Parents of New Students

Welcome to the Nittany Lion family!

The Parents Program offers a variety of services for parents of Penn State, University Park students. Our staff is available to answer your questions, make referrals, and provide timely information to assist you and your student during the transition to our University. If you have any questions prior to your student’s arrival, please email us at parents@psu.edu or call 814-863-1313.

While your student will receive information about important deadlines closer to the start of their first semester, you may be wondering what next steps you can take to support your student and begin your orientation to Penn State.

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NEW STUDENTS SHOULD:

Apply for Student Aid:

All new students (first-year and transfer) are encouraged to apply for student financial aid by March 1st by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online. Penn State’s Federal School Code is 003329.

Secure Housing:

On-campus housing is guaranteed and required for first-year students attending Penn State, University Park. Students who accept their offer of admission online will be able to pay their admission fees and housing deposit as well as accept their Housing and Food Services contract at the same time. Students who accept their offers of admission by mail will be able to view their Housing and Food Service Contract at eLiving once the University receives their acceptance fees. PLEASE NOTE: Every student must log on to eLiving to confirm that their housing contract status is “ACCEPTED.” Living preferences can also be designated on eLiving before semester deadlines.

Prepare for First-Year Testing, Consulting, and Advising Program (FTCAP), the beginning of your student's orientation to Penn State:

New first-year students are required to participate in FTCAP. After students accept admission to Penn State, they will be eligible take the online placement tests when they become available in March. Your student will receive a postcard to get the process started. Following your student’s completion of the placement tests, the campus of admission will contact your student about scheduling the date for the FTCAP advising day. Parents and family members are encouraged to accompany your student for the FTCAP advising day, which includes a family session focusing on the ways you can support your student’s transition to Penn State and details the numerous resources available to supporting family members. If students have additional questions, they may visit the FTCAP website or call 814-865-2578.

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NEW PARENTS AND FAMILY MEMBERS:

If you haven't attended the FTCAP parent information session or if you would like a refresher, the presentations and other important information are available here.

Begin Connecting with Penn State Resources:

Parent Information Form: As a parent, guardian or family member of a Penn State student, you are a part of our community. We hope you will take advantage of the numerous opportunities to get involved at Penn State. To get started, please complete our Parent Information Form so that we can ensure you are made aware of upcoming events in your area and at University Park, networking opportunities, and important dates and information that pertain to your student.

Parents, please allow two business days for your student's admissions deposit to be processed by the University. Early attempts to complete the Parent Information Form may be denied until your student's status is updated. Thank you for your patience, and please return soon!

Those who complete the form in its entirety by August 1, 2012 will be entered to win one of several prizes to kick off your experience as a Penn State parent. Prizes include the following, but please check back for additional prize opportunities as they become available.  

Winter Sport Weekend Package

Four tickets to a Penn State winter sporting event during the 2013 season (January – March 2013) and a complimentary two-night stay at the Hampton Inn in State College, PA. Details on the winter sports package and schedule will be available soon.

Center for the Performing Arts Ticket Package

Four tickets to a Center for the Performing Arts show of your choice at University Park Campus during the 2012-2013 season (September 2012 – April 2013).  For more information, please visit www.cpa.psu.edu. Please note that Broadway or other events may be excluded from this prize package.

 Penn Stater Hotel Guest Room Package

A complimentary two-night stay at the Penn Stater Hotel in State College, PA during Parents and Families Weekend, September 28 and 29, 2012. Please note that these dates cannot be changed and must be used during the weekend noted.

PLEASE NOTE: To ensure you receive our future communication, please add parents@psu.edu to your address book. You will begin to get correspondence from the Parents Program a few months prior to your student’s first semester at University Park campus.

Parents & Families Newswire: Do you want to learn more about what’s happening at Penn State? The Parents & Families Newswire is a monthly e-mail providing links to current Penn State news for interested family members. PLEASE NOTE: Parents of new Penn State students will begin receiving the Newswire when their student begins classes. However, we invite you to sign up early if you are interested.

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THE PARENTS PROGRAMS STRIVES TO ASSIST PARENTS AND FAMILY MEMBERS OF ALL NEW STUDENTS.

Below are some additional resources you may find useful in assisting your student’s transition to Penn State:

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Parents of Commonwealth Campus Students

If you are a parent of a new student at one of Penn State’s Commonwealth Campuses, please visit the appropriate campus website for more information.