S Book
2012 Student Handbook
S
Book
2012 Student Handbook Brought to you by the University Park Undergraduate Association
S
Book
2012 Student Handbook Brought to you by the University Park Undergraduate Association
2012 PENN STATE
Student Handbook Brought to you by the University Park Undergraduate Association
Your time here at Penn State University Park has begun. Are you ready? Throughout your years here, Penn State will foster an environment that encourages you to create your own path, grow as an individual, and form life-long friendships. Penn State is unique in the sheer number of opportunities it offers; make the most of your undergraduate experience by being an active member of our campus community. Take advantage of the abundant cocurricular offerings that exist on campus and in the surrounding community. Make an effort to meet new people, join a student organization, attend a play or lecture, or volunteer your time to a service organization. Being involved will enrich your Penn State experience and help you learn more about yourself. Whether you are here for part of your collegiate career here, or the whole time, you’ll reflect on your Penn State experience with a sense of pride and longing for more. But what exactly will make those years so memorable is up to you! Written by upperclassmen as a guide for incoming students, this handbook is a tradition that began in the late 1800s and lasted for decades until it ended in 1997. The S-Book was started again in 2010 as an initiative of the University Park Undergraduate Association (UPUA), Penn State’s undergraduate student government. Although it isn’t exhaustive, it was written and revived with the hopes of passing down some helpful information, history, and words of wisdom that may help you create your own path and unforgettable Penn State experience. Welcome to Happy Valley! For the Glory, The Handbook Committee 2
Student Handbook Committee 2012 Kyle Lorenz Editor in Chief
Kelly Terefenko Assistant Editor
Gary McMillen Assistant Editor
Will Sheehan Assistant Editor
Cynthia Biek Advisor
Anas Almathami Tom Bremer Brendan Dooley Christopher Ferri Ali Fogarty Anand Ganjam Subee Jacob Dutch Markward Zachary McCornac Natalie Mueller Amanda Unger
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Welcome New Students, Congratulations on your acceptance to Penn State University Park! My name is Courtney Lennartz and I am your Student Body President for the 2012-2013 school year. You are about to begin the best four (or five) years of your life thus far. Throughout your time here, you will learn what it means to be a Penn Stater. The Penn State student body is one of the most diverse, passionate, and sought after group of students in the entire country—and you are the newest addition. I encourage you to get involved early on. With over 900 student organizations there are so many opportunities for you to meet other students and give back to the community. Immerse yourself in the culture of Penn State by attending things like the football games, Rally in the Valley, the Homecoming Parade, or THON. By getting involved, you will meet some of the most amazing people; people that will become your lifelong friends. Leave your mark in the short time that you are here. Whether that be excelling in your course of study, being actively involved in an organization, or volunteering for community service activities. You are the future of this great University so it is up to you to keep our legacy strong. Never be afraid to make your voice heard, never be afraid to try something new, and never be afraid to ask questions both in and out of the classroom. I look forward to meeting each and every one of you in the year to come. Just remember to make the most of your college experience and always have fun! For the Glory, Courtney Lennartz
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What is UPUA? The University Park Undergraduate Association, more commonly known as UPUA, is the undergraduate student government at University Park. UPUA is made up of an assembly of representatives, an executive committee led by the President and Vice President, and the Board of Arbitration. (Think of it as the same as the three branches of the Federal Government). We act as the voice of the undergraduate student body while working to better your experience at Penn State. It is our hope that the S-Book, just one of the projects of UPUA, will provide you with some advice and guidance as you begin your time here. As you will see throughout this book, your time here will be over before you know it, so make the most of it. There are multiple ways to get involved with student government as a first-year student. There are two positions for freshman representatives, as well as opportunities in our executive departments and intern program. For more information on these opportunities and your student government, visit 314 HUB, check out www.upua. psu.edu, or call us at (814) 863-4326.
upua.psu.edu 5
Penn State Principles
The Pennsylvania State University is a community dedicated to personal and academic excellence. The Penn State Principles were developed to embody the values that we hope our students, faculty, staff, administration, and alumni possess. At the same time, the University is strongly committed to freedom of expression. Consequently, these Principles do not constitute University policy and are not intended to interfere in any way with an individual’s academic or personal freedoms. We hope, however, that individuals will voluntarily endorse these common principles, thereby contributing to the traditions and scholarly heritage left by those who preceded them, and will thus leave Penn State a better place for those who follow. Principles
· I will respect the dignity of all individuals within the Penn State community. · I will practice academic integrity. · I will demonstrate social and personal responsibility. · I will be responsible for my own academic progress and agree to comply with all University policies.
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Table of Contents 9 New to Penn State
10 Bucket List 13 Alma Mater and Fight Songs 21 UParkology 24 Penn State Myths and Facts
27 History
28 Timeline 34 The Nittany Lion 35 Guard the Shrine 35 Past Traditions 37 Buildings
41 Academics
42 The Basics 47 Academic Integrity 48 Computer Labs, Printing, and Learning Spaces 49 Opportunities
55 Campus Tour
56 Buildings and Landmarks
69 On-Campus Life
70 Housing 77 Safety 77 Recreational Facilities 80 CATA and Other Transportation
81 Off-Campus
82 State College Borough 82 Housing 85 Dining 87 Shopping 88 Other Off-Campus Activities
91 Student Life
92 Student Services 92 Clubs and Organizations 97 Coming Together: FreshSTART, Homecoming, and THON 99 Athletics 101 Media Outlets 104 Campus Map 108 Important Dates: Fall 2012 and Spring 2013
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New to Penn State
Land-Grant Frescoes in Old Main, painted by N Henry and e wVarnum t o P Poor e n nin S1940 tat e 1949. 9
Now that you are officially a student at Penn State, check out this “bucket list” of things to do while you are here! We guarantee all of these things will enhance your Penn State experience. n L e a r n a b o u t t h e LEA P P r o g r a m
LEAP (the Learning Edge Academic Program) provides entering freshmen the chance to begin their journey at Penn State University Park by way of a summer learning community. LEAP students are separated into groups of twenty-four for the entirety of the program. Students take two courses, live together in the same dormitory area, and have an upperclass student mentor to guide them through the summer. Taking part in the LEAP program provides an easy transition into college life at Penn State. (Students who are admitted to fall semester can change their admission to summer by contacting the Admissions Office and asking to be a part of LEAP, or by visiting http://www.leap.psu.edu/.) n Attend President’s New Student Convocation and participate in Welcome Week activities
n Attend “Be a Part From the Start” and “Rally in the Valley”
“Be a Part From the Start” is an event held in the fall to welcome our newest class of Penn Staters. Approximately 7,000 freshmen, the cheerleaders, the Nittany Lion Mascot, the Blue Band, the Lionettes Dance Team, and various student organizations attend this event in Rec Hall. The rally is an introduction to what it means to be a Penn State student. Attendees learn Penn State cheers and hear from prominent Penn Staters in order to give them an early understanding of the community they have chosen to join. From the fight 10 N e w t o P e n n S t a t e
songs to the Alma Mater, from football cheers to the wave, “Be a Part From the Start” is an hour of non-stop Penn State pride and spirit! “Rally in the Valley” is the largest football pep rally on campus. It is typically held in Rec Hall the Friday night before a prime-time football game. This event features the cheerleaders, the Nittany Lion Mascot, the Blue Band, the Lionettes Dance Team, and of course, the football team. “Rally in the Valley” is a great way to get excited alongside your fellow Penn Staters, students and alumni alike, for the big game! n Visit the Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts (Arts Fest)
n Participate in Homecoming n Guard the Lion Shrine at Homecoming (see page 35) n Participate in the Homecoming Parade (see page 97) n Visit Old Main and climb the Bell Tower
The unmistakable Bell Tower that is synonymous with Dear Old State offers stunning views of Happy Valley. It is a ritual for students to climb the stairs since the reconstruction of Old Main in 1930. Today, Old Main opens its Tower only a couple times a year. n Explore and choose a major
Coming to Penn State undecided on your major may seem uncomfortable, but you are not alone. Studies from Penn State and other institutions show that up to 80 percent of students entering college admit that they’re not certain on their major. Penn State offers a variety of resources to help you get the degree that best fits your interests and career path, including Academic Advising Centers, Career Services, and the Division of Undergraduate Studies (DUS). N e w t o P e n n S t a t e
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DUS is an enrollment unit for exploratory students and students in transition from one major to another. DUS provides you with an academic adviser who will help you make decisions and ultimately assist you in enrolling into a college and declaring your major by the end of your sophomore year. While a DUS student, you will be exposed to a variety of educational plans that will be essential to making this important decision. The DUS office at University Park is located in Grange Building. For more information, visit http://dus. psu.edu. n Climb Mt. Nittany n Read “The Daily Collegian� n Have your picture taken at the Nittany Lion Shrine as a freshman and senior
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n Learn the words to the Alma Mater and all the fight songs
P ENN STATE ALMA MATER
By Fred Lewis Pattee For the Glory of Old State For her founders strong and great. For the future that we wait, Raise the song, raise the song. Sing our love and loyalty, Sing our hopes that bright and free Rest, O Mother, dear with thee All with thee, all with thee. When we stood at childhood’s gate, Shapeless in the hands of fate, Thou didst mold us dear old State Dear Old State, dear old State. May no act of ours bring shame To one heart that loves thy name, May our lives but swell thy fame, Dear old State, dear old State.
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F IGHT ON , STATE
Fight on State (GO!) Fight on State (GO!) Strike your gait and win, (LET’S GO STATE!) Victory we predict for thee We’re ever true to you, dear old White and Blue. Onward State, (GO!) Onward State, (GO!) Roar, Lions, roar: (LET’S GO STATE!) We’ll hit that line, roll up the score, Fight on to victory ever more, Fight on, on, on, on, on, Fight on, on, Penn State! (S-T-A-T-E GO! STATE!)
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HAIL TO THE LION
Every college has a legend, passed on from year to year, To which they pledge allegiance, and always cherish dear. But of all the honored idols, there’s but one that stands the test, It’s the stately Nittany Lion, the symbol of our best. Chorus: HAIL! to the Lion, loyal and true. HAIL! Alma Mater, with your white and blue. PENN! STATE! forever, molder of men (and women), FIGHT! for her honor — FIGHT! — and victory again. Indiana has its Hoosiers, Purdue its gold and black. The Wildcats from Northwestern and Spartans on attack. Ohio State has its Buckeyes, Up north, The Wolverines. But the mighty Nittany Lions, The best they’ve ever seen. (Chorus) There’s Pittsburgh with its Panther, and Penn her Red and Blue, Dartmouth with its Indian, and Yale her Bulldog, too. There’s Princeton with its Tiger, and Cornell with its Bear. But speaking now of victory, We’ll get the Lion’s share. (Chorus)
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VICTORY
Come now, classmen, let us sing. Loyally support the team. We’re here today with our colors gay, Ready to win the fray. Whether it be Pitt or Penn, Harvard or Cornell, Play the game, every man, And we will win again. Chorus: Fight, fight, fight for the Blue and White Victory will our slogan be; Dear Alma Mater, fairest of all, The loyal dens will obey they call To fight, fight, fight with all their might, Ever the goal to gain, Into the game for Penn State’s fame. Fight on to victory!
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n Participate in Football Saturdays
There is nothing like a football Saturday at Penn State! Attending a Penn State football game is considered a must-do before graduating. Hopefully, you are lucky enough to get season tickets! As a senior you may even end up in the S-Zone! n Paternoville
At the beginning of the week before a home football game, hundreds of students camp outside of Gate A in a small tent city named “Paternoville.” Here, students will live in their tents until kick-off on Saturday in order to get front row seats in Beaver Stadium. At Paternoville, the week before the game is filled with fun events and appearances by the Blue Band and current players. n Tailgreat
Penn State is host to one of the best tailgating experiences in the country. Unknown to many, however, is the tradition of Tailgreat that occurs in the Bryce Jordan Center before every home game. This custom includes the Blue Band performing its final tune-up with cheerleaders and Lionettes Dance Team as they lead cheers along to the rhythm. The culmination of this event leads to the Blue Band’s march through the thousands of tailgaters and into Beaver Stadium. n Blue Band
Prior to the start of every football game, the Blue Band performs on the field. This performance always incorporates the trademark flip by the drum major as he runs onto the field. The Penn State Blue Band is recognized as one of the nation’s finest college marching bands. The Blue Band has performed at every major bowl game in the U.S., including the Rose Bowl and the Tournament of Roses Parade. The 2012–2013 season marks the 113th year of the Blue Band’s proud, tradition-filled history. N e w t o P e n n S t a t e
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n Learn how to cheer for our football team
When Penn State has the ball, the student section is quiet, but when the opposing team has possession, you should cheer as loud as you can! n Pass the Nittany Lion Mascot at football games
At times during football games, the Nittany Lion Mascot enters the first row of the student section and crowd surfs up the stands. If you want to be one of the lucky students to pass the lion, make sure you cheer “We want the Lion!” when he passes by the student section. n Lift Your Friend in the Air
After the Nittany Lions score a touchdown, it is typical to see people being lifted into the air by their friends for every point Penn State has scored at that time. n Sit in the student section at basketball games
n Check out some favorite downtown eating traditions
State College offers a variety of downtown dining options that have become staples to the Penn State experience. The Corner Room, possibly State College’s most iconic spot to eat, has been serving the students of Penn State since 1926. Other Penn State favorites include a burger and milkshake from Baby’s Burgers & Shakes, boneless wings from Wings Over Happy Valley, grilled stickies from The Diner, and fresh baked cookies from Insomnia Cookies.
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n Participate in the Penn State IFC/
P a n h e l l e n i c D a n c e M a r a t h o n ( THON )
n Participate in a
snowball fight in the residence hall quads
n Invite your family to Parents and Families Weekend in the Fall
n Visit Old Coaly
Many students think that the Penn State mascot had always been the Nittany Lion, but in fact the first mascot was a mule by the name of Old Coaly. He helped carry the limestone from its original resting place on College Avenue to the current site of Old Main. Today, you can see Old Coaly’s skeleton next to the HUB Auditorium. n Scream “We Are!” at a passing tour group
This chant defines our University. From the moment you stepped on campus for a tour until when you are an alumnus, you are guaranteed to hear “We Are!” It’s our universal chant—one that instills a sense of pride, loyalty, and community. n V o t e i n t h e U P UA e l e c t i o n s
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n Eat ice cream from
the Berkey Creamery
n Participate in Late
Night-Penn State at t h e HUB / W h i t e Building
LateNight-PennState provides entertainment events in an alcoholfree environment free of charge to students during the semester. These events include concerts featuring artists like Pitbull, 3OH!3, Wale, and Sammy Adams, in addition to comedians, laser tag, crafts, pre-released movies, and many other types of events. LateNight takes place from 9:00 pm to 2:00 am (Friday and Saturday) and 10:00 pm to midnight (Thursday). n Feed a squirrel on campus n Learn about The
Penn State Administration
The university is governed by the 32-member Board of Trustees. Its members include the University’s President, the Governor of Pennsylvania, and the State Secretaries of Agriculture, Education, and Conservation and Natural Resources. Other members include six trustees appointed by the Governor, nine elected by alumni, and six elected by Pennsylvania agricultural societies. Six additional trustees are elected by a board representing business and industry enterprises. For more information, visit http://www.psu.edu/ur/about/ administration.html
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n Learn UParkology Angel—The course management system (CMS) available for use by instructors, students, and staff at Penn State. ARHS—Association of Residence Hall Students. The student
representative body of all students living on-campus. BJC—The Bryce Jordan Center. This entertainment facility hosts
many concerts at discounted student rates. The BJC is also home to Penn State Men’s & Women’s Basketball. CAPS—Counseling and Psychological Services. Free confidential services for students. CATA—Centre Area Transit Authority. The bus system that operates
throughout State College and campus. CATA operates the FREE campus links and loops. CCSG–Council of Commonwealth Student Governments. The student body government for all students attending a Commonwealth Campus. Creamery—The Berkey Creamery has a reputation for creating many delicious dairy delicacies including ice cream, frozen yogurt, milkshakes, and many other dairy products. East, West, Pollock, South, North, Eastview, Nittany & White Course—
Refers to the residential living areas. eLion—The website used by the University to keep track of student
academic records, manage transcripts, schedule classes, pay bills, review financial aid award, and other important student services. FTG—“For the Glory.” This acronym is used to instill university pride. FTK—“For the Kids.” This acronym is used to remind people why
students devote much of their time and resources to THON. HUB—Hetzel Union Building. A popular area for students to relax.
The HUB features several eateries, wi-fi internet access, study areas, student clubs and activities, the Penn State Bookstore, art galleries, and many student services. N e w t o P e n n S t a t e
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JoePa—Short for Joseph Vincent Paterno, legendary former coach of the Penn State Nittany Lion Football Team. LionCash+—An online, prepaid flexible spending account accessed by
your Penn State id+ card. Deposit money into your account, and you will be able to make purchases at participating on- and off-campus locations. OCSU–Off-Campus Student Union. The student representative body of all students who live off-campus. Resident Assistant (RA) –Specially trained student employees of Residence Life’s staff who live in your area. ResLife—Office of Residence Life. Creates high quality living-learning environments, programs and services for residence hall students. SPA—Student Programming Association. SPA services students by
providing concerts, entertainment, and distinguished speakers which enhance a student’s overall cocurricular experience. THON—The largest student-run philanthropy in the world, the Penn State IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon (THON) is a year-round fundraising event benefiting The Four Diamonds Fund, conquering childhood cancer, at the Penn State Children’s Hospital in Hershey, PA. The year culminates in a no-sitting, no-sleeping, 46-hour dance marathon held in February. UHS—University Health Services. UHS is Penn State’s health center, which offers medical services, prescriptions, testing, educational programs, scheduled and walk-in appointments. UP—University Park campus of Penn State University located in State
College, PA. UPUA—University Park Undergraduate Association. The student
body government for the University Park Campus.
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n The Commonwealth Campuses
Most people know the history of Penn State as that of a school chartered in 1855. Since that time, Penn State has grown from that one campus at University Park to 24 locations statewide, and each of those other locations has its own history and offers students different academic opportunities. There are about 70,000 undergraduates who attend one of 19 Commonwealth Campuses and about 8,000 students who attend one of 5 special-mission campuses located across Pennsylvania. Each Commonwealth Campus is different in terms of size, atmosphere, and academic programs, but most classes taught within the Penn State system works towards your degree, regardless of location. This allows Penn State students to enroll in a summer class closer to home or to begin their education at a Commonwealth Campus and complete their degree at another. In fact, 60% of Penn State graduates attend a Commonwealth Campus at some point during their Penn State career.
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n Know these Penn State myths and facts
Myth: The word “Nittany” is derived from Princess Nita-nee, a member of the Native American tribes who once lived in central Pennsylvania. Fact: Princess Nita-nee was created by author and publisher Henry W. Shoemaker and has no basis actual in fact. Shoemaker’s mention of the princess first appeared in print in 1903. At that time he attributed the tale to “an aged Seneca Indian named Isaac Steele.” Shoemaker, a well known Pennsylvania folklorist, later admitted that both Steele and Nita-nee were “purely fictitious.” Myth: Penn State is state-owned and operated. Fact: Penn State is “state-related.” It was incorporated in 1855 as a private entity but the Board of Trustees included representatives of state government, including the governor. The state legislature in 1863 named Penn State the Commonwealth’s sole land-grant institution, a designation that gave the University a broad mission of teaching, research, and public service. The legislature only occasionally granted funds to Penn State during the early years but since 1887 has made appropriations on a regular basis. Myth: Old Main burned down. Fact: The original Old Main–Penn State’s first academic and administrative building–was completed in 1863. A fire partially destroyed the roof in 1892, which resulted in remodeling the upper floor and the bell tower. Age and heavy use took their toll, and the building was torn down in 1929. The current Old Main was opened in 1930.
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Myth: Penn State began as a high school. Fact: Penn State was incorporated in 1855 as an agricultural college having the power to grant baccalaureate degrees. Its aim was to encourage the application of science to farming. But many farmers distrusted the traditional college curriculum that emphasized the study of rhetoric, ancient languages, philosophy, and other “classical” subjects. To allay these suspicions, the University’s founders named the institution The Farmers’ High School, a designation that lasted until 1862. Myth: Land-grant education means agricultural education. Fact: The Land-Grant Act, passed by Congress in 1862, called for states to select and support colleges and universities that would include agriculture and engineering in their curricula, without excluding science or classical studies. Their goal was “to promote liberal and practical education…” So Penn State, as a land-grant institution, offered a wide range of studies from its earliest years. Only a small fraction of the student body majored in agriculture. Myth: The sun dial on the Old Main lawn is the geographic center of Pennsylvania. Fact: The sun dial is a gift of the senior class of 1915 and was presented that same year. It holds no geographic significance. The geographic center of the Commonwealth is in Centre County, but the latest calculations by Penn State cartographers place it near Fisherman’s Paradise along Spring Creek, near Bellefonte. For many years, based on older methods of calculation, the center was thought to be near Aaronsburg, along Route 45, about 25 miles east of the University Park campus.
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Myth: Penn State’s University Park campus is located in Happy Valley. Fact: That may be the popular assumption in some quarters but in truth there is no geographic place in Centre County formally designated “Happy Valley.” Happy Valley is generally used in an informal or even a slang context, often by journalists, and is not part of the University’s official style. The University Park campus and the community of State College are located in the Nittany Valley, near its confluence with Penns Valley. The origin of the name Happy Valley as applied to this location is murky. There seems to have been some local usage as early as the 1950s, but the term apparently became far more widely used and recognized starting in the late 1960s, about the time when network telecasts of Nittany Lions football games began, and thus might be attributed to sports writers and broadcasters.
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HISTORY
Students pause from farm chores to pose before an unfinished Main Building, 1860.
Learn all you can about the history and traditions of our University. As current Penn Staters, it is essential we take time to learn from the people and work that came before us. Not only will this knowledge strengthen your love and pride for Penn State, it will inspire you in your service to the community and the world.
Timeline
1855–1906: The Founding Era
In 1855, Governor James Pollock signed the act creating the Farmers’ High School of Pennsylvania into law. The vision for this school was to increase the prosperity of the state’s farmers by teaching them to apply science to agriculture. In 1862, the school was the first to benefit from the Morrill Land-Grant Act, giving more students the opportunity to pursue higher education. With George W. Atherton’s presidential term (1882-1906), the new co-educational Pennsylvania State College, achieved stability and dramatic expansion in curricula, enrollments, and facilities. By 1900, Penn State had become one of the largest engineering schools in the country with seven schools and a variety of majors. 1855 Charter signed by Governor Pollock on February 22. 1856 Construction of Old Main (the “College Building”) begins. 1859 The Farmer’s High School opens on February 16.
Dr. Evan Pugh becomes the first President in October.
1862 School renamed The Agricultural College of Pennsylvania.
Morrill Land-Grant Act signed by President Lincoln.
1870 The Alumni Association is organized. 1871 First women students are admitted. 1874 School renamed The Pennsylvania State College. 1887 First student newspaper, Free Lance is established.
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History
1888 Phi Gamma Delta is chartered as the first permanently
established men’s national fraternity on campus; Beta Theta Pi is second. 1889 First La Vie published as junior class yearbook by class of 1890. 1890 First class gift is a portrait of President Pugh, given by first
graduating class, ’61. 1892 First “stadium,” Old Beaver Field is completed; named for
James A. Beaver, president of the Board of Trustees, governor and Civil War general. 1899 The Blue Band begins; developed from Cadet Bugle Corps. 1901 “Alma Mater” is written by Professor Fred Lewis Pattee, the first
professor of American Literature.
HISTORY 29
1906–1950: The Middle Years
These middle years represent the presidential terms of Edwin Erle Sparks, John Martin Thomas, and Ralph Dorn Hetzel, and they were years of war and economic upheaval. Enrollment had more than tripled when World War I dramatically interrupted academic life, as the demand for military training dominated student life. After the war, Sparks retired. Enrollment demands could not be met, and the Trustees responded by calling on President Thomas, an experienced fundraiser to help build new facilities for students. He wanted Penn State to become the state university, with expanded graduate and professional schools, an enrollment of 10,000 students, and massive state appropriations. It would be Hetzel’s task to work on this agenda while guiding the College through the Depression, World War II, and the return of veterans to campus. His sudden death in 1947 again left the college adrift. 1907 The Nittany Lion is adopted by students as the athletics symbol. 1908 Dr. Edwin Erle Sparks becomes the eighth President. 1909 “Old Beaver Field” moves to “New Beaver Field.” 1917 World War I programs take over campus Army and Navy
trainees in SATC (Students’ Army Training Corps), forerunner of ROTC units. 1926 Chi Omega is chartered as the first national women’s fraternity. 1930 “Old Main” is rebuilt. 1931 The Nittany Lion Inn opens. 1940 New library building is occupied.
Student newspaper becomes The Daily Collegian.
1942 The Nittany Lion Shrine, sculpted by Heinz Warneke is
dedicated as the class gift of 1940.
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History
1950–Present: The Modern Penn State
The most recent sixty years have seen extraordinary growth and progress; although it has not always been smooth. The GI Bill and rapid increase in demand for higher education caused the student population to skyrocket through the height of the Civil Right’s and Women’s Rights movements. Penn State’s degree programs expanded to include 24 campuses, including law and medical schools. Milton Eisenhower served as Penn State’s President at the same time his brother Dwight was President of the United States. His successor, Eric A. Walker, was once told of the three ways to build a great university, “You can build a lot of buildings. You can build a football team. Or you can build a faculty.” “Well,” Walker replied, “I am going to do all three.” Walker lived up to his promise as the University Park Campus grew during his tenure and Joseph Vincent Paterno was named Head Football Coach of the Nittany Lions. After Walker, Penn State Presidents John Oswald, Bryce Jordan, and Joab Thomas dealt with economic uncertainty and decreasing state appropriations. The university would achieve national recognition in research, expanding academic programs and athletics, and would restart private fundraising as well. Under Graham Spanier, Penn State constructed more than $1 billion in new buildings to meet the needs of instruction, research, and outreach to continue to be one of the world’s most respected institutions in higher education. 1953 The Pennsylvania State University becomes the official name. 1955 Student union building opens; named Hetzel Union Building
(HUB) in honor of President Ralph Dorn Hetzel. 1960 Beaver Stadium is completed and has seating capacity of 46,264. 1963 The Milton S. Hershey Medical Center is established with a $50
million allocation from M. S. Hershey Foundation. 1966 Joseph Vincent Paterno is hired as Head Football Coach. 1973 The first Dance Marathon was held in held Penn State’s HUB
ballroom, raising $2,000.
HISTORY 31
1982 The football team wins the National Championship with a
victory over Georgia. 1986 The football team concludes an undefeated National
Championship season with a victory over Miami. 1989 Penn State enrollment surpasses 70,000 students in the
Commonwealth. 1990 Penn State joins the Big Ten athletic conference. 1998 Penn State becomes one of the first major accredited
universities to provide online education through World Campus. 2001 The Hintz Family Alumni Center, home to the world’s largest
dues paying alumni association is dedicated. 2002 The Bank of America Career Services Center is dedicated,
providing career-oriented counsel to the students of Penn State. 2003 The Pasquerilla Spiritual Center is dedicated, adding a worship
space for a multitude of religious and spiritual belief groups on campus. 2011 Joe Paterno wins his 409th game, becoming the winningest
coach in college football. F ALL 2 0 1 1 – S P RING 2 0 1 2 : THE P AST SCHOOL YEAR
This past school year has been one of Penn State’s most extraordinary. Changes were seen throughout the administration, athletics, and research, while blue and white pride was a constant staple for the Penn State community. Pat Chambers was announced as the men’s head basketball coach and the Millennium Science Complex was opened The student section cheered on the football team behind the south end zone instead of extending to the 40-yard line, like years prior. Due to a Grand Jury report on the investigation into child abuse accusations surrounding former defensive coordinator, Jerry Sandusky, 32
History
fall semester was one of the most challenging times Penn State has ever faced. On the field, changes occurred to the top coaching position due to the Sandusky scandal. Tom Bradley, Penn State’s Defensive Line Coach, assumed the interim head coach role to finish the season and Bill O’Brien, from the New England Patriots, was announced as the team’s 15th head coach. On November 9, 2011, Rodney Erickson was appointed as the university’s 17th president. The next evening, students participated in a candlelight vigil to show support for the victims and planned a “blue out” at the weekend’s football game to raise child abuse awareness. The Penn State community also came together to fundraise more than $500,000 benefitting the Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network (RAINN). During the fall, a historical display for the lion shrine was selected as the senior class gift, and the women’s field hockey team won the Big 10 Championship. In research, Penn State made two profound discoveries, a breast cancer-killing virus and a possible cure for leukemia. During the spring term, the university decided it will no longer mandate to own intellectual property from research financed by an industrial sponsor, the first major research institution to propose such a policy. On January 23, 2012, legendary football coach Joe Paterno lost his battle with lung cancer at age 85. To honor Paterno’s service to the university, the Beaver Stadium lights were illuminated for a week. His viewing was held at the Pasquerilla Spiritual Center and his memorial service was at the Bryce Jordan Center. On the third weekend in February, thousands of Penn State students crowded the BJC for the 40th annual Penn State IFC/ Panhellenic Dance Marathon (THON), which raised $10,686,924.83 for children and families affected by pediatric cancer.
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The Nittany Lion “Every college the world over of any consequence has a college emblem of some kind—all but The Pennsylvania State College… Why not select for ours the king of beasts—the Lion!! Dignified, courageous, magnificent, the Lion allegorically represents all that our College Spirit should be, so why not ‘the Nittany Mountain Lion?’ Why cannot State have a kingly, all-conquering Lion as the eternal sentinel?” —H. D. Joe Mason When Joe Mason visited Princeton University’s campus in the spring of 1904, he formulated an idea that would soon become the symbolic legacy of Penn State, The Nittany Lion Mascot. Mason quickly invented his vision of a mascot and proposed the mountain lion. Mountain Lions roamed nearby Mount Nittany until the 1880s. The origin of the word “Nittany” is buried in Indian tradition with a meaning of “single mountain” or “protective barrier against the elements.” Mason’s proposal was so well accepted by the University that no vote was taken to approve the adoption of the Nittany Lion as the school’s mascot. Two columns at the main campus entrance on College and Allen Street held the first images of a lion on Penn State’s campus. They were two alabaster African lion statues originating from a Pennsylvania exhibit at the 1904 St. Louis Exposition. Students referred to them as “Pa” and “Ma.” A costumed lion did not appear at football games until the 1920s. A campaign to raise money for a lion shrine was started in the 1930s with the intention of creating an area to hold pep rallies and celebrate victories of the athletic teams. Finally, in 1940, the Senior Class voted to give the Lion Shrine as their legacy to Penn State. The Shrine cost $5,430 to construct and the location was debated until it was decided the shrine should rest near the Recreation Building and Old Beaver Field because 34
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it was the site of Penn State Football games at the time. Sculpting of the shrine from a thirteen-ton block of limestone was completed by sculptor Heinz Warneke. The shrine stands as one of the most photographed and visited places on campus, as well as in Pennsylvania. The legacy of the Nittany Lion roars on from the heights of Mount Nittany to the proud Lion Shrine.
Guard the Shrine
The Guard the Lion Shrine tradition began in 1966 when Sue Paterno along with two other coaches’ wives covered the shrine in orange latex paint to boost morale for that weekend’s Homecoming football game against Syracuse. After leaving, a group of Syracuse fans later doused the shrine in oil-based paint making the removal process much more difficult. Since then, Guard the Lion Shrine has been recognized as a Homecoming weekend event, and one of Penn State’s best traditions.
Past Traditions
Freshman Customs
Although present since the founding of the University, Freshman Customs officially began in 1904. These customs were intended to promote class spirit, familiarize freshmen with the campus and its history, and make them eager to be upperclassmen. It began with the freshman class being banned from various activities including, smoking in public, being out after 9:00 p.m., wearing the college colors, carrying a cane (the upperclassman’s mark of distinction), or leaving chapel or lecture before upperclassmen. Freshmen were also expected to gather the fuel for football-victory bonfires. Beginning in 1905, freshmen were “never [to] speak back to an upperclassmen.” In 1907, first-year men started wearing dinks, or beanies. These caps were green or blue in color and signaled to upperclassmen which students were freshmen. Women began this custom in 1953.
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Until 1939, Customs came to an end for men on Move-Up Day in May which was followed by Spirit Week in the 1920s. During this week, freshmen attached six-inch long streamers to their dinks, wore coats, black socks, and four-in-hand ties. They also had to always carry matches, sit only in the east stands during football games, and were banned from associating with girls within three miles of Old Main. Other Customs required freshmen to perform school songs and cheers upon request, stay off the College Avenue Wall, know the legend of Old Willow, and say “hello” to everyone. Severe punishments resulted for those who did not follow Freshman Customs. Punishments included digging for water in the unpaved and dusty roads, praying for rain, barking at the moon, delivering an impromptu speech, nose-pushing a peanut down College Avenue, or hand-pushing a baby buggy around campus dressed in female attire. Offenders were sometimes covered in molasses and feathers or had their head shaved in unusual patterns. To further ensure that freshmen cooperated with Customs, sophomores carried huge paddles around campus. After World War II, administrators deemed Customs too serious to foster unity. They revived a few years later, but officially ended in the 1960s. Gentle Thursday
The 1970s saw the creation of a popular social event on campus called Gentle Thursday. It was started by the Free University, which was an abstract system of student run classes that taught subjects such as wine and cheese tasting, belly dancing, auto repair, and scuba diving. Gentle Thursday was held each spring as a “day of sharing.”
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Crowds would gather on the HUB and Old Main lawns and listen to live bands, hang out with friends, watch movies, and enjoy a day free from classes and politics. Gentle Thursday was phased out in 1980 when the event became notorious for drug and alcohol problems. Swimming Tests
Swimming Tests were a long tradition that freshman dreaded for years. Bill Deihm, a 1962 graduate, describes them best here: “I was a freshman in 1958 and, indeed, was required to take a swimming test. It was before the Natatorium so it was in the pool downtown in the [Glennland Building]. We were told to report to the pool during orientation week and since it was not co-ed, we stripped down to no clothing at all. Swimwear was never allowed in that pool. We were herded through a wading pool of treated water, presumably to kill all of our germs. We had to jump in the shallow end and swim to the other end. Since I could not swim a lick, I had to stay in swimming class until I mastered five strokes and could stay afloat in the deep end. This took me the better part of three semesters. In those days, Phys Ed was required for your first two years, as was ROTC.”
Buildings
Old Main and Land Grant Frescoes
Built from 1857-1863, Old Main is Penn State’s most identifiable building, and with such a rich history, it is easy to understand why. Originally, it was the only building on campus and housed
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administrative offices, classrooms, student and faculty housing, the library and the school’s chapel. When other buildings were built on campus in the 1880s, it was called the “Main Building.” It was not until the death of President Atherton in 1906 that the building became known as “Old Main.” The current building was actually not built until 1929 but kept the name of its predecessor. Today, Old Main houses administrative offices, including the Office of the President, and the beautiful Land-Grant Frescoes, painted by Henry Varnum Poor. The frescoes inside, which were started in 1939 with the help of a financial contribution from the Class of 1932, are one of the largest works of their kind on any campus. The frescoes depict Abraham Lincoln, who signed the land grant act in 1962, among other figures. Any student is welcome to walk into Old Main and check out the frescoes during the building’s open hours (which are usually 8:00 am–5:00 pm Monday–Friday). Schwab Auditorium & Carnegie Building
Schwab and Carnegie were the first two privately funded buildings constructed on campus. Steel magnates Charles M. Schwab and Andrew Carnegie funded their construction around the turn of the century. Both men wished to have their buildings be larger and more beautiful than their rival’s. Schwab Auditorium is larger in square footage, but Carnegie Building is taller. The Schwab Auditorium now hosts approximately 75 performances a year. Carnegie Building was the school’s first library and the first home to The Daily Collegian. It is now the home to the College of Communications.
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University House
The University House was home to eleven different Penn State presidents between 1864 and 1970. Evan Pugh, Penn State’s first President, designed it in the style of a country Georgian Mansion, although he died before living in the house. Eric Walker was the last President to live there. A series of student protests over the Vietnam War (including one where a VW bus was pushed into the pond on the University House lawn) led to every President after 1970 to live off-campus. The University House still stands today next to the Hintz Family Alumni Center; it is the oldest building on campus. The Armory
The Armory, a campus landmark for 75 years, was built from 1888-1889. For 50 years it served as the training ground for military classes. Penn State has a proud military tradition and its ROTC program dates back to 1916. The building was also used for women’s gym classes until the construction of the White Building in 1939. The Armory also held major dances once the Board of Trustees decided to allow dancing in 1890. The building was demolished in 1964 to make room for a 36 classroom addition to the Willard Building.
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The Berkey Creamery
The Penn State Berkey Creamery, named in honor of Earl and Jeanne Berkey, is the nation’s largest university creamery. Since its opening in 1896, the Berkey Creamery has produced delicious ice cream, sherbets, cheeses and more. The Creamery is more than just a store on the corner of Curtin and Bigler Roads. Located on the first floor of the Food Science Building, the Creamery produces over 190,000 gallons of ice cream per year, and always debuts new, creative flavors, which are often named after aspects of Penn State culture. A favorite flavor is “Peachy Paterno,” named after our famous former football coach Joe Paterno. Visiting the Creamery and choosing your favorite flavor is definitely a Penn State tradition you do not want to miss. Another Creamery tip: the creamery can package ice cream in dry ice so that it will be cold when you arrive home, no matter the distance. It’s a great surprise for your family. 40
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Academics
Women's class, 1940s.
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For many students, adjusting to academics at a large institution is the hardest aspect of the transition from high school to college. At Penn State, it is up to you to be active in your education. Sometimes the most difficult part isn’t the course material, it’s discovering the most effective learning style or your favorite on-campus study location. Take advantage of all the resources available at your disposal and never be afraid to ask questions!
The Basics
Academic Colleges
Penn State is home to thirteen undergraduate academic colleges: · Agricultural Sciences · Health and Human · Arts and Architecture Development · Communications · Information Sciences and · Division of Undergraduate Technology Studies* · The Liberal Arts · Earth and Mineral Science · School of Nursing · Eberly College of Science · Smeal College of Business · Education · Engineering *Enrollment unit for exploratory students
The best way to learn information about your college, or one that you are interested in, is by visiting its website. Each college’s website will provide information regarding the undergraduate studies pertinent to that discipline, and useful information pertaining to scholarships, internships, co-ops, study abroad, undergraduate research, and college departments. Remember, it’s never too early to plan ahead and become familiar with your college website. It is a great way to get started!
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Academic Adviser
One of the best resources within your college is your academic adviser. You can visit your college’s website to view advising hours to schedule an appointment and/or view walk in hours. It is highly beneficial to visit your adviser at least once or twice a semester to speak with them about scheduling courses and any plans you have regarding your academic future. General Education Requirements
To receive a baccalaureate degree from Penn State, all students, regardless of major, must complete a General Education program. This program is frequently referred to as “Gen Ed.” Your Gen Ed’s are broken down into two parts: Skills (15 credit hours) —Writing/Speaking (GWS – 9 Credits) —Quantification (GQ – 6 Credits) Knowledge Domains —Health and Physical Activity (GHA – 3 Credits) —Natural Sciences (GN – 9 Credits) —Arts (GA – 6 Credits) —Humanities (GH – 6 Credits) —Social and Behavioral Sciences (GS – 6 Credits) Different degrees have different requirements. When you schedule an appointment with your adviser, he or she will guide you through the requirements you need and the classes available to fill them. Familiarizing yourself with your degree audit is a very important way to track your academic progress.
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eLion—elion.psu.edu
eLion is one of the most important tools for undergraduates. Once you log in, you will see a menu panel on the left hand side. These options include many important items: —Adviser Information: Find out who your adviser is if you forget. —Course Watch List: Allows students to request notification via e-mail and/or text message when a seat opens up in a full course section. —Degree Audit: Follow your academic progress. —Drop/Add: This option allows you to drop or add classes during the semester. —Final Exam Schedule: Typically released six weeks into the semester, you can view your finals schedule. —Grades: This will show your final grades for each semester. —Registration: This is where you register for your courses. You will also utilize schedule.psu.edu for this process. —Schedule Planner: Schedule Planner is an easy to use, web-based class scheduling tool that helps you to quickly schedule classes and other important activities. —Student Schedule: You can see your course schedule in both calendar form and course detail. You’ll want to print out the calendar form so you know where to go for class! —Transcripts: Here you can view your unofficial transcript, as well as order an official one for jobs or internships. 44 A c a d e m i c s
Degree Audits
A degree audit is simply the method for tracking your academic progress. They provide you with updated information about what General Education requirements you have fulfilled and any degree requirements you completed, like a checklist. Degree audits tell you how many more credits you need until graduation and how many credits you have currently completed. Although degree audits are fairly easy to read, it is still beneficial to schedule an appointment with your adviser. The degree audit is essentially the one-stop-shop for gauging your academic progress. It is important to note that you are not limited to your prospective major or minor for degree audits. You may run degree audits for any major or minor to see what requirements you have completed for the selected academic program. Degree audits can be found at elion.psu.edu.
Schedule of Courses—schedule.psu.edu
This website will provide you with valuable information on every class being offered at Penn State for the upcoming semester. Once you have decided which classes you want to take – consult with your adviser for this process – you can schedule using the Registration option on eLion. You should absolutely pick several back-up classes because classes often fill up with upperclassmen, especially if you are a first-year student. The schedule of courses website provides you with thorough and state-of-the-art scheduling search options. You can search based on course subject, Gen Ed requirements, college, instructor last name, day of the week, time, and much more. Visit schedule.psu.edu for more information and to see all of your options. A c a d e m i c s 4 5
University Libraries—libraries.psu.edu
The University Libraries are an integral part of campus and the heart of the University. The Pattee and Paterno Library is an excellent location for studying, researching, or reading leisurely. You can check out books, digital resources, journals, newspapers, movies and music and conveniently return them to any University Park library or one of the many on-campus return bins. In 1904, the library’s first permanent location was in Old Main with 1,500 books, but today, the University Park campus has 14 libraries with a collection of more than 5.4 million volumes. If, by chance, the University Park libraries do not have the one book you are looking for, you can simply request it on the library’s website and have it transported to you from one of the other 22 Commonwealth Campus libraries, any Big Ten school, or even the Library of Congress. With the largest gift in the Libraries history, a $2.5 million joint donation by Mr. and Mrs. Peter G. Tombros and Dr. and Mrs. John R. McWhirter, the Knowledge Commons was created on the first floor of Pattee Library and opened in Fall of 2011. The Knowledge Commons is complete with state-of-the-art equipment including areas for group study, audio recording, and presentation practice. Take advantage of the libraries open house and tours given at the beginning of fall semester; you don’t want to miss out on what the libraries have to offer. 46 A c a d e m i c s
S c h r e y e r H o n o r s C o l l e g e ( SHC )
The mission of the SHC is to provide enriched learning opportunities within a comprehensive program, and promote global perspective and leadership development across the Penn State community. On September 12, 1997, William A. and Joan Schreyer donated $30 million towards the founding of the Schreyer Honors College (SHC). Enrollment is capped at 1,800 to ensure individual attention. Over 85% of SHC graduates go on to professional or graduate school within three years, many are published before graduation, and all have research experience or have produced a significant creative work.
Academic Integrity
Penn Staters take academic integrity very seriously. Our University’s overarching policy comes from the University Faculty Senate and each College may have their own individual academic integrity policy. “Academic integrity includes a commitment by all members of the University community not to engage in or tolerate acts of falsification, misrepresentation or deception. Such acts of dishonesty violate the fundamental ethical principles of the University community and compromise the worth of work completed by others.” —University Faculty Senate Policy 49-20. At the beginning of each course, it is the responsibility of your instructor to provide your class with a statement clarifying the application of University and College academic integrity policies to that course. These statements are usually found at the end of the class syllabus. However, it is ultimately up to us, the students, to uphold the highest academic standards and act with integrity.
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Computer Labs, Printing, and Learning Spaces Computer Labs
There are over 50 Information Technology Service (ITS) computer labs at University Park available to faculty, staff, and students. Along with technology classrooms which are open between classes, they have nearly 3,000 computers in 322 rooms. Within these computer labs there are different operating platforms, such as Windows, Mac and Linux. ITS also offers the ability to view if a certain lab has any unoccupied computers in both map and chart formats, which can be found at http://clc.its.psu.edu/labs . Printers and Scanners
All Penn State faculty, staff, and students may print in any computer lab that is open. Students are allocated 110 subsidized sheets each semester, paid for by the Information Technology fee. You can buy more sheets at any time from the ITS website. Black and white laser printers are available in all ITS computer labs. There are also color printers in certain labs that are noted on the ITS printing website http://clc.its.psu.edu/printing. Scanners are also available in all ITS labs. L e a r n i n g Sp a c e s
Learning spaces are comfortable, attractive, and quiet work areas with furnishings and technology designed to encourage students to collaborate on projects, study together, and share ideas. ITS has installed multiple collaborative learning spaces in some of the student computing labs at University Park to help fill a need for spaces on campus where two to six students can gather and spread out their materials. For a list of these Learning Spaces go to http://clc.its.psu. edu/learningspaces. 48 A c a d e m i c s
Opportunities
Learning Center— pennstatelearning.psu.edu
Penn State Learning is dedicated to providing peer tutoring, study groups, and team project work space for free to any Penn State student. Need help with writing a paper or finishing those tricky math problems? Free help is available in these areas: Math Writing Economics Sciences Accounting Foreign Language Currently there are 4 locations: Boucke, Sparks, Wagner and Pattee. In addition, it can sometimes be difficult to find a quiet space for a group project on campus. For your convenience, Penn State Learning allows you to reserve study space online. Resources provided: Study Space Study Tips Reserve Rooms Meet People
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Penn State Learning has also taken on the Public Writing Initiative which includes two programs: 1. Commissioned Assignment, where students can work with the commissioner to publish documents and; 2. Guest Speakers, where faculty can bring guests to their classrooms to share information with their students. Disability Services
At every Penn State location, there is an office designated to provide services for students with disabilities. Each designated office requests and maintains disability-related documents; certifies eligibility for services; determines academic adjustments, auxiliary aids, and/or services; and develops plans for the provision of academic adjustments, auxiliary aids, and/or services. Check it out in 116 Boucke Building. Undergraduate Research— undergradresearch.psu.edu
Undergraduate research is one of the best ways to get invaluable experience that employers and graduate schools are seeking. The Research Opportunities for Undergraduates website maintained by the Office of Undergraduate Education provides information and resources for students who are interested in a research experience.
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Career Services— HTT P : / / s t u d e n t a ff a i r s . p s u . e d u / c a r e e r /
Penn State Career Services, located in the Bank of America Career Service Center, assists students of all academic programs and class years with identifying and achieving their individual career goals. Programs and resources (like mock interviewing, career counseling, resume workshops, networking services, and more) are provided to assist students in crystallizing and specifying career goals, expanding knowledge of career alternatives, understanding effective decision making, and acquiring appropriate strategies and skills to carry out the process. Co-ops and Internships
A cooperative education experience, commonly called a “co-op,” provides students with the opportunity to earn academic credit for a structured job experience. Co-ops can occur during the fall or spring semesters as well as the summer. Benefits of a co-op program are: —Great experiential learning —Payment for work while on co-op —Course credit depending on your college —Excellent networking opportunity for future job placement
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Internships can also occur during a semester or over the summer. Depending on the internship, either course credit or pay can be offered. You can choose to get an internship with the University, or with an outside company or organization. Ask around, run online searches, visit your professors and adviser, or University websites to find the perfect internship for you. Nittany Lion Career Network— HTT P : / / s t u d e n t a ff a i r s . p s u . e d u / c a r e e r / s t u d e n t s / NLCN . s h t m l
Nittany Lion Career Network (NLCN) is the primary online resource for connecting students with employers. This website is a search engine where you can post your resume, and search and apply for jobs. The job postings include internships, co-ops, full-time, and part-time opportunities. Career Fairs
Twice a year, once in the fall and once in the spring, the Bryce Jordan Center is home to the largest career fair on the east coast. Employers flood to the University Park campus to recruit students for internships, co-ops, and full-time jobs. On-site interviews are offered at the Career Services Center.
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Study Abroad— global.psu.edu
Penn State students can choose from 150 study-abroad programs in more than forty-five countries around the world and earn Penn State credit while experiencing life in another country. Classes abroad can be tailored to specific major or academic college, fulfill general education requirements and have a variety of language requirements. Programs may vary in length: a semester, a full academic-year, or simply a summer. If you are interested in studying abroad, make sure you meet with your adviser early to plan you class schedule accordingly.
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Textbooks at Penn State
Textbooks are an expensive part of your Penn State experience but with a little planning, you can save a lot of money. After scheduling classes for your first semester, you will be able to access a booklist in eLion. You have the convenient Penn State option of purchasing everything on your list through the bookstore online. The bookstore can deliver them to your home or have them waiting for your first week in State College. You always have other options when buying textbooks. Online sites like Amazon provide many textbooks at a fraction of the cost. Another option is renting your textbooks from either a bookstore or online websites like chegg.com. Some textbooks are now even being released online so they can be downloaded with a purchased code. Tips from current students on buying textbooks
— Hold off on buying your books before the first week of classes— Professors don’t always require each book on their list and they often give you time to buy your books on campus before assigning readings. — If you are never going to look at that statistics book again, considering renting it from the Penn State Bookstore or another downtown bookstore and save up to 55% off the cost. — Professors often put holds on books in the library that they are using for classes. You can visit the library, take the book out for up to two hours and then give it back. — Don’t forget to look on Amazon for your textbooks. Students often times will try and sell their books back to other students for a fair price that the bookstore doesn’t offer.
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Campus TOUR
The Armory, built in 1892 symbolized Penn State's commitment to offer military training. Today, the Willard Building stands where the Armory once did.5 5 CA M P UBuilding s TOUR
As one of the largest campuses in the country, University Park is home to over 40,000 students, 900 buildings and 31 miles of paved roads. Although stepping onto campus for the first time can be a bit overwhelming, in time you’ll find a campus full of history, tradition and beauty. This section will help familiarize you with the most important parts of campus—from landmarks, to academic buildings to the dining commons. After reading this section, you should feel more comfortable navigating your way through campus.
Buildings and Landmarks
N i t t a n y L i o n S h r i n e a n d REC HALL
The Nittany Lion Shrine is one of the most famous and photographed sites in Pennsylvania, second only to the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia. This landmark is a must-visit for all Penn State students, alumni, and campus visitors, as it is one of the most prominent symbols of Penn State pride. As the class gift of 1940, the shrine was sculpted by Heinz Warneke from Indiana Limestone. The shrine is located in West campus at the intersection of Burrowes Road and Curtin Road, opposite from Rec Hall. Rec Hall is one of the most active buildings on campus. It is home to the men’s and women’s volleyball, gymnastics, and wrestling teams. It is also a popular place for pep rally’s, guest speakers, and other large events. Rec Hall is one of the four gym facilities on campus that students can access with a gym membership. 56 CA M P US TOUR
Information Sciences and T e c h n o l o g i e s ( IST ) B u i l d i n g
Located on the West end of Pollock Road is the IST Building. The building is home to the College of Information Sciences and Technologies and supplies a futuristic array of technology including human/computer interaction laboratories, display and demonstration laboratories, and a cybertorium.The spine of the IST building is a bridge for pedestrians and bicycles that is an extension of Pollock Road. Pattee and Paterno Library
Two of the most important buildings on campus that you will come to know are the Pattee and Paterno Library. Take advantage of the multitude of services and resources they provide, such as countless study areas like the Reserve Reading Room, Gateway Commons, the Map Room, and the stacks. In addition, West Pattee contains a 24hour reading room as well as a cafĂŠ that makes grabbing a bite to eat easy while studying. The staff are also super friendly and helpful!
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Pattee Mall and Allen Street Gates
The view from the top of the library steps, overlooking the Pattee mall is a favorite for all Penn Staters. Located at the heart of campus, “the mall” is a beautiful, green, wide band of grass flanked by walkways and trees. Most notable are the elm trees, which are one of the largest collections of American Elms anywhere in the world. Pattee Mall extends from the Pattee Library all the way to the intersection of College Avenue and Allen Street, ending with the Allen Street Gates. The gates are a visible landmark that bridge campus with downtown State College. They are also a common location to meet a friend or have your picture taken. Old Main
Old Main is the most iconic landmark on campus. It originally housed all functions of “The Farmers High School” and was the first building built on campus grounds. It’s now home to administrative offices, including the office of the University President. The building is open to visitors throughout the day and is filled with an incredible amount of Penn State history. Make sure to walk in and take a look around on your way to class. In addition, the Old Main Lawn is a favorite hangout location for students. Sunbathers, slack-liners, and quidditch players from The Three Broomsticks Harry Potter club are known to take advantage of the lawn on a nice day. 58 CA M P US TOUR
The Obelisk and Old Main Sundial
In proximity to Old Main are visible landmarks such as the Obelisk and the Old Main sundial. The Obelisk, a monument built in 1897, contains 281 stones from 139 different locations in Pennsylvania. It’s very tall and hard to miss if you’re walking on the Pattee Mall by Willard and Old Main. The Old Main Sundial is a gift from the class of 1915 and located on the Old Main Lawn. McAllister Building
The McAllister Building houses the Department of Mathematics and the University Park Post Office. The Post Office is home to one of the most beloved Penn Staters, Mike the Mailman. Mike hosts cookie of the month contests, adores cool kicks, and was even Homecoming’s 2007 Honorary Grand Marshall. If you ever need help with sending your mail or you’re just looking to chat, Mike the Mailman is your guy.
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Hetzel Union Building–Robeson Center ( t h e HUB )
The HUB represents the heart of student life on campus. It’s home to many club and organization offices, several eateries, LateNight–Penn State, the famous “fish tanks,” the Penn State Bookstore, The Lion 90.7 Radio Station, and more! The Paul Robeson Cultural Center, located on the ground floor, provides programs and services that encourage the appreciation of the diverse perspectives, experiences, and cultures of many underrepresented communities that comprise the student, faculty, staff, and community population of University Park and State College, Pennsylvania. As you get involved in clubs and organizations, you’ll most likely spend many hours here. Since all levels of the HUB are open 24 hours a day, it has become one of the most heavily populated and convenient study spots on campus. It’s not hard for students to feel part of the Penn State community when they enter the doors of the HUB. Always make an effort to walk through the building to catch activities and events fellow Penn Staters are promoting. One of the most popular spots is the HUB lawn or HUB beach. It’s one of the most popular hang out spots on a nice day. Currently, sections of the lawn are being used as a construction staging area for the new Health and Human Development Building, but it will be restored to the classic lawn once construction is complete.
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Thomas Building
The Thomas Building contains small and mid size classrooms, as well as the largest classroom on campus, 100 Thomas. You’ll most likely have a class in Thomas Building before you graduate. Life Science and Chemistry Buildings
The Life Science and Chemistry Buildings are connected by the Willaman Gateway to the Sciences Bridge. The Bridge overlooks the Shortlidge Mall, which was designed by Penn Staters and has won numerous awards. The “Life Science Bridge” is also a quiet place to study and features a beautiful view of the east side of campus. Millennium Science Complex
Replacing the old Pollock Fields, the Millennium Science Complex opened in the Fall of 2011 and is the largest academic building on campus. The Millennium Science Complex connects the Materials Research Institute and the Huck Institute for
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the Life Sciences and physically represents the university’s goal of increasing interdisciplinary research. This 297,000 square-foot facility primarily houses research facilities, including ultra-sensitive vibration laboratories that are located beneath the surface of the building’s pedestrian park and skylight. Bank of America Career Services Center
The Career Services Center offers both students and alumni the chance to interview with employers from all over the nation. You can submit your resume to the center and interview with various companies. You can also schedule a mock interview, a resume review, and a career planning services overview to determine what you should do to further your chances of obtaining that dream job. Student Health Center
The Student Health Center is a full-service healthcare facility that houses the University Health Center and Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS). This building includes doctor offices, a pharmacy, a physical therapy department, an x-ray machine, a 24.7 ambulance service, and individual, group and crisis counceling.
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Eisenhower Auditorium
The largest and most impressive auditorium on campus, The Eisenhower Auditorium hosts a variety of shows and performances every year. These shows, ranging from concerts to lectures, are available at a discounted price to all students. Whether it is Jerry Seinfeld or The Chinese National Acrobats, chances are you will find something interesting at the Eisenhower Auditorium. Some notable concerts within the last year include The Goo Goo Dolls, The Vienna Boys Choir, and Audra McDonald. Additionally, musicals such as Cats, Young Frankenstein and Green Day’s American Idiot have all performed on the Eisenhower stage. The breadth and scope of shows that grace the Eisenhower Auditorium is unparalleled and affords students the opportunity to see performers from around the world whatever your tastes may be. Forum Building
The Forum Building is a circular building comprised of wedge-shaped lecture halls. This is a building where you’ll have many of your entry-level and general education courses.
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P a s q u e r i l l a Sp i r i t u a l C e n t e r a n d Eisenhower Chapel
The Pasquerilla Spiritual Center is the largest multifaith center of its kind in the country. The Center was built to accommodate the diverse religious community at Penn State. Nearly 40 religious and spiritual groups are affiliated with the Center of Ethics and Religious Affairs. The Eisenhower Chapel is utilized by various religious groups on campus as well as Alumni, returning to Penn State to be married. Thanks to continuing support by the Penn State community, the Pasquerilla Spiritual Center is ever growing. Palmer Museum of Art
Two bronze lion paws guard the entrance of the Palmer Museum of Art, which feature both permanent and traveling art exhibits. Exhibits are free to students and members of the community. Business Building
Dominating the quieter North end of campus is the Business Building. Home to the Smeal College of Business, the Business Building has some of the most modern and contemporary features of a classroom building on campus. It contains a trading room and
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various research institutes such as the eBusiness Research Center, Center for Supply Chain Research, Center for Global Business Studies, and the Institute for the Study of Business Markets. The Business Building also has an entire side of glass windows, making for an incredible view of the Arboretum. This is a view you should definitely make sure to see regardless of your major. Arboretum and Katz Building
The Arboretum is a teaching, research, and demonstration garden area for home landscapes, fruits and vegetables, and flower studies. The Arboretum will also have community outreach programs and outdoor recreation opportunities. This is a great location to take pictures and spend an afternoon once the flowers bloom and the weather is warm. Also in the vicinity is the Katz Building which houses the Dickinson School of Law. Recently constructed, this building’s architecture does not contain a single right angle, making it one of the most unique buildings on college campuses nationwide. Berkey Creamery
Peachy Paterno, Death by Chocolate, Peanut Butter Cup, and Mint Nittany are just four of the near 100 flavors offered at this campus favorite. The Creamery is a hot spot for students, staff, alumni, and tourists craving something sweet, regardless of the time of year. Located on the corner of Curtin and Bigler Roads, the Creamery also
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has a myriad of snacks, dairy products, pre-made salads, and sandwiches available if you need to pick up a quick bite to eat in between classes.
Beaver Stadium and Joe Paterno Statue
Beaver Stadium, with a capacity of 107,232 people, is the beloved home of the Nittany Lion Football Team. The stadium was named after General James A. Beaver, who was the Governor of Pennsylvania from 1887-1891 as well as the Acting President of Penn State from 1906-1908. Attending one of the season’s football games is an essential Penn State experience. The student section has over 21,000 seats and is consistently ranked as one of the nation’s best by national publications and analysts. Outside of Beaver Stadium, along Porter Road, is the statue of Penn State’s coaching legend, Joe Paterno. The Paterno Statue features “JoePa” in his trademark coke-bottle glasses, as well as plaques detailing the score of every game from his 45year career as Head Coach.
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Bryce Jordan Center
The Bryce Jordan Center, or BJC, is Penn State’s largest indoor athletic facility, with a capacity of 15,261 people. The BJC is named after former Penn State President Bryce Jordan and is the home to both the men’s and women’s basketball teams. Each year, the BJC hosts the IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon on the third weekend in February. The BJC is the venue for numerous concerts and shows throughout the year, including many national acts. Within the past few years names such as Jay-Z, Taylor Swift, and Bruce Springsteen have played at the BJC. CA M P U s TOUR
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Shields Building
The Shields Building is an important center for students at the University. The Office of Undergraduate Admission, Bursar, and Student Aid are located here. These administrative offices can field questions and assist students in most financial matters. The Undergraduate Admissions Office can present you with facts regarding the campus, specific academic colleges, and majors and their requirements. The Bursar Office is where tuition billing, collection, and aid disbursement are handled, and the Office of Student Aid is where students are made aware of their eligibility to apply for financial aid. Although you might not visit it much, the Shields Building is an excellent resource for Penn State students.
bursar.psu.edu
studentaid.psu.edu
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On-CAMPUS LIFE
Student quarters in Old Main, 1901.
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Housing
On-campus housing is convenient. You don’t need to cook and you are only responsible for cleaning your bedroom. You’re also close to classrooms, friends, and meetings. There are seven different residence areas on campus for undergraduates including East Halls, North Halls, Pollock Halls, South Halls, West Halls, Eastview Terrace, and Nittany Apartments. Each area has great things to offer and with the help of this section, you will be on your way to finding your perfect location! Typically, first-year students live in East, Pollock, and South Halls. —Something to think about! If you decide to live on campus next year, when selecting your residence area for the next year, keep in mind which part of campus you plan on spending a majority of time with classes and cocorricular activities.
Housing Contracts
In order to live on campus each year, you must request on-campus space through the university run eliving.psu.edu. —The contract request period typically runs from November to January. —If you are interested in living in Eastview Terrace or Nittany apartments, a suite or a single room, you must submit a separate request for each of these housing options through eliving. —If offered a contract, you will be required to submit your preferences for location and roommate(s). —Additionally you can select any special living option you feel best reflect the type of environment you want to live in. Preferences for college-specific SLOs will be given to students in that college first. —Remember, once you accept a contract, it’s a legally binding agreement.
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Special Living Options What is a special living option?
—A community where students with similar interests can live together and build strong relationships. The students who live in SLO’s participate in field trips, group dinners, and other social and educational activities. There are 19 total SLOs on campus, most of which are affiliated with an academic college. [See page 76.]
East Halls
What is East Halls?
—Largest residence area on campus with 14 Halls and over 4,000 students —Over half of first-year students live here, so it has a great community feel —Large grassy quads with volleyball and basketball courts —Close to the IM building, McCoy Natatorium, Creamery, and Beaver Stadium
The Findlay-Johnston Commons Where can I eat?
—All-you-can-eat commons as well as Roxy’s for burgers, Fresh Express for salads and sandwiches, and The Big Onion for that late night pizza craving! Don’t forget about the Good2Go convenience store for late night snacks and frozen meals! Where can I study/ what other services are available in East?
—Study lounges such as 124 Findlay are great for quiet group studying along with the East Halls Computer lab. —A smaller version of the University bookstore and Residential Computing (ResCom) is located within Findlay-Johnston for your convenience. ON - CA M P US L I F E
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North Halls
What is North Halls?
—Smallest and newest residence hall on campus —Home to many students enrolled in the College of Arts and Architecture —Close to the Business Building, Stuckeman Family Building, and Forum —Suite-style living means sharing a bathroom with a small group of people —Basketball courts with lighting until 11 pm
The Warnock Commons Where can I eat?
—All-you-can-eat commons and the Blue Spoon Market for readymade sandwiches, soups, and burgers! Where can I study/ what other services are available in North?
—North computer lab and study lounges are available in North commons —Seminar rooms, music practice rooms, and an art studio are available in the various halls —All North residents have swipe access to all three residential buildings
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Pollock Halls
What is Pollock Halls?
—Large grassy quad, called the “Pollock Quad” with a basketball court and volleyball court —Next to South Halls and close to the White building and the HUB —Students from all years live in Pollock —Pollock Computer Lab open 24 hours
The Pollock Commons Where can I eat?
—Newly renovated all-you-can-eat dinning commons with healthy options as well as The Mix for quick food to go. Where can I study/ what other services are available in Pollock?
—24-hour computer lab as well as a ResCom for free computer trouble shooting
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South Halls
What is South Halls?
—Next to Pollock Halls and closest to downtown State College —Close to White Building, HUB, and Pollock Computer Lab —Late Night is served at Redifer Commons —Home to Atherton and Simmons where Schreyer Honors College students reside
The Redifer Commons Where can I eat?
—There is an all-you-can-eat commons available as well as a-la-carte options including Chinese, Mexican, Italian, American, soups, salads, and more! Where can I study/ what other services are available in South?
—Computer labs and reservable study space is available on the basement floor of Redifer. It’s a great space for group projects.
West Halls
What is West Halls?
—Built in a traditional collegiate residence style with brick and symmetrical walkways and arches. Unique from other residential areas —Next to Pattee and Paterno Library, close to Rec Hall, and the Willard Building —Waring Commons is famous for their chocolate chip cookies —Popular “quiet” living options for upperclassmen
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The West Commons Where can I eat?
—All-you-can-eat Waring Square food court and The West Wing, great for paninis, sandwiches, and chicken fingers —West is also home to Sisu the all organic and natural convenience store. Go try one of their PB&J sandwiches Where can I study/ what other services are available in West?
—Electronics lounge is available to all IST majors living in West as well as a computer lounge and study lounges throughout each buildings —ResCom office for troubleshooting and the Sisu Coffee bar for those late nights
Eastview Terrace
What is Eastview Terrace?
—Located at the southeast corner of campus, next to South Halls and close to Redifer Commons —Across from downtown State College —New Buildings house 808 upperclassmen in seven residence halls —East student has a single room with private bath —Study/social spaces and laundry facilities are located on each floor —A mainly quiet living option
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Nittany Apartments What is Nittany Apartments?
—Houses upperclassmen in two and four bedroom garden apartments and four bedroom townhouse apartments. Each apartment accommodates four students —Nittany Community Center serves as the center of student life in the area —Popular for athletes because of proximity to sport facilities —Students have the option but are not required to purchase a meal plan
SLO Community Options:
—Arts & Architecture House —The Biology Home (BIOME) —Business and Society House —Discover House —Earth and Mineral Sciences House —Earth House —Engineering and Applied Sciences Interest House —Engineering House —Eco-Reps —First-Year in Science and Engineering House —First-Year in Education —First-Year in Liberal Arts —Forensic Science Interest House —Health Education and Awareness in Living House —Helping Across the Community House —Information Sciences and Technology House —International Languages House
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—Be Engaged House (BE House) —Living in a Free Environment House (substance free) —Schreyer Honors College Living & Learning Community —Sophomore Year Experience (SYE) —Sororities —Tri-Service ROTC House —Women in Science and Engineering (WISE) House Additional information and location of all special living options can be found at http://www.hfs.psu.edu/housing/
Safety
Penn State is a safe place for you to live and go to school. However, it is always good to make safe decisions by not walking alone at night and keeping your room locked at all times. University Police operates 24-hours a day and is staffs with full-time, armed and sworn Police Service Officers. If you need a campus escort to walk you to/from your residence hall, can always call 814-865-WALK (9255). Penn State Police also offer crime prevention educational programs for students. For emergencies call 911 or 814-863-1111. 24-Hour Crisis —CAN HELP Line—800-643-5432
Recreational Facilities
Going to the gym is not only helpful for staying fit; it’s also an avenue for relieving stress and keeping your mind, as well as your body, healthy. There are four gyms on campus that can be accessed with a half or whole year fitness pass. The fitness pass conveniently becomes part of your id+ card when it’s purchased. It grants you access to gyms, swimming pools, and an array of fitness classes such
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as spinning, Zumba, calorie killer, yoga, and more. Also, there is at least one gym within a few minutes walking distance from each residence area. For hours of operation, schedules, and purchasing your fitness pass, visit: www.athletics. psu.edu/psustrength. Rec Hall Fitness Center
Location: Burrowes St. across from West Halls, most convenient for West and North Halls residents Type: Strength and cardio gym Size: Large gym with a 240-person capacity White Building
Location: On Shortlidge Rd. adjacent to the HUB, most convenient for Pollock, South, Nittany Apartments, and Eastview Terrace residents Type: Strength and cardio gym Size: Large gym with a 210-person capacity IM ( I n t r a m u r a l ) F i t n e s s C e n t e r
Location: Next to East Halls on Curtin Road across from the Shields Building, most convenient for East Halls residents Type: Strength and cardio gym Size: Mid-sized gym with a 60-person capacity Fitness Loft/McCoy Natatorium
Location: Corner of Curtin and Bigler. Fitness Loft is on the second floor of the Natatorium, most convenient for East Halls, Nittany Apartments, and Pollock residents Type: Cardio gym only Size: Small gym with 40-person capacity 78 ON - CA M P US L I F E
IM S P ORTS
There are three levels of sports at Penn State: Varsity Sports (Division I), Club Sports, and Intramural Sports. Most intramural sports are played on the IM Fields located across from East Halls off of Park Avenue. These fields are host to many intramural games throughout the year and are conveniently lit up to allow games to be played even after it gets dark. Tennis Courts
Outdoor tennis courts are located on the east side of campus along Curtin and Bigler roads and available for any student to use. Indoor courts have soft, resilient surfaces (Plexi-Pave) with a gallery overlooking the courts providing a clear view for spectators and a convenient and fun place to host tennis parties. The indoor courts are open to all, with no membership required. Two spacious locker rooms are also available. The pro shop, staffed by experts, is stocked to meet your needs, including racquets, clothing, and accessories. Penn State Golf Courses
Penn State is home to two golf courses, the Blue Course and the White Course, located on West College Avenue. Students receive a discounted rate on green fees, rentals, and carts during the season. There is also a driving range and putting green that can be used during operating hours. To schedule a tee time visit: http://www. pennstategolfcourses.com/ Penn State Ice Rink
Indoor ice-skating facilities are provided year round at Penn State by Intercollegiate Athletics’ Recreational Services. The ice rink is used primarily for hockey, figure skating, broomball, classes, club and private events, and public skating. The rink is available for rental by the hour to students, staff, and public groups. ON - CA M P US L I F E
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CATA Transportation
The Centre Area Transportation Authority (CATA) provides bus routes on and off campus for students. CATA provides four free on campus buses: the Blue and White Loop and the Red and Green Link. Check the following website to download schedules for both on and off campus buses and view a map of all the routes at www.catabus.com. You can also check the real time CATA Bus locator at realtime.catabus.com or download the Android or iPhone app for when you’re on the go.
Other Transportation
State College offers a variety of travel options available to students wishing to take a weekend trip outside of State College or to return home. Companies like Greyhound, Fullington Tours, and Mega Bus service State College and a variety of urban centers including Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, New York City, Baltimore, and Washington DC. Additionally, the University Park Airport at State College serves Penn State University with connecting service to/from major hubs in Detroit, Philadelphia, and Washington DC. The earlier you book your trip, the cheaper your ticket will be!
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Off-CAMPUS
View of downtown and the original Old Main Building nearing completion, 1863.8 1 O F F - CA MPUs
State College Borough
State College is the beautiful borough that borders Penn State University Park. With 60 percent of the population between the ages of 15 and 24, the young people keep the rest of the population “feeling young.” The University brings in a diverse population that is culturally alive and vibrant. Annual events such as the Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts and First Night® give visitors a chance to experience the State College community. Not only do Penn Staters have pride for their school, they also have a special place in their heart for State College. It’s important to treat the State College Borough and surrounding area with respect, just as we would our own hometowns. The best news is that the borough has grown since the establishment of the University and remains extremely student centered.
Housing
While first-year students are required to live on campus, upperclassmen are given the option to live off campus. There are over 50 realtors in the State College area, with apartment complexes and houses as close to campus as College Avenue. Apartments come in all 82 OFF-CA M P US
different sizes and prices, and securing a lease can be a complex process if you don’t know what to expect. Here are some helpful hints: Decide what you want!
1. Location vs. Price: Apartments on College or Beaver can be pricey
for the space they offer, but their locations are very convenient. Is the extra money per month worth sleeping in for class? On the other hand, is peace and quiet away from campus worth your extra travel time? 2. Size: Size and price are directly proportional around campus; the further you are away from campus, the bigger the apartments for a similar or less expensive price. 3. Roommates: Having more people in your apartment usually means cheaper rent, but if you are looking for some privacy, the extra price or distance from campus may be worth it. Another question to consider is if living in a large complex with hundreds of apartments is your style, or if you would prefer living in a house with a couple of friends. 4. Quality: Hardwood floors, modern appliances, and sparkling bathrooms are nice, but are you willing to pay the extra money for the nicer and newer apartments? Request tours of the apartments you are considering; floor plans can’t tell you how old the carpet is or if no amount of bleach can clean the shower. Other Tips
- Get started early. Most contracts come out in October and November. - Visit multiple realtors and complexes to get a first, second and third choice. - Ask questions! Remember, leases are costly and legally binding agreements.
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Some things to consider
-Once you have a contract, make sure to read it VERY carefully. -Be sure to get measurements of the actual room and get a feel for the layout. -Once move-in time comes, take pictures of the apartment in case there are any damages. - Contact the landlord as soon as any problems arise. The University Park Undergraduate Association (UPUA) was also instrumental in obtaining the funding for the Student Legal Services department (housed in Boucke) which can also serve as a resource for any contract questions and/or problems. Visit http://studentaffairs.psu.edu/offcampus/ for more information. This website allows you to post and search for housing, roommates, and more. It also has lots of questions to consider while searching for a room and other resources to use. Fraternity houses are also available as a living option to those students that decide to join one. In general, these historic buildings house anywhere between 20 and 80 students. Most fraternity houses have an in-house cook, include parking and all utilities, and offer plenty of in-house entertainment options including pool, foosball, and small theaters.
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Dining Downtown Dining Favorites
If you’re looking to take a break from the dining commons, or from your nightly routine, there are plenty of affordable and diverse dining options located in downtown State College. We’ve listed a few favorites; however, there are many more to choose from so try them out! Allen Street Grill & The Corner Room
The Corner Room, located on the corner of College Avenue and Allen Street, is a traditional favorite if you are looking for a homecooked-style meal, great selection, and friendly atmosphere. The Corner Room also conveniently accepts LionCash+. Make sure you take time to observe the historic photographs on the wall while you’re enjoying your meal. For a more special occasion, head upstairs to the Allen Street Grill. There, you can choose from a variety of tasteful entrees, appetizers, and desserts. If possible, try to be seated near the corner windows to catch a beautiful view of College Avenue and the Allen Street gates. The best view is at night when the downtown streetlights are glowing. The Tavern
Another popular location with a lot of Penn State flare is The Tavern Restaurant located on College Avenue. While a bit pricey for some student budgets, a dinner at the Tavern is definitely worth it. As soon as you step inside you feel as if you have been transported back in time. The dim lighting and nostalgic memorabilia decking the walls will appeal to both visitors and Penn State enthusiasts alike. The menu changes daily and that the sides are free and all-you-can-eat with the purchase of any entree.
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T h e W a ff l e S h o p
With three State College locations, the Waffle Shop seems to be everywhere in State College. The most popular restaurant location for students is on College Avenue, next to the Family Clothes Line. On weekend mornings the line to be seated can easily stretch down the block. Although the waffles are great, the Shop also serves sandwiches, omelets, pancakes and much more! International Cuisine
For being in central Pennsylvania, State College is home to various international dining options. Within the downtown area one can try authentic Chinese, Indian, Thai, Austrian, Greek, and Middle Eastern foods. Student favorites include the Cozy Thai Bistro on Allen Street and Kaarma Indian Cuisine on Beaver Avenue. If you are interested in making an international meal, check out the International Market on the corner of Allen Street and Nittany Avenue. Mclanahan’s
Do you need to go grocery shopping, but don’t have a car? With two downtown locations, one on the corner of Calder Way and Allen Street and the other on the corner of College Avenue and Garner Street, McLanahan’s caters to those who live in State College and University Park. A favorite for the State College shopping district, the store not only sells grocery items and fresh fruits and vegetables, but also contains a deli for sandwiches and a clothing store, The Penn State Room, in the College Avenue location. Pizza
If you are a pizza lover, you’re in luck! State College has numerous pizzerias, the majority of which are located in the heart of downtown State College. Corrinado’s, Canyon, Gumby’s, Sarina’s, and College Pizza are very popular with students, and they sell great pizza at low prices for college students on a budget. Each of these venues is located on, or just near Beaver or College Avenue. Be sure to check out Bell’s 86 OFF-CA M P US
Pizza, located on Calder Way, if you are interested in Greek pizza—it is delicious. Location is key, but don’t forget about the great places outside of the downtown district, too. Home Delivery Pizza Pub and Facia Luna are all worth a visit. Sweets
Chocolate, ice cream, cupcakes! If it’s a dessert or sweet, then State College has it. Between Yogurt Express, Kiwi, Campus Candy, Sugar on Top, Happy Valley Freez, Coldstone, and *ndulge, you definitely cannot go wrong. C o ff e e
As with pizza and sweets, there is certainly no shortage of coffee shops downtown. State College boasts four Starbuck’s (one in the HUB) and one Dunkin Donuts. Irving’s, Saint’s, and the Cheese Shoppe are all local coffee stops that offer great coffee, bakery items, and other gems.
Shopping
Whether you are shopping for the best Penn State apparel or for the newest styles, downtown State College has it all. Penn State Merchandise
If you are looking for a new Penn State t-shirt, quarter-zip, hoodie, you name it—chances are one of these stores will have it! Lion’s Pride The Lion and Cub The Family Clothesline McLanahan’s, E. College Ave and Shortlidge/Garner The Student Bookstore O F F - CA M P U s 8 7
R e t a i l S h o pp i n g
Downtown offers a lot of small boutique, local clothing stores and many one-of-a-kind specialty stores. However, if you cannot find what you need downtown, you can hop on a bus to the Nittany Mall or the shops stretching along North Atherton Street. The Nittany Mall
Most students do not know this upon arrival at Penn State, but yes, State College does have a mall! Located several miles from campus, the Nittany Mall offers an array of different stores for all styles. The mall holds American Eagle, Charlotte Russe, Macy’s, Express, and JCPenney’s, just to name a few. Worried about a ride? Don’t be. CATA Bus Service offers a route that will take you straight to the mall, and will bring you back to campus once you have completed your shopping spree!
Other Off-Campus Activities
If you are searching for something different to do on the weekend make sure to check out Northland Bowl, located northwest of campus on Martin Street, and Penn Skates roller rink, located near the University Park airport. You can find more information about these two destinations at http://www.northlandbowl.com/ and http://www.pennskates.com/. The State Theatre
The State Theatre has been a popular spot in State College since its establishment in 1938. Bringing an array of both popular and independent films to the community, the theatre is very unique compared to most “movie” theatres. Not only do 88 OFF-CA M P US
they show films, but they also bring shows and concerts numerous times a year. If a show, act, or film you are interested in visits the State Theatre, get a ticket and go! You will be sure to love the intimacy of the theatre as well as its old-theatre style. Get more information at http://www.thestatetheatre.org/. Mount Nittany
Hiking Mount Nittany is an absolute must for all Penn Staters. From the summit, you can look out over the entire Nittany Valley. Some try to plan their hike so they can watch the sunset from atop the mountain. The base of Mount Nittany is located in nearby Lemont, PA which is a quick car or bus ride away. There are also nine miles of hiking trails offered on the mountain that explore different parts of that area. Visit the Mount Nittany Conservancy’s website to learn more: www.mtnittany.org. W h i pp l e D a m
Whipple Dam State Park is located several miles south of State College, about a twenty minute car ride. At the park you can swim, relax, and cook on one of the parks many grills. Opportunities for hiking, biking, canoeing, and sailing exist too. The small beach area located next to the park’s lake is popular with students on warm days. Find directions and everything you need to know to plan a day at the park at www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/parks/whippledam.aspx.
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Downtown Farmer’s Market in State College
The Downtown Farmers Market in State College has about 20 participating vendors and is open on Tuesdays and Fridays from 11:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m. staring in June and ending in November. It is located on Locust Lane between College and Beaver Avenues. The open-air market is held rain or shine. Every market vendor is required to personally produce all of the items that they sell so that everyone purchasing foods, flowers, or crafts can trust that they are receiving only the finest products. North Atherton Street
Below is a listing of some of the stores and restaurants located in and around North Atherton Street, most of which are easily accessible through the V or N CATA Bus routes. Again, visit catabus.com to see a listing of convenient stops and routes. Giant Food Stores Wal-Mart Wegman’s Weis Markets Michael’s Target Ann Taylor Loft Best Buy Dick’s Sporting Goods Staples Outback Steakhouse Olive Garden Applebee’s Eat ‘N Park Texas Roadhouse Denny’s Kohl’s Champs Sports Grill And more…
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Student life
Students line the sidewalk, waiting to
secure residence hall S tuden t rooms, L i f e 1970.9 1
Student Services
As students, it is up to you to use the resources provided by the University in their entirety. Student Affairs and other offices offers programs meant to aid us in many aspects of our lives here at Penn State. With services ranging from Student Activities, Career Services, LGBTA Student Resource Center, and Center for Women Students, we encourage you to at least stop by an office to pick up a brochure or chat with the staff. You never know when a small piece of insight might open doors you never knew existed. Exhaust the resources at your disposal; it is the only sure way to maximize your Penn State experience! A comprehensive list of student services and descriptions can be found at the Student Affairs website, studentaffairs.psu.edu
Clubs and Organizations
There are over 900 clubs and student organizations to explore. The process of finding the right fit can seem daunting at first. Take a look at the different avenues below that can help you find the club or organization that is the best fit for you. This section of the book will tell you why being involved can make your time at Penn State the best years of your life. Why you should get involved
Getting involved can teach you vital time-management skills, compliment the material you are learning in class to improve your understanding, and connect you with similar people to help with your studies. Skills learned and connections made with organizations can be applied to the classroom and future careers. Involvement can show a potential employer that you can handle multiple responsibilities, demonstrate leadership abilities, and have the experience and handson learning that is attractive to many employers.
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Some students may have hesitations about the time involved with cocurricular activities. Here’s a tip: start out slowly. As you master time management you’ll learn to easily juggle class, work, free time, and student organization involvement. Clubs.psu.edu
This is the main index that lists every registered student organization at all Penn State campuses. You can search the University Park specific list by type of organization and name. Visit clubs.psu.edu to find the club president’s name, contact information, and how you can get involved! Don’t hesitate to contact the President of a club you are interested in; they expect emails with inquiries about their club and should be happy to respond to any inquiry. Involvement Fairs
At the beginning of each Fall and Spring semesters, the HUB will host hundreds of student organizations in Alumni Hall who are looking for enthusiastic new members. All varieties of student organizations are represented at the fairs, including service organizations and Greek chapters. Try to find time between classes during the fair to stop by and browse through the tables and meet S t u d e n t L i f e
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representatives from the organizations. You will be asked for your email many times, and it is helpful to add your name to their listservs (email lists that the club uses to advertise meetings and information) at first, especially if you don’t know which club to join. You can also check in with your RA who will have dates, times, and additional information about these fairs ahead of time. Peers
One of the most common ways we receive campus information is from our peers. During the first few weeks of school, everyone will be experiencing different clubs/organizations and parts of campus. Talk to your friends and visit a variety of meetings together. It’s also beneficial to chat with older students, siblings, or family members to obtain advice concerning what clubs they are (or were) involved with. Often, you’ll find the people with similar interests and organization memberships will become some of your closest friends.
Types of Clubs and Organizations Academic/Professional
Are you looking to spend more time with students enrolled in your college or major? Professional and academic clubs are beneficial for networking and exploring career fields. Check your academic college website for more information regarding academic and professional based organizations. Fraternities and Sororities
Greek life encompasses about 12 – 14% of University Park students, including 56 fraternities and 26 sororities. The Interfraternity Council, Panhellenic Council, Multicultural Greek Council, and National Pan-Hellenic Council are the four governing councils of all Penn State Greeks. Check out all of the Greek chapters at studentaffairs.psu.edu/hub/greeks/. 94 S t u d e n t L i f e
International/Multicultural
Many cultures are represented at University Park, most of which have one or more clubs. Explore the extensive list to find an outlet to feel at home or experience a different culture. Additionally, there are offices available to provide support to multicultural students like the Penn State Multicultural Resource Center. Media/Publication
Do you like writing? Do you want to share that writing with others? From academic journals, to literary and fashion magazines, to traditional print media, there is something for everyone. Music/Performing Arts
There is nothing quite like hearing the Blue Band on a football Saturday, but if you’re interested in being more involved with the arts community, find a group on campus with which to play, sing, or act. Many ensembles do not require any type of audition and are just looking for dedicated, enthusiastic participants, while others are highly competitive and nationally recognized.
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Philanthropic/Service
There are dozens of organizations that offer service opportunities within the local community, the U.S., and other countries. The Council of Lionhearts website, www.sa.psu.edu/lionhearts, and volunteer.psu. edu are great resources for students interested in service. Political
Even if you do not see yourself as a future politician, Penn State’s political organizations are worth exploring. Whether you want to associate yourself with a political party, or maybe you’re looking for a forum to discuss current events, you can find a place to share your thoughts. R e l i g i o u s / Sp i r i t u a l
Penn State boasts a rich spiritual community and provides resources for any religion. Many religious-based organizations have space in the beautiful Pasquerilla Spiritual Center located north of the library. Find more information at studentaffairs.psu.edu/spiritual/ Sp o r t s / P h y s i c a l A c t i v i t y
There are three levels of athletics here at University Park – our Division I teams, club sports, and intramural sports. Visit the athletics section of this book to find out how to get involved. Student Governance
For some, there is nothing better than working for their fellow students and representing the student voice. Penn State has a network of student governments. For example, the University Park Undergraduate Association represents undergraduate students. Additionally, there are governments for graduate students-The Graduate Student Association (GSA), Penn State’s Commonwealth Campuses-The Council of Commonwealth Student Governments (CCSG), residence hall areas, and academic colleges. 96 S t u d e n t L i f e
Coming Together F r e s h START
FreshSTART Day of Service is the largest day of service at Penn State. FreshSTART takes place on one of the first Saturdays after classes begin, so it is a chance for first-year, change-of-campus, and transfer students to be introduced to the service opportunities University Park has to offer. The projects vary every year, but typically include trips to the local recycling plant, animal shelters, Shaver’s Creek Environmental Center, nursing homes, and many more locations. At the end of the day, representatives from the various service organizations run a Service Organization Fair to give students more information about volunteering. All volunteers receive a free t-shirt, water bottle, and food for the day. Volunteering is a great way to start your year, improve the Penn State community, and become acclimated to your new environment. To learn more visit freshstart. psu.edu. Homecoming
Penn State Homecoming is a week-long event in the fall that “celebrates tradition and instills pride through active engagement of students, alumni, faculty and staff across the community.� Homecoming kicks off with a 5K race and concert, and features events throughout the week to showcase student pride and spirit. Many student organizations compete in these events in order to win spirit points and bragging rights. S t u d e n t L i f e
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You are encouraged to participate in this year’s homecoming and nominate fellow students to represent your class on the First Year Court. Nomination week will be the first week of the Fall semester. The week culminates with a parade and pep rally on Friday night. Throughout the week students can vote on the Homecoming King and Queen, which are announced at the pep rally. Homecoming week concludes with the Homecoming football game on Saturday. To learn more visit www.homecoming.psu.edu. THON
Before long, you will come to realize THON’s impact at the University Park campus and throughout the Commonwealth. THON is a 46hour, no sitting, no sleeping dance marathon held in the Bryce Jordan Center. Proceeds of THON benefit the Four Diamonds Fund’s battle against pediatric cancer. Roughly 15,000 students become involved with THON in some capacity. Students often say that at Penn State the fall is football season and the spring is THON season. Last year THON raised $10,68,6942.83 for the kids. Visit www.thon.org for more information.
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Athletics
At Penn State, opportunities abound for both the athlete and the spectator. The commitment involved with a club team is often compared to Division III teams elsewhere. All students can compete in the numerous intramural leagues, where everyone vies for a highly coveted Intramural Champion T-shirt. Within many intramural sports, there are both major and minor leagues so that students who are looking for a more competitive experience can find the right fit. F OR THE S P ORTS F AN IN YOU
For a sports fan, Penn State is a terrific place to be. Not only does Penn State have a successful football program, but also has 30 other fantastic varsity teams. Since 2007, no other Big Ten school has won as many NCAA Championships as Penn State. Our incredible Women’s Volleyball team won four national titles in a row from ’07’10 and our Men’s Volleyball Team won the National Title in 2008. Wrestling added titles in 2011 and 2012 and Fencing won titles in ’07, ’08, and ’10. This past fall, the Women’s Soccer Team won their 14th consecutive Big Ten Conference Title, and new for the 2012 season will be Division I Men’s and Women’s Ice Hockey. Additionally, the Lady Lion Basketball team took home the Big 10 trophy in 2012. Your first stop for all information about Penn State Athletics is gopsusports.com, Penn State Athletics’ official site. There you will find the latest headlines as well as details about tickets and promotions. In 2011, Penn State implemented a student rewards program, called Code Blue, to encourage students to support all 31 of our varsity teams. Through this free program, students earn points for attending events and are given prizes when they reach various point levels. PRIDE. also known as the Penn State Sportsmanship Team is a student organization dedicated to creating a positive environment for ALL fans that attend Penn State sporting events. They work to increase student attendance at all sporting events. Additionally PRIDE. works with athletics as well as the other Big Ten Universities to promote good fan behavior. S t u d e n t L i f e
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Whether on the field or in the stands, we as Penn Staters pride ourselves on exhibiting outstanding sportsmanship and upholding our slogan of “Success with Honor.” Event Tickets
Tickets to all Penn State Athletic events are easily accessible. Football tickets are purchased online during the summer and are stored on your student id+ Card. Tickets to most events, except football, basketball, and baseball, are free and available at the door. Do you love all Penn State sports?
Go to www.gopsusports.com to find out all the information you’ll ever need to know about events, times, and tickets. For the real sports nut, check out some of the insightful Penn State sports blogs such as www.Blackshoediaries.com and www. Linebacker-u.com.
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Media Outlets
As students, you have access to numerous media outlets to help you stay up-to-date on the latest campus and community news. Because there is always something new or changing, it really helps to stay connected. Print
The Daily Collegian
The Daily Collegian is published Monday-Friday by Penn State students. Commonly referred to as The Collegian, this free, independent student run paper can be found all over campus. Pick one up each day to find information on Penn State, world news, crossword puzzles, and sports updates. The Daily Collegian can also be found online at www.collegian.psu.edu. Newspaper Readership Program
In order to keep a fresh world perspective here in Happy Valley, Penn State makes three newspapers available to every student, The New York Times, USA Today, and The Centre Daily Times. Just swipe your card at any of the white newspaper dispensers throughout campus and grab your free copy. Digital
Penn State Live – live.psu.edu
Penn State Live is the University’s official news source. This is run by Penn State and is the official online blog. There are newswires for each academic college, campus, and area of interest. It also has its own iPhone app.
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Onward State– onwardstate.com
Onward State is an independent student run blog full of relevant Penn State information. You can find Penn State news here as well as pieces of student interest. Make sure to check out the community entries to find out what’s going on around you, or even submit one yourself. StateCollege.com – www.statecollege.com
This website brings together the news of Penn State and the greater State College area working under the slogan “One city. One site.” It has news updates as well as resources on business, entertainment, Penn State, and tourism. PSUtxt – live.psu.edu/psutxt
Take a second to register for PSUtxt. This is a text message system to alert you when situations arise on campus (e.g. safety precautions, weather warnings, etc.). Subscribers can also receive email alerts. PSUtxt rarely sends out messages; they will not be spamming your phone, but it is essential to be connected in the case of an emergency.
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Social Media
Want the quickest updates? If you follow Twitter accounts and Facebook pages, you will get instantaneous updates that link back to full articles, images, videos, and more. Follow these on Twitter:
“Like� these on Facebook:
@UPUA @penn_state @pennstatelive @OnwardState @dailycollegian @GoPSUsports1 @PennStateAlums @PSU_USA
Penn State Penn State Union and Student Activities Penn State Career Services Penn State Alumni Association Onward State StateCollege.com The Daily Collegian
In addition to emails and flyering, most student organizations and clubs have Facebook and Twitter pages to advertise their events and meeting times. S t u d e n t L i f e
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300 ACA ACP AAD AGE ASI ALT ARL ASB ARB ARM ACG BAG BCS BRD BVR BDK BND BFC BCR BTL BKS BRL BKE BNR BJC BKH BUR BST BUS CSQ CRG CRP CDR CHB CHN CHM CUL CMP DVL DKE EES ELR EAP EIS ECH EPD
300 Building, The D2 Academic Activities C7 Academic Projects D7 Agricultural Administration B5 Agricultural Engineering B4 Ag. Science & Industries A5 Althouse Lab B4 Applied Research Lab (ARL) D2 Applied Science C1 Arboretum A5 Armsby B4 Arts Cottage B4 Bag House D2 Bank of America Career Services B6 Beard Field (Nittany Lion Softball Park) A7 Beaver Stadium A8 Beecher-Dock House D7 Benedict House D7 Bennett Family Center C6 Berkey Creamery B5 Biomechanics Teaching Lab B2 Bookstore C4 Borland B4 Boucke C4 Breazeale Nuclear Reactor C7 Bryce Jordan Center B8 Buckhout Lab C4 Burrowes C3 Bus Station D1 Business A5 Calder Square II D4 Carnegie C3 Carpenter B2 CEDAR B3 Chambers B3 Chandlee Lab C4 Chemistry C4 Coal Utilization Lab C7 Computer Building B6 Davey Lab C4 Deike C2 Earth-Engineering Sciences C1 East Area Locker Room B7 East Parking Deck A5 Eisenhower Auditorium B5 Eisenhower Chapel B3 Eisenhower Parking Deck B5
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Electrical Eng. East D3 Electrical Eng. West D3 Elliott D2 Engineering Services D1 Engineering Units (A-C) D3 Executive Education B2 Fenske Lab B4 Ferguson B4 Food Science A5 Ford A3 Forest Resource Lab C8 Forest Resources A5 Forum B4 Fraternity House C2 Frear North C4 Frear South B4 Gardner House D7 Grange C5 Greenberg (Ice Pavillion) C7 Hallowell C1 Hammond D3 Headhouse I B5 Headhouse II B5 Headhouse III B5 Health & Human Dev. D4 Henderson D4 Henderson South D4 Henning A5 Hetzel Union (HUB) C4 Hintz Family Alumni Center D3 Holuba Hall B7 Hosler C2 HUB Parking Deck C5 Ihlseng B3 Information Sciences & Technology C2 Intramural A7 Intramural Fields A6, A7, A8 James D2 Jeffrey Field A7 Katz A5 Keller A2 Kern B3 Lasch Football Building C7 Leonhard C1 Life Sciences B5 Maintenance I (Pollock) C6 Mateer A3 McAllister C4
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McCoy Natatorium B6 Millennium Science Complex C5 Moore B3 Mueller Lab B4 Multi-Sport Indoor Facility B8 Music B3 Music II B3 Nittany Lion Inn B2 Nittany Lion Shrine B2 Nittany Parking Deck B3 Noll Lab C2 Obelisk D3 Old Botany C3 Old Main C3 Osmond Lab C4 Oswald Tower C3 Palmer Museum of Art B4 Park Avenue Building A3 Pasquerilla Spiritual Center B3 Pasture Research Lab B5 Paterno Library B3 Pattee Library B3 Patterson B4 Pavilion Theatre B4 Penn State Downtown Theatre Center E5 Pine Cottage C4 Pollock C5 Pond Lab C4 Power Plant D2 Rackley B3 Reber D2 Recreation (Rec Hall) B2 Research Center C8 Research East D7 Research West C1 Rider House D2 Rider E2 Ritenour C5 Robeson Cultural Center C4 Sackett D3 Sarni Tennis Facility B6 Schreyer Honors College D5 Schultz Child Care Center at Hort Woods A3 Schwab Auditorium C3 Shields B7 Sparks C3 Spruce Cottage C4
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West Residence Halls Hamilton Hall C2 Irvin Hall B3 Jordan Hall C3 McKee Hall B2 Thompson Hall C3 Waring Commons C2 Watts Hall C3
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Summer 2012
June 24 June 27 July 3 July 4 July 12–15 August 8 August 10
Arrival Day Classes Begin Late Drop Begins Independence Day–No Classes Central PA Festival of the Arts (Arts Fest) Classes End Final Exams
Fall 2012
August 24–26 August 25 August 27 September 3 September 8 September 28–30 September 30–October 5 November 16 November 18–24 December 14 December 17–21
Arrival Day for New Students President’s New Student Convocation Classes Begin Labor Day Holiday—No Classes FreshSTART Day of Service Parent’s and Families Weekend Homecoming Week Late Drop Deadline Thanksgiving Holiday—No Classes Classes End Final Exams
Sp r i n g 2 0 1 3
January 5 January 7 January 17 January 21 January 21 February 15–17 March 3–9 March TBA April 5 April TBA April TBA April 26 April 29–May 3 108 S t u d e n t L i f e
Arrival Day Classes Begin Late Drop Begins Martin Luther King Day—No Classes MLK Day of Service THON Weekend Spring Break—No Classes UPUA Election Late Drop Deadline Blue and White Weekend Movin’ On Concert Classes End Final Exams