As part of plans announced to begin the spring 2021 semester remotely, the University is urging students who live off campus to postpone their return to their campus community unless it is necessary for work, academic-program-specific reasons or other important circumstances. Students who must return to their campus community before Feb. 15 or who have remained in their campus community over winter break will be required to order and complete a free COVID-19 test before their arrival.
Penn State has decided to delay the start of in-person classes and transition to a fully remote learning environment for the beginning of the spring 2021 semester at all campus locations. This decision was made following extensive analysis and scenario planning given worsening virus conditions nationally and across the state indicating predictions of rising hospitalization rates in the coming weeks.
"Your perseverance and dedication are appreciated, and your positive attitude during this difficult time has been nothing short of inspiring," says Penn State Abington Interim Chancellor Andrew August. "I am grateful to the Penn State Abington community for rising to this challenge."
Emily Jefferson, a senior at Penn State, observes and records the growth of bacteria her MICRB 202 (Introductory Microbiology Laboratory) class isolated during week-one of the 2020 fall semester. Students were outfitted with new masks, face shields, and gloves prior to every lab session, and their stations were set up to provide appropriate social distancing.
With students taking finals remotely and many employees working from home, the University has updated its guidance for students, faculty and staff in the event a campus ceases normal operations due to weather, power outages or other emergencies.
This Penn State Abington senior marches toward commencement next week a changed person. Shy when she arrived on campus, she has flourished, becoming an accomplished student and campus leader.
"I often say that if I headed back to college today, I would major in comparative religions rather than political science. That is because religious actors and institutions are playing an influential role in every region of the world and on nearly every issue central to U.S. foreign policy.” (America Magazine)
