Penn State has decided to delay the start of in-person classes and transition to a fully remote learning environment for the beginning of the spring 2021 semester at all campus locations. This decision was made following extensive analysis and scenario planning given worsening virus conditions nationally and across the state indicating predictions of rising hospitalization rates in the coming weeks.
Plans for Penn State’s Spring 2021 semester, announced Oct. 4, include a later start in January; continuation of the current flexible instructional modes, including in-person; the elimination of spring break; and completion of instruction for all undergraduate and graduate students by April 30. The University will maintain its observance of Martin Luther King Jr. day on Jan. 18 for students and faculty, when no classes will be held and Dr. King’s legacy will be celebrated through a number of virtual events.
Starting Aug. 6, a faculty and staff COVID-19 symptom checker will go live as part of a new employee-centered experience in the Penn State Go app. In addition to the symptom checker, the new Faculty and Staff Experience will feature access to Penn State email, Canvas Teacher, a link to Workday, additional coronavirus resources, and much more.
Beginning June 2020, Penn State graduates have the opportunity to purchase a Certified Electronic Diploma (CeDiploma), in addition to receiving the traditional paper diploma issued after degree conferral. A CeDiploma is available to graduates of the spring 2020 class and forward.
Following a three-month comprehensive planning process, Penn State officials have determined that the University can meet or exceed the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s guidelines for colleges and universities, and look forward to welcoming back faculty, staff and students to resume on-campus, in-person classes and other activities this fall in a limited fashion.
While Penn State’s plans for fall 2020 are still under consideration, the task groups working on returning students and employees to campus are planning to meet or exceed the expectations for colleges and universities announced June 3 by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.
Penn State Wilkes-Barre alumnus Ric Struthers and his wife, Sharon, have made a commitment to the campus to help students who may be struggling with challenges related to coronavirus and related shutdowns. The couple, who live in Wilmington, Delaware, are also encouraging other friends of Penn State Wilkes-Barre to join them in supporting this effort through a matching challenge.
Due to the economic challenges facing Pennsylvania and the nation, Penn State President Eric J. Barron announced plans today (April 23) to freeze tuition rates for all students University-wide for the 2020-21 academic year. The plan, which will be presented to the University’s Board of Trustees for final approval at its July meeting, would mark the third consecutive year that Penn State has held tuition rates flat for Pennsylvania resident students.
In the face of severe financial impacts to the University brought on by the global coronavirus pandemic, on April 23 Penn State President Eric J. Barron announced some salary adjustments; a 3% across-the-board cut to university budgets in the next fiscal year; and his intention to work with the Board of Trustees to freeze tuition for the 2020-21 academic year to limit student costs.
