Frequently Asked Questions

1. How can I reach my student if we have a family emergency?

At University Park, the University Police Services office can assist you in locating your Penn State student during a family emergency if you cannot make contact yourself. For a police emergency call (24/7): 814-863-1111. Contact the University Police at other Penn State campuses.

For other health-related emergencies, contact University Health Services. (Appointments and other services available during business hours, call 814-863-0774.) For an Advice Nurse for student health concerns, call 814-863-4463.

Counseling and Psychological Services (Available weekday business hours) 814-863-0395.

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2. How can I get information on financial aid for students?

Parents and students may obtain information concerning financial aid through the Student Aid Web site, calling 814-865-6301 or writing to, The Office of Student Aid, The Pennsylvania State University, 314 Shields Building, University Park, PA 16802.

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3. Where can I get my questions answered concerning my son or daughter's tuition bill?

Questions concerning a student's bill, refund or payments are referred to the Bursar's Office. You may contact them at 814-865-6528, accessing the Bursar's Web site or writing to, Bursar's Office, The Pennsylvania State University, 103 Shields Building, University Park, PA 16802.

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4. I have questions concerning on-campus housing, whom should I contact?

The Housing Assignment Office is responsible for all on-campus housing. They may be contacted at 814-865-7501 or writing to, The Assignment Office, The Pennsylvania State University, 201 Johnston Commons, University Park, PA 16802.

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5. Is there a University events calendar?

Yes. The overall events calendar can be found on the University’s Website.

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6. Is there an academic calendar noting the start and end of classes each semester?

Yes. The Registrar's office publishes the University's official academic calendar.

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7. Are there immunization and medical requirements for new students enrolled at Penn State?

Yes, Penn State requires all degree-seeking students to be immunized against measles, mumps, and rubella and to submit this information online. Students are also encouraged to complete an online Health History form. Learn More.

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8. Is there a campus escort service to help students walk safely to a campus destination after dark?

Yes, the Penn State Campus Escort Service consists of uniformed student employees who carry police radios. Escorts will walk Penn State students, employees, and visitors from one on-campus location to another, and to within reasonable walking distance off campus. Escorts are available from dusk to dawn 365 days a year. To request an escort, call 814-865-WALK.

For more information about campus safety, visit the University Police Website.

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9. When will I get a tuition bill?

Beginning approximately six (6) weeks prior to the start of classes, bills will be prepared for students who have scheduled classes and have full
eLion access. You will receive notification via your Penn State email account that your tuition bill is available to view/pay or to confirm registration on eLion. Paper bills are not mailed. Bills are prepared mid-July for fall semester, mid-November for spring semester and mid-April for summer semester. Residence hall charges are included on the bill, if applicable. Bills are prepared on a weekly basis through the first 10 days of the semester for students scheduling later. More billing information is available on the Tuition Bill Instructions page from the Bursar's office.

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10. What should I do if I have additional student aid?

The “Anticipated Student Financial Aid Detail” section on your Tuition Bill shows your current known available aid. If you have additional scholarships, grants, or loans, please refer to this section at Tuition Bill Instructions for information noting those changes. The tuition bill on eLion will reflect current information. Procedures for payment from College Savings Plans are also available on this site.

More information about billing and class registration at the Registrar’s web site.

More information about financial assistance for students at the Office of Student Aid web site.

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11. Our family insurance company (or my employer) is requiring proof that my son or daughter is (or was) enrolled at Penn State. What do I do?

Insurance companies, financial lenders or employers may require proof that a student was or is currently enrolled at Penn State. An academic verification provides proof of enrollment, graduation, student status, and other related information.

Academic verifications are now available to parents through the eLion Parent/Other menu. Prior to use, parents must first be granted access by their students. Steps to complete the process can be found here.

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12. At Penn State, how is a "campus" different from a "college"?

Colleges at Penn State should not be confused with campuses:

Campuses: Where students take classes, and in many cases reside. We have 20 undergraduate campuses.

Colleges: A college grants the degree once those courses are completed. We have 11 colleges at Penn State University Park and 6 others throughout Pennsylvania.

Most degree-seeking Penn State students attend a campus and are enrolled in a college. Listing of Campuses and Colleges.

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13. Where can I find more information for Penn State parents and families?

Office of the University Registrar parent information page

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