Parents & Families 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. ____________________________________________________________
NEW STUDENTS SHOULD:
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.
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 New Student Orientation (NSO):
New first-year students are required to participate in New Student Orientation. 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 New Student Orientation. Parents and family members are encouraged to accompany your student as there is a parallel program for family members 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 Orientation website or call 814-865-4178.
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NEW PARENTS AND FAMILY MEMBERS:
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 Parent Information Form in its entirety by August 1, 2013 will be entered to win one of several prizes to kick off your experience as a Penn State parent. Prizes include the following:
Penn State Football Experience
Four tickets to the Barnes & Noble Suite in Beaver Stadium and tickets to the corporate tailgate for the Penn State vs. Illinois Football game on November 2, 2013. Please note that lodging is not included in this package, but a hotel room is available at the expense of the prize recipient.
Winter Sport Weekend Package
Tickets to a Penn State winter sporting event during the 2014 season (January – March 2014) 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 2013-2014 season (September 2013 – April 2014). 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, October 4 – 6, 2013. Please note that these dates cannot be changed and must be used during the weekend noted.
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.
Explore the Parents Program website: Visit the program website for more information about Parents & Families Weekend, getting involved while your student is at Penn State, answers to frequently asked questions, information about transportation and lodging, and to read past issues of our Parents Pride e-newsletter.
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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:
- Adult Learners: Our office of Adult Learner Programs & Services (ALPS) is committed to assisting adult students in finding academic and personal success through their experiences at Penn State. To get started, please visit the “Things to Know” page on the ALPS website. For additional questions visit the ALPS Web site or call 814-863-7378.
- Veterans: The Office of Veterans Programs (OVPEE) at Penn State, University Park campus is organized as a comprehensive, direct service unit for veterans and Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) benefits recipients. The staff and students provide services in three major areas: Outreach, Certification, and General Counseling. For more information please visit their website or call (814) 863-0465.
- Transfer Students: Our transfer students may not be new to college, but we recognize that your students are new to the University Park community. We are here to assist this transition. Transfer students should look into both on-campus and off-campus housing options.
- International Students: Penn State’s University Office of Global Programs (UOGP) is available to assist international students with immigration regulations, academic requirements, and social and cultural activities that will help students become acclimated to life at Penn State and in the United States. To get started, please visit the “International Students Support” page on the UOGP website.
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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.