A message to students

Message to Students about Fall Course Schedules

Penn State is focused on supporting students and helping them to meet their desired educational outcomes no matter the method of delivery, and advisers will be available to assist students in crafting their individual class schedules and curricula options.

The health and well-being of the Penn State community is our first priority as we look forward to welcoming students back to Penn State Brandywine this fall. Penn State has taken a robust public-health- and science-based approach to inform how it will manage social distancing, limit the size of events, and provide learning environments that are as safe as reasonably possible. Penn State will meet or exceed the expectations for colleges and universities that have been outlined by the Pennsylvania Department of Education for returning students to campus.

In accordance with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and public health guidelines, wearing face masks and adhering to social distancing practices, including maintaining six feet of physical distance between another person, are critical components in helping to maintain the health and safety of the entire campus community. Students, faculty and staff are expected to practice social distancing and wear face masks in classrooms, labs, offices, dining and retail facilities, public spaces, and while walking and traveling on campuses.

Course Delivery

Due to the number of students registered for courses and the size of classrooms, necessary changes are being made to the academic schedule to focus on enhancing safety and lowering the risk of spread of the virus. Course delivery will occur through a highly flexible mix of in-person, remote, and online instruction throughout the semester. For a description of these modes, please visit https://keeplearning.psu.edu/fall-2020/.

Penn State Brandywine is in the process of determining how to deliver smaller classes, following University guidance. Fall course schedules are available in LionPath.

Please note: When checking your courses in LionPath, please review all components of the course to ensure you are viewing the complete mix of delivery formats. In LionPath, be sure to click on Class Schedule, the word “More,” select Fall Term, and then continue to see all components for your class(es).

The fall semester will begin on the originally scheduled date of Monday, Aug. 24, and campus-based residential instruction will end Friday, Nov. 20, with the remainder of the semester —including finals — being delivered remotely and/or online when classes resume after Thanksgiving break on Nov. 30. To minimize travel and lower the risk of spreading coronavirus on campuses, classes will be held on Labor Day (Sept. 7). The semester will end following finals on Dec. 18, as originally planned.

For those students who are immunocompromised or at-risk, the University will work with you to develop appropriate accommodations. For students who are unable to return to any campus this fall or are unable to wear a face mask due to medical conditions, there are flexible options so that you can continue to make progress toward your degree.

If you are a returning student and would like to discuss your options, please contact your academic adviser at Penn State Brandywine.

If you are a new incoming student who is a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, please contact the Brandywine Admissions Team at 610-892-1225 or via email at [email protected].

If you are a new international student, please visit Penn State Global or contact the Office of Global Programs at 814-865-7681 for more information.

Penn State is focused on supporting students and helping them to meet their desired educational outcomes no matter the method of delivery, and advisers will be available to assist students in crafting their individual class schedules and curricula options.