University Park

2017-18LIVING ON CAMPUS

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The Penn State Experience

Living on campus has been a

Penn State tradition since the

University’s earliest days. Today,

it’s a community big enough

for you to find your niche and

expand your interests. At the same

time, it’s small enough for you to

recognize faces and feel right at

home. Housing, Food Services,

and Residence Life puts you in the

middle of all things Penn State.

You’ll benefit from close proximity

to classes, recreational areas, and

dining commons. University Park

is home to an endless array of

activities, events, and possibilities.

Who You’ll Meet On Campus

• Students from all over the state, country, and world

• First-year students, sophomores, juniors, seniors, and graduate students

• New friends with many different interests, talents, and goals

• A friendly staff that helps you stay comfortable, healthy, and safe

• World-renowned faculty, including some of academia’s finest minds

• Thousands of visitors who stop by campus to witness the Penn State magic

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Table of Contents

On-Campus Living .........................................................................1

Cable Television ............................................................................1

Internet Connection ......................................................................1

Computer Labs ..............................................................................1

Laundry ............................................................................................1

Newspaper Readership Program ..............................................1

Commons Desk .............................................................................1

Recycling .........................................................................................2

Staff Supporting Students ...........................................................2

Association of Residence Hall Students (ARHS) .....................2

Student Employment ....................................................................2

The Residence Hall Areas ...........................................................2

Supplemental Housing ................................................................6

Break Access/Holiday Housing .................................................6

Special Living Options .................................................................7

Alcohol Policy .................................................................................8

Medical Accommodations ..........................................................8

Air Conditioners .............................................................................9

Meningococcal Disease Vaccination .......................................9

Diversity/Inclusion .........................................................................9

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Gender-Neutral Housing .............................................................9

Living On Campus After Your First Year ..................................10

Security ............................................................................................10

University Police ............................................................................10

Fire Safety .......................................................................................10

Night Map/Safe Walk Program ..................................................10

Communication ..............................................................................11

Transportation ................................................................................11

The Campus Meal Plan ................................................................11

Penn State id+ Card ......................................................................12

LionCash+ ........................................................................................12

PNC Bank Card ..............................................................................12

Social and Recreational Opportunities ....................................12

Submitting Your Housing and

Food Service Contract .................................................................13

Roommate Requests ....................................................................14

Requesting an Exemption

from First-Year Housing ...............................................................14

Contact Information ......................................................................14

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On-Campus LivingUniversity Park’s residence halls come in all different sizes, styles, and locations. Our staff is dedicated to making sure we meet the needs of Penn State’s diverse student body. Residence hall living can be found in West, East, North, Pollock, and South Halls. Upper-class students can also reside in Eastview Terrace, Nittany Apartments, and White Course Apartments. Whatever you’re looking for, you can find it on campus. Residence Life organizes community builders in the residence halls for you to meet new friends, learn more about Penn State, and expose you to a world of clubs, games, and activities. We also help you learn what it means to contribute positively to our community and make decisions that are in the best interest of yourself and those around you. Residence Life staff is available to support students academically, as well as socially.

Cable TelevisionCable TV in the residence halls is designed specifically for Penn State students and is included in the room rate. Residents enjoy digital and high definition channels, including digital music channels. One cable television connection is provided in each residence hall room. Movies, sports, news, and popular sitcoms are all available. Philadelphia and Pittsburgh sports channels, as well as the Big Ten Network (in HD), are just a click away.

Internet ConnectionEvery residence hall room is wired with high-speed Ethernet connections. Penn Staters get fast and convenient Internet service right to their personal computers. Wireless is available in residence rooms and commons areas, as well as many buildings across campus.

Computer LabsComputer labs are available 24 hours a day in each residence area as well as locations throughout campus. Students can access the Internet, work on papers, and access printing services with both Mac and PC desktop computers.

LaundryFully-equipped laundry facilities are located in each residence hall for exclusive use by the building’s residents. LionCash+ is used for payment of laundry services. More information about LionCash+ is available at www.idcard.psu.edu.

Newspaper Readership ProgramIt’s easy to stay current with national and local events through the University’s Newspaper Readership Program. USA Today, The New York Times, and the local newspaper, The Centre Daily Times, are available free of charge—Monday through Friday—at newspaper racks across campus. The Daily Collegian, Penn State’s student newspaper, is also available daily.

Commons DeskEach residence area has a commons desk. The commons desks offer students many residential services 24 hours a day, seven days a week, including mail service, key replacement, package pickup, Penn State Bakery deliveries, recreational equipment, and cleaning supplies.

RecyclingPenn State Housing and Food Services has embarked on a quest to make residence halls and food services facilities zero waste. Labeled recycling bins are located in all residence halls, commons buildings, and food service facilities for residents’ convenience. Students can recycle everything from plastic, glass, cans, and paper, to polyurethane, batteries, light bulbs, ink cartridges, and many more items. A composting bin is also available. Students can also participate in Trash to Treasure by donating items at the end of both the fall and spring semesters. For more information about what students can do to conserve resources, reduce waste, and help make Penn State greener, visit www.sustainability.psu.edu.

Staff Supporting StudentsHousing, Food Services, and Residence Life is committed to providing residents with an environment that is safe, secure, comfortable, and conducive to academic, personal, and social development. We promote the concept of community, in which each student is responsible for respecting neighbors’ rights. Within the framework of rights and responsibilities, we support everyone’s right to choose their own lifestyle.

Housing professionals provide a clean, well-maintained environment for residents’ safety and well-being. Housekeeping services are provided seven days a week in public areas of the residence halls, including bathrooms and lounges. Maintenance and repairs are handled in a timely fashion. Food Services provides a variety of healthy, great-tasting food choices, including traditional favorites, vegetarian items, and fast food selections.

Residence Life assistant directors and coordinators are full-time employees that help residents with the transition to on-campus living. Resident assistants (RAs) are upper-class students living in the residence halls who provide information and assistance and build community with students. Professional staff and resident assistants are on call after hours and on weekends to support students in the case of an emergency.

Association of Residence Hall Students (ARHS)The Association of Residence Hall Students is the on-campus student government and the umbrella organization for each Residence Hall Area Government. As an on-campus resident, you’re encouraged to participate in the Association of Residence Hall Students and/or your Residence Hall Area Government. The organizations work closely with University administration on issues important to students. ARHS meets regularly with Housing, Food Services, and Residence Life staff to discuss residence area and dining facility topics. Responsibilities of the group include educational and social programming as well as advocacy for the residence areas.

Student EmploymentWorking on campus is convenient, flexible, and fun! More than 1,000 students work in cafés, restaurants, dining commons, and commons desks on campus. Work schedules are created around class schedules. We offer competitive pay, as well as merit increases. It’s a great resume builder and another way to meet new friends. Visit the student employment page for more information.

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DiningFindlay Dining Commons, one of the largest dining commons on campus, will undergo a massive three-phase renovation starting January 2016. This transformation will include the following stations: allergen-free, sushi, salad, deli, grill, Italian, and international. A new coffee shop and market will also be featured. The current convenience store, Good2Go, will remain open during all phases of construction, although it will move to a temporary location during the process. Construction is slated to be complete in January 2017.

The Residence Hall AreasEast HallsLocated near Beaver Stadium, the Intramural Building, and the Berkey Creamery, East Halls is a large and dynamic residence hall area with fourteen traditional residence hall buildings. Almost half of the first-year student population lives in East. It’s a center of activity and perfect for meeting new friends and staying active.

East features several Special Living Options, including First-Year in Education and Tri-ROTC which are geared toward introducing new students to the excitement of college life and engaging with faculty. East Halls’ traditional housing setup includes double rooms and supplemental housing with shared common bathrooms.

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North HallsNorth Halls is a unique and close-knit community. Home to Special Living Options such as Arts & Architecture, Business and Society House, and Earth House, this all-coed residence area is the smallest on campus and is located across the street from the Penn State Arboretum and near the Palmer Museum of Art. Each building accommodates students in two- and four-person suites. Suitemates share a semi-private bathroom.

DiningTry some tastes from around the world at Bluespoon Market. Its World Beat station offers daily international entrees, along with Bluespoon’s deli, soups, and grill options. Halal-certified gyros are available.

Get a taste of Italy at this festive all-you-care-to-eat location that serves homemade sauces, pasta, pizza, and fresh garden salads for lunch and dinner.

“Living on campus has hands-down been one of the

best decisions I’ve made at Penn State. I’ve met so

many incredible friends that I still remain in contact

with regularly, and I’ve truly become part of a second

family within the residence hall community. Penn State

offers some of the best opportunities for leadership and

networking, whether through student government, work-

study programs, Special Living Options, or countless

other programs to help enrich your college experience.”

Phil Rathosky ’12,

Psychology

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Specialty SpotlightA convenience store with so much more, The Mix is a popular student shop featuring a coffee bar and a grill area. Students enjoy the variety of grab ‘n go items, as well as toiletries, school supplies, and general

items for daily college needs.

Pollock HallsResidents in Pollock Halls live near the Penn State Natatorium, the HUB-Robeson Center, and downtown State College. Several traditional residence halls are exclusively for first-year students. Most residents share a double room with one roommate, and supplemental housing is available in every building.

Many Special Living Options are available in Pollock Halls, including Women in Science and Engineering, Leadership and Service, Health and Human Development, Living in a Free Environment (LIFE), Discover House, and more.

DiningWhether it’s for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, the Pollock Dining Commons is a smorgasbord that offers a world of choices. Students can get lost in the maze of unique, tasty, and healthy meals and snacks. Diners choose from Italian specialties and pizza at Gusto; coffee, crepes, and desserts at Swirl; made-to-order stir-fry and omelets at Plate; salads and paninis at Leaf; and much more.

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South HallsLocated on the downtown edge of campus, South Halls offers coed residence halls and houses Penn State’s upper-class students and sororities. Students living in the new and renovated halls share a double room with one roommate, and have access to private bathrooms. Schreyer Honors College students live in Atherton and Simmons Halls.

DiningThe South Food District is a lively space of endless food options. Whether it’s hot off the grill or fresh from the salad bowl, South has everything students want with seven á la carte stations and an all-you-care-to-eat buffet. A café and a convenience store offer hot coffee and grab ‘n go snacks.

Specialty SpotlightEdomae offers fresh, healthy, and made-to-order sushi ranging from the traditional to the dessert, as well as allergen-free, vegetarian, and vegan options.

“There’s no better way to get the Penn State experience

than living in an environment that caters entirely to

student life. Living on campus was like having a home

away from home, but with all of my friends. As soon as

I arrived on campus freshman year I instantly gained

40 new friends on my floor and then some. I even

picked up a few adoptive moms along the way after

becoming a regular in the dining commons and getting

to know the incredible women that helped care for my

building. Campus living offered me a wide variety of

convenient meal options, a clean space to live, endless

activities, and still the independence of living away

from home.”

Kimberly Sargent ’12,

Public Relations

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West HallsWith Rec Hall and Pattee/Paterno Libraries nearby, residents enjoy the collegiate surroundings of West Halls every day. Brick buildings open onto a quad with symmetrical walkways and arches that lead to the heart of campus. Accommodations include regular double rooms. Both first-year and upper-class students are housed in West Halls.

A number of Special Living Options are available in West Halls, including Earth and Mineral Sciences, Engineering, Ally House, and Information Science and Technology.

DiningThe West Food District is best known for its chocolate chip cookies. But Waring Square offers much more than that, including all-you-care-to-eat stir-fry, salads, pizza, and more. A taco bar and an array of made-to-order foods are available, as well as á la carte items and sandwiches at the West Wing.

Specialty SpotlightThe shelves of Sisu, an award-

winning convenience store, are filled with all-natural and

organic items, from snacks and drinks to shampoo and

soap. A peanut butter and jelly bar and fresh fruit smoothies add

to the store’s unique offerings.

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Eastview TerraceUpper-class students living in Eastview Terrace have a single room with a private bath. Each floor is clustered into houses with eight to 22 student rooms. Eastview is part of South Halls, and its stately residence hall buildings are one of the first things you see when driving into downtown State College.

Nittany Apartments & SuitesNittany Apartments is a unique community located in the middle of campus. Upper-class students live in two- and four-bedroom garden apartments and four-bedroom townhouse apartments. Each apartment accommodates four students. Although it’s not required to purchase the meal plan, most residents do because of the convenience, proximity, and various cuisine choices. Nittany Hall houses upper-class students in two-bedroom suites—four students per suite—and share a semi-private bathroom.

White Course ApartmentsWhite Course Apartments offer apartment living for upper-class students. Each apartment offers four single bedrooms, two bathrooms, a living room, and kitchen.

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Supplemental HousingNow more than ever, on-campus housing is in high demand. Supplemental housing allows Penn State to offer on-campus living space to as many students as possible. Rooms are located on regular residence hall floors. Supplemental rooms are larger and appropriately furnished to accommodate more students. Residents enjoy the same amenities as regular rooms at a reduced rate.

Room assignments for first-year students are processed in date order of when the offer of admission is accepted. The longer a student waits to accept the offer of admission to Penn State, the higher the likelihood the student will be assigned to supplemental housing. First-year students will be assigned to supplemental housing with other first-year students. As vacancies in regular double rooms, triples, and quads are identified by the Assignment Office, students will be reassigned throughout the semester. Assignment Office staff consider many factors in determining who will be relocated. Although the ultimate goal is to move all students to a regular room throughout the academic year, there is no guarantee that students assigned to supplemental housing will be able to move to a regular double room.

Break Access/Holiday HousingA Break Access/Holiday Housing Contract is an option for students who are unable to leave campus during the three break periods when the residence halls close. This option, which includes an additional semester charge, is available after the student accepts the Housing and Food Service Contract and indicates housing preferences in eLiving. Learn more at www.hfs.psu.edu/rates.

Living with more than one roommate is great for building

multiple friendships and expanding social circles. For

more information visit www.supplemental.psu.edu.

“Living in a dorm can be one of the most fun

experiences you’ll have in college. You will experience

companionship, freedom, simplicity, convenience to

campus, and lots of fun. You’ll make friends easily,

commiserate about school with your roommates,

study with groups of friends, always have someone

to eat with, and stay up late socializing almost every

night. You will share your college experience with

other people who are going through the same ups and

downs, and that makes everything easier. There is great

strength in numbers. No wonder dorm life is such a

good idea.”

Nicholas C. Wingert ’12,

Elementary and Kindergarten Education

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Special Living OptionsUniversity Park residence areas offer a wide variety of opportunities to get involved in the campus community, enhance student interests, and connect with faculty outside of the classroom. Special Living Options (SLOs) are available for students interested in living with others who share similar majors, interests, or goals.

The more than 20 SLOs at University Park cover a wide range of areas, including arts and architecture, environmental issues, forensic science, community relations, and more. Each one offers an enriching and memorable experience that fits into each student’s unique passions.

Students interested in living in an SLO need to indicate the SLO as a housing preference. After accepting the offer of admission to Penn State, students should log on to eLiving and update housing preferences by selecting the SLO from the drop-down menu. Space is limited in each SLO; not every student who indicates interest in an SLO will be assigned to that space. When ranking housing contract preferences in eLiving, students should rank their SLO choice as their first preference to enhance the likelihood of being assigned to live there.

Some SLOs require secondary application. Please visit www.slo.psu.edu to learn about which SLOs may require an application to be submitted to the sponsoring college.

Alcohol PolicyThe possession or use of alcoholic beverages is prohibited in all Penn State on-campus undergraduate residence hall buildings, including Nittany Apartments, Eastview Terrace, and White Course undergraduate apartments regardless of the age of the individual. This policy also applies to all guests of residents, regardless of age.

Learn more about our Alcohol Policy.

Special Living Options at University ParkAlly House

Arts & Architecture

Biology Home (BIOME)

Business and Society House (BASH)

Discover House

Earth and Mineral Sciences (EMS)

Earth House

Engineering and Applied Sciences (EASI)

Engineering House (E-House)

First-Year in Education

First-Year in Science and Engineering (FISE)

Forensic Science Interest House

Health and Human Development (HHD)

Information Sciences and Technology (IST)

Leadership and Service

Liberal Arts Paterno Fellows

Living in a Free Environment (LIFE)

Schreyer Honors College Living & Learning Community

Tri-Service ROTC House

Women in Science and Engineering House (WISE)

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Medical AccommodationsPenn State provides a climate of equal opportunity to all programs, activities, and services, and is in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Penn State will provide accessible housing for students with disabilities as defined by these laws. To properly evaluate how Penn State can best meet a student’s need for housing accommodations, the University requires specific diagnostic information from a licensed clinical professional or health care provider. The professional provider should be a regular provider to the student and be familiar with the history and functional limitations of the student’s physical or psychological condition(s).The student must have a valid, accepted Housing and Food Service Contract before the Reasonable Accommodation Request Form for Housing can be submitted. A student’s Housing and Food Service Contract preferences for area, building, Special Living Option, and/or roommate will be taken into consideration when the Reasonable Accommodation Request Form for Housing is submitted by the following dates:

Summer Session: June 1 Fall Semester: June 15 Spring Semester: December 1

As with all room assignments, preferences cannot be guaranteed. If the Reasonable Accommodation Request Form for Housing is received after the deadline, Housing and Food Service Contract preferences will be reviewed but only taken into consideration if space permits. The Assignment Office reserves the right to reassign the student to a space that will meet the student’s medical need. This move will only accommodate the student requiring the medical need, and not any requested roommate(s).

Air ConditionersMost rooms in residence halls do not offer air conditioning. Students are not permitted to install personal or portable air conditioning units in residence hall rooms. A first-year student with a medical condition who needs air conditioning will need to follow the process described above by completing the Reasonable Accommodation Request Form for Housing. If it is determined that the student does require air conditioning, the student will be assigned to a pre- determined space that can accommodate the need.

Meningococcal Disease VaccinationAll Penn State students residing in on-campus housing, including residence halls and apartments, are required by state law to comply with the College and University Student Vaccination Act. Passed in June 2002, the law requires that students acknowledge the Meningococcal Vaccination Certification requirement.

To comply with this law, the students must indicate acknowledgment of this requirement when accepting the

offer of admission and agree to the Housing and Food Service Contract statements through the MyPennState page. Students have the option to receive the vaccination from their personal physician, or they can contact University Health Services to inquire about the availability of vaccinations. This acknowledgement needs to be submitted only once and will be valid for the time that the student resides in on-campus housing.

Please visit www.studentaffairs.psu.edu/health/immunizations for additional information about the Meningococcal Vaccination Certification requirement or meningitis.

Diversity/InclusionThe residence hall community welcomes students from all over the world. It’s a dynamic blend of cultural heritages and lifestyles. Housing, Food Services, and Residence Life supports individual rights and promotes a welcoming living and learning environment.

The University community is an immensely diverse one, and on-campus programs and activities are designed to help students meet friends and learn about their neighbors. Community builders, social events, and student groups are great ways for residents to broaden horizons and expand interests.

Gender-Neutral HousingHousing, Food Services, and Residence Life strives to provide a safe, inclusive, comfortable, and supportive living environment for all students residing on campus at University Park. We offer the option of gender-neutral housing for students who, because of gender identity or gender expression, prefer this option. This allows students who identify as transgender* and gender non-conforming* the ability to choose a roommate of any gender, or choose a single space if one is available. Students interested in a gender-neutral room assignment should contact housing staff, who will work with the student in a personal and confidential manner to discuss housing options available. To ensure that housing options are available, first-year students should make contact prior to May 15. There is no guarantee that a particular space will be available.

*Definitions: For the purpose of gender-neutral housing, gender non-conforming is a term for individuals whose gender expression is different from social expectations related to gender. Gender expression is the external manifestation of one’s gender identity, usually expressed through “masculine”, “feminine”, or gender variant behavior, clothing, haircut, voice, or body characteristics. Transgender is a term for people whose gender identity, expression, or behavior is different from those typically associated with their assigned sex at birth, including but not limited to transsexuals, androgynous people, genderqueers, and gender non-conforming people. Definition Source: National Center for Transgender Equality; Mara Keisling, Executive Director http://transequality.org.

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Living On Campus after Your First YearLiving on campus at Penn State is a popular option for Penn State students. First-year students are required to live on campus and guaranteed housing. Students interested in living on campus after the first year will participate in a lottery system during the established Contract Process Timeline to be considered for the various housing options available. While the Assignment Office strives to provide a Housing and Food Service Contract offer to all students in the process, there may be some students who are not offered a contract. If that occurs, those students are added to a Waitlist for supplemental housing. As vacancies are identified throughout the spring and summer, students on the Waitlist will receive an offer.

Students who participate in the lottery but do not receive an offer will be eligible to participate in the lottery system the following year. Any student who opts to move off campus after the first year without participating in the lottery process will not be eligible to participate in future lotteries, but can add their name to the Supplemental Housing Waitlist when it opens.

Detailed information about the lottery process is provided to students during the fall semester before the process begins. Please visit How to Get a Contract to learn more about the housing process.

SecurityEvery residence area has full-time, live-in professional Residence Life staff members responsible for ensuring a safe, secure, and comfortable living environment. University Police officers are available to address specific security concerns. All residence area buildings are locked 24 hours a day and have video surveillance cameras. Video surveillance cameras are installed in ground-floor entrance lobbies, exit stairwells, and elevators. Students need their Penn State id+ Card to gain access to their assigned residence hall.

University PoliceUniversity Police conducts law enforcement and security services for the entire University Park campus. The department provides 24-hour patrol services and is governed by a state statute that gives its officers the same authority as municipal police officers. The squad includes almost 50 officers and 100 auxiliary officers. The campus community is safe, secure, and comfortable. For more information, visit www.police.psu.edu.

Fire SafetyA smoke detector is installed in each residence hall room and all common areas. Fire extinguishers, fire doors, smoke alarms, and sprinklers are in all residence hall buildings.

Students should familiarize themselves with evacuation plans. All safety items and plans are designed to help with student safety and communication.

Night Map/Safe Walk ProgramThe University Police website offers many campus safety resources, including a night walking map and information on the Safe Walk Program. The Safe Walk Program is designed to provide walking accompaniment for Penn State students, employees, and visitors who may be walking alone at night on campus.

CommunicationCommunication is an integral part of Penn State’s safety and security planning. PSUAlert is a service that alerts the campus community via texting of emergency incidents, and provides valuable safety instructions. University Police can be contacted on campus by calling 911, or at 814-863-1111 from any location. Safety information is also posted on Penn State’s Facebook and Twitter pages, as well as its news page at www.news.psu.edu.

TransportationThere are many ways to get around campus. Many students walk or take advantage of free bicycle registration and use their bike to get to class, work, or to see friends. Students who have earned at least 28 credits are eligible to apply for on-campus parking and purchase a parking permit. Penn State Transportation Services offers free transit options such as bus and shuttle services. Students with documented mobility impairments can also apply to use the paratransit shuttle. All of these transportation options provide a quick, safe, and reliable way to get students where they need to go.

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The Campus Meal PlanNo matter what you’re in the mood for or where you are on campus, you’ll find a Campus Dining location nearby that offers great food options. Cafés, restaurants, and dining commons are at every corner of campus. The Campus Meal Plan is accepted at all of them. It’s a worry-free and convenient way to purchase meals, snacks, or a cup of coffee for late-night studying.

On-campus residents indicate their desired meal plan level as a preference on the Housing and Food Service Contract. Funds are deposited into a declining balance account and accessed by the Penn State id+ Card.

The meal plan has two components—base cost and dining dollars. The base cost covers all non-food costs for operating food services, such as labor, supplies, maintenance, and utilities. Dining dollars are used to make purchases at on-campus Campus Dining locations. Dining dollars work like a declining account: As purchases are made, the cost is deducted from the account.

All menu items have a cash price that includes both the food costs and the base cost of operation. Since meal plan members pay this base cost up front, on-campus dining purchases are significantly discounted with each visit. Meal plan members receive 65 percent off the cash price at the all-you-care-to-eat dining commons. Purchases made at other Campus Dining operations receive a discount on items prepared in house. For certain items, such as prepackaged vendor items, bottled beverages, and national brands (Starbucks or Burger King, for example), no discount is given.

Meal Plan LevelsThe meal plan offers six level options with varying dining dollar amounts. Meal plan levels can be adjusted until seven days before the end of the semester by visiting eLiving. Any charges or refunds are applied to the student’s Bursar account.

The Campus Dining AppThe campus dining smart phone apps gives Penn Staters a convenient way to view menus and hours. It also provides nutritional information and a personalized food log for you to keep track of your personal choices throughout the day!

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Penn State id+ Card Every Penn Stater is issued an official University ID— the Penn State id+ Card. This multi-faceted card lets students enter their residence hall, access their Campus Meal Plan, check into an on-campus fitness center, check out books at the University Libraries, and more.

LionCash+LionCash+ is an online, prepaid flexible spending account accessed with the id+ card. Students simply deposit money into their account and enjoy the convenience of making cash-free purchases at participating locations. LionCash+ is also the method used to pay for on-campus laundry. Funds can be added at any time, and family and friends can make deposits by going to www.idcard.psu.edu.

LionCash+ also complements the Campus Meal Plan. If a student runs out of dining dollars, on-campus registers will automatically default to the student’s LionCash+ account. If there is enough to cover the purchase, funds are withdrawn from the LionCash+ account and processed at the meal plan rate.

LionCash+ Benefits• Cash-free purchases at all on-campus locations

• Covers purchase if student runs out of Campus Meal Plan dining dollars

• Accepted at many off-campus locations around town

• Discounts at many participating locations

• Automatic payroll reduction for student employees

• LionCash+ funds carry over semester to semester and year to year

PNC Bank CardStudent banking through PNC Bank can be accessed through the id+ card. By linking the id+ card to a PNC account, students can use it to get surcharge-free cash from PNC ATMs. PNC ATMs can be found at several locations across campus, including the HUB-Robeson Center and several commons buildings.

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Examples of Campus Events

Theater performances:

Guys and Dolls, Into the Woods, Beauty and the Beast

Concerts:

Macklemore, Jay-Z, Florida Georgia Line

Intramural sports:

Basketball, soccer, softball

Penn State Late Night:

Free movies, fun games, arts and crafts

Speeches:

President Barack Obama, Shawn Johnson, Kenan

Thompson

Sports:

Big Ten football, volleyball, basketball, lacrosse,

wrestling

Student events:

Homecoming, Movin’ On, Dance Marathon

Student clubs:

Lion Ambassadors, The Daily Collegian newspaper,

90.7 - The Lion radio station, aviation club, Eco-

Action

Social and Recreational OpportunitiesLiving on campus makes it easy to take advantage of nearby recreational areas, like athletic fields, pools, fitness centers, and courts. University Park is home to many nationally recognized athletic programs. Enjoy concerts, minor league baseball, theater, and outdoor activities. There’s always something going on in Happy Valley!

The residence halls often organize movie nights, dances, guest speakers, and other special events. Students can also choose among hundreds of student clubs, intramural sports teams, and student employment positions.

Try one. Try a bunch. It’s all here in your on-campus student community.

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Submitting Your Housing and Food Service ContractHow you accept your Housing and Food Service Contract depends on how you accept the offer of admission—either online through MyPennState or by mail. Room assignments are processed in the date order that students accept the offer of admission to Penn State. The earlier that you accept the offer, the better chance you have of receiving your housing preferences.

Students have until May 1 to accept the offer of admission to Penn State. Students who accept the offer of admission after April 1 will have a greater chance of being assigned to supplemental housing, regardless of the housing preferences indicated on the Housing and Food Service Contract.

If you accept your offer of admission online:

• Log on to your MyPennState account using your Friends of Penn State (FPS) account and password.

• Review and agree to the Housing and Food Service Contract and Terms, Conditions, and Regulations.

• Submit your non-refundable acceptance fees and housing deposit.

• Your offer of admission and Housing and Food Service Contract are now accepted!

• Log on to eLiving and click “update preferences” to indicate your housing preferences (area, roommate, and Special Living Option) and your Campus Meal Plan level (defaulted to Level 3).

• Housing preferences can be modified until May 15 by logging onto eLiving.

• Select the “Summary” page to view the Housing and Food Service Contract and verify saved preferences.

If you accept your offer of admission by mail:

• Return your Acceptance Notification, acceptance fees, and housing deposit in the envelope provided, and mail to:

Office of the Bursar 103 Shields Building University Park, PA 16802-1276

• To accept your Housing and Food Service Contract, log on to eLiving before May 1 with your Friends of Penn State (FPS) account and password. Click on the “Accept Contract” link.

• Review and agree to the Housing and Food Service Contract and Terms, Conditions, and Regulations.

• Indicate your housing preferences (area, roommate, and Special Living Option) and your Campus Meal Plan level (defaulted to Level 3).

• Housing preferences can be modified until May 15 by logging on to eLiving. Students who accept the offer of admission after May 1 will have 7 days to modify housing preferences.

• Select the “Summary” page to view the Housing and Food Service Contract and verify saved preferences.

Note: If you are offered summer admission, you will need to accept two Housing and Food Service Contracts: one for summer and one for the fall-spring academic year.

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Roommate Requests

Penn State values diversity in its student population and believes that living with others from different backgrounds, cultures, and ethnic groups greatly enhances the college experience. Penn State does not use a roommate matching survey or ask questions about a student’s personal preferences, and will randomly match students to reside together.

The Assignment Office recognizes that students may have an interest in rooming with a friend. Roommate requests must be mutual–both students must indicate the other student’s Penn State Access Account as a preference on the Housing and Food Service Contract. Students are responsible for verifying that the correct student’s information is used and the record is displaying before the modification deadline.

The following timeline is used for processing mutual roommate requests:

• Students who both accept the offer of admission before April 1 will be assigned together in regular housing.

• If one student has accepted the offer of admission before April 1, but the other student accepted after April 1, the students must decide to either be assigned together in supplemental housing, or forgo the mutual roommate request and be assigned based on the individual preferences and when the offer was accepted.

• Students who both accept the offer of admission after April 1 will be assigned together in supplemental housing.

Requesting an Exemption from First-Year Housing

First-year students are required to live on campus and guaranteed housing. Only students meeting the following criteria will be considered for an exemption from this policy:

• You are 21 years old or older when you accept your offer of admission to Penn State.

• You are a United States veteran.

• You are a local student who lives in Centre County in the primary residence of your parent(s) or legal guardian(s) (A local student is defined as a student who graduated from a high school in Centre County).

• You are married and/or have dependent children who live with you.

If you accept the offer of admission online through MyPennState, you will be prompted for an exemption if you are 21 years old or older or live in Centre County. All other students must accept the offer of admission and pay the $100 housing deposit along with the acceptance fees, then contact the Assignment Office to request an exemption form. Exemption forms must be received by the June 30 deadline. The Assignment Office will review the completed exemption form and notify you of the determination. If the determination exempts you from living on campus, the $100 housing deposit will be refunded.

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Penn State Housing and Food Services is a caring organization, providing quality food, housing, and customer service while supporting the University’s mission.

This publication is available in alternative media upon request.

The Pennsylvania State University is committed to the policy that all persons shall have equal access to programs, facilities, admission, and employment without regard to personal characteristics not related to ability, performance, or qualifications as determined by University policy or by state or federal authorities. It is the policy of the University to maintain an academic and work environment free of discrimination, including harassment. The Pennsylvania State University prohibits discrimination and harassment against any person because of age, ancestry, color, disability or handicap, national origin, race, religious creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or veteran status and retaliation due to the reporting of discrimination or harassment. Discrimination, harassment, or retaliation against faculty, staff, or students will not be tolerated at The Pennsylvania State University. Direct all inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policy to the Affirmative Action Director, The Pennsylvania State University, 328 Boucke Building, University Park, PA 16802-5901;Tel 814-863-0471/TTY.

U.Ed. AUX 16-87

The Penn State Experience

Contact InformationPenn State University Park www.psu.edu

Housing and Food ServicesAssignment Office201 Johnston Commons University Park, PA 16802 Phone: 814-865-7501 Fax: 814-863-8364 assignmentoffice@psu.edu www.housing.psu.edu www.facebook.com/PennStateOnCampusLivingUP @housingPSU

Room and Board Rateswww.hfs.psu.edu/rates

Residence Life201 Johnston Commons University Park, PA 16802 Phone: 814-863-1710 AskResLife@psu.edu www.studentaffairs.psu.edu/reslife @PSUgetinvolved

Food Servicesfoodservices@psu.edu www.foodservices.psu.edu/ @PennStateDining

Admissions201 Shields Building University Park, PA 16802 www.admissions.psu.edu Phone: 814-865-5471

eLivingwww.eLiving.psu.edu

LionPATHwww.lionpath.psu.edu

Friends of Penn State(access account information) www.fps.psu.edu

Office of the Bursarbursar.psu.edu