuals who test positive for the virus are expected to isolate for 14 days and should notify Campus Nurse Ronette Poorbaugh at 724-430-4137.
Individuals who test positive will be interviewed to identify people with whom they had close contact (less than six feet of distance for 10 minutes or longer within two to four days before the onset of symptoms). These close contacts will be alerted, asked to quarantine for 14 days, and asked to be tested immediately.
Students who must isolate will receive detailed instructions, and they will receive daily check-ins regarding their health. The University will work closely with these students to see that they continue to make academic progress, and to assist with any other needs that may arise.
Students
I don’t have computer and/or internet access at home.
Socially distanced computer labs and study spaces will be made available for students on campus. If you require connectivity or equipment accommodations, contact I.T. Support at 724-430-4163. Online support will be available via Zoom at 724-430-4163.
Will the alternative grading system be available for the spring semester?
Students will have the option to select alternative grades for Spring 2021. Students are strongly encouraged to consult with their academic advisers as they make their decisions about alternative grades. It is especially important to discuss how alternative grades may affect entrance to major requirements and financial aid. Please refer to https://keeplearning.psu.edu/alternative-grading/ for details.
Will Nursing students still attend clinicals?
Clinicals are scheduled to resume during the spring semester. Please contact your advisor for specific questions regarding your academic program.
Are students with work-study appointments permitted to continue work?
Students who received a Federal Work Study award have the opportunity to obtain a job and perform related duties either on campus, or remotely, if possible and at the discretion of the employer. Students applying for Federal Work Study positions should clarify expectations with their potential employer regarding either on campus/in person or remote work arrangements. A Federal Work Study award does not guarantee a job position is available. Current federal guidance does not permit students in the 2020-21 academic year to be paid for hours not worked, even if due to COVID-19.
When will Fayette athletics resume?
The PSUAC executive committee has voted unanimously to cancel all intercollegiate athletics competition for fall and winter team sports during the 2020-21 academic year. The sports affected by this decision include men’s and women’s basketball, men’s and women’s soccer, and volleyball.
The Conference Office, in conjunction with the PSUAC Executive Committee and Council of Athletic Directors, will reconvene in late January to determine intercollegiate opportunities for baseball, cross country, golf and softball.
Are the fitness center and recreational facilities open?
Beginning Monday, February 15th, the fitness and recreation facilities will be open and available by appointment during the following modified hours of operation:
- Monday-Friday: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (students, faculty, and staff)
- Monday-Friday: 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. (faculty and staff ONLY)
- Monday-Friday: 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. (approved athletics activities ONLY)
**IMPORTANT: Any student planning to use the fitness and recreation facilities will be required to have completed pre-arrival testing prior to usage.**
Please review reservation instructions and facilities requirements.
I am experiencing financial hardship.
Penn State Fayette and the University at large have emergency funds available to students who are critically impacted by this situation. Students with critical need should contact Rick Van Buren at 724-430-4132 or submit a Student Emergency Fund Request Form. For more information regarding food services, the food pantry, and other University support services, contact Amanda Collins at 724-430-4122.
Will the campus Library be open and operating?
For the spring semester, the Library will be open: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Friday.
After hours, The Libraries’ Ask a Librarian service is available. Call 724-430-4155 or visit the library website for more information.
Stacks are closed. Materials are available using the “I Want It” feature of the library’s online catalog. When ready for pickup, items will be bagged for privacy and placed on a numbered shelving unit in the lobby of the library. Visit the library’s circulation desk with your ID to retrieve your items.
The Coal and Coke Heritage Center visits and archival research are by appointment only.Call 724-430-4160 or email acp47@psu.edu to make an appointment.
Will the campus bookstore be open?
The Bookstore will remain open to the campus and community with limited hours. Please call 724-430-4180 for availability.
Textbooks for the Spring 2021 semester may be ordered atpsu.bncollege.com.
Are advising, career counseling, and tutoring services still available?
Students may schedule advising, career counseling, and tutoring appointments, to be conducted over Zoom or by phone, by calling 724-430-4119.
Academic advisers from the Student Success Center will still be available to assist students through Zoom meetings, particularly during this registration period. To access advisers, students should log into https://sites.psu.edu/starfishinfo/ and schedule an advising appointment appropriate for their schedule. After scheduling your appointment, the adviser will provide a Zoom link via your PSU email for your personal meeting. Students must utilize the video option during these meetings to ensure privacy of their academic information. This option can be utilized on a computer with a camera, an iPad or cell phone camera if needed.
If students are having trouble scheduling an appointment or need additional assistance, please contact one of the advisers via the information listed below.
Dr. Charlene Zengeya—724-430-4127
Tricia Homonai—724-430-4285
Steven Wilt—724-430-4123**
Drop-in services will continue to be available on Wednesdays, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. To access this service, students should visit Zoom , select "Join" and type in the phone number of the adviser you wish to reach. For technical help with this process, please reach out to the IT help desk at 724-430-4165.
**Steven Wilt will also be available for career counseling and questions related to Career Services.
Are Learning Center tutoring services still available?
During Fall 2020, the Student Success Center will offer tutoring through Zoom appointments and the Online Writing Lab (OWL). Limited on-campus tutoring will be available with professional tutors. Students may also contact the SSC for consultations about study, test-taking, and time management strategies. If you cannot find tutoring assistance for your course or your schedule, submit a Tutor Request Form.
Where can I study or attend Zoom classes on campus?
Students may connect to remote classes in designated, socially distanced Zoom Spots on campus. Space availability changes each weekday, so please refer to the Zoom Spot schedule. Masks and headphones are required.
Are campus health services still available?
The campus will provide mental health counseling remotely via phone and Zoom. In-person counseling may be requested by appointment. Non-emergency walk-ins are discouraged. Please contact Amanda Collins, mental health counselor, at 724-430-4122 and aln165@psu.edu.
For all other health concerns, please contact Ronette Poorbaugh, campus nurse, at 724-430-4137.
Am I eligible for financial assistance through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act?
New and returning students who have documented financial need may be eligible for CARES funding. Applicants must have completed a 2020–21 FAFSA, meet Title IV federal student aid eligibility requirements, meet Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) requirements, and be enrolled in at least six credits during the Fall 2020 semester.
To apply, contact Rick Van Buren at rav13@psu.edu or 724-430-4132.
Community
I am a prospective or admitted student. Can I come to campus?
Prospective and admitted students may meet with staff remotely, via Zoom. Please call 724-430-4130, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., to confirm or schedule your remote Admissions appointment.
I am a student or instructor through the Office of Outreach and Continuing Education. How does this affect my classes?
All classes are being moved to an online format or suspended. Please contact the office of Continuing Education at 724-430-4211 for information specific to your class.
How can I help students?
Online monetary giving is the fastest and easiest way to offer your support to the Fayette student food pantry and/or student emergency assistance funds. If you would like to make a contribution, please visit raise.psu.edu:
- Click on “WAYS TO GIVE.”
- Then select “GIVE ONLINE.”
- On the next screen, type “Fayette” into the center box titled “Search for an area to support,” and it will populate with the top Fayette initiatives.
- Select the fund that you wish to support and it will be placed into your cart. You may then proceed to checkout.
Thank you for considering support for our students during this difficult time. For more information, contact the Office of Development at jrk22@psu.edu or 724-430-4190.
Please continue to watch for communications from Penn State, as the plans outlined above could change. For the latest updates and information, visit https://virusinfo.psu.edu/back-to-state.
For more information, contact Shannon Sankey or Bill Hager.
