Center for Adult Students
Getting Started
Once you have accepted your offer of admission and your acceptance fees have been recorded, you will begin to receive literature from the campus about your next steps to becoming a Penn State Behrend student. Below is a list of the primary activities that need to take place before you begin your academic endeavor.
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Placement exams
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Scheduling classes - Academic advising
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Financial Aid
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Tuition information
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Penn State ID+ card
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Penn State Access Account information
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Parking Permits and EMTA bus schedule
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Campus Bookstore
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Things to Do Checklist (pdf)
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Campus Map
Placement exams
If you are new to college, Penn State requires that you complete a
battery of tests in English, mathematics, and chemistry. If you have
transferred from another institution, but do not have credits for
English composition or mathematics, then you will still need to
complete the placement test. These tests are used for educational
planning and academic advising purposes; the test will determine a
student's appropriate starting level in English, mathematics and
chemistry course sequences and for basic skills purposes. The testing
component involves approximately three (3) hours and is on done via an
on-line website. Alternative
venues for testing are available. If you are uncertain if you must take the
placement exams, contact the Division of Undergraduate Studies at
814.898.6260.
English Placement Exam
This exam is required of all entering students (except advanced
standing students who already have credit for ENGL 015 (GWS) or its
equivalent to determine the proper starting level. Students whose test
scores indicate substantial weakness must enroll in ENGL 004,
successful completion of which is a prerequisite for ENGL 015.
Students with satisfactory scores may enroll in ENGL 015.
This thirty minute test measures your competence in the following areas of English usage: spelling, vocabulary, punctuation, grammar and diction.
Mathematics Placement Exam
This ninety minute test measures your knowledge of various algebra and
trigonometry topics. The results of the test will determine the
level of mathematics at which you should begin your study. We realize that you
may not have covered all of these topics in high school or may not
have used them recently. If you are not currently taking algebra or
trigonometry, we strongly suggest that you become familiar with the
test topics and study those you need to review. Do not be too
concerned if you are not familiar or current in your knowledge of all
of these topics
Chemistry Placement Exam
This twenty-five minute test measures your knowledge of various
areas of chemistry. The results of the chemistry test are combined
with the results of the mathematics test to determine the level of
chemistry at which a student needs to begin. We realize that you may not have
covered all of these topics in high school or may not have used them
recently. We strongly suggest that you review the chemistry test
topics (and the math test topics that are a part of the chemistry
placement exam) before completing the exam. Please note: this
chemistry exam is used for placement in the chemistry course sequence
used primarily for science and engineering majors. If you have not
studied chemistry you do not have
to complete this test.
Click here for the chemistry test topics
Academic Advising
Each student enrolled at Penn State Behrend is assigned an
academic advisor. This information, along with your student records,
can be obtained electronically through eLion. You will be assigned an
advisor once you complete your initial schedule of classes. If you are
new to Behrend, you will be contacted by the adult learner advisor to
complete your schedule of classes. If you are a transfer student, you
will be contacted by the school offering your major to complete your
schedule of classes. Any adult student is welcome to see the adult
learner advisor, Ms. Biddy Brooks. Her office is located in Erie Hall,
Rm. 20. Evening appointments are available.
Financial Aid
Penn State Behend students finance their education in various
ways. There are grants, loans and scholarships available. One of the
first things to do is determine your eligibility for aid. You should
complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This
form, in most instances, is all you need to complete to determine your
eligibility for aid.
In addition, your employer may help finance your education. If you have Employer Tuition Assistance, your payment can be deferred. Click here to print the tuition assistance form (pdf).
Click here for financial aid information
Tuition Information
Information on the current tuition rates can be found on the
Bursar web site. You will also find information regarding payment
options, filing your bill and receiving tax credit for some of your
educational expenses.
Click here for Bursar/Finance Office
Penn State ID
Card
You will need to obtain
a Penn State photo identification card
which will enable you to access services such as the Lilley
Library, meal plans, building and labs, the Junker Center facilities
and sporting events to name a few. Please note that the ID office has
extended hours during the beginning of each semester.
Click here for the ID office location and hours
Penn State Access Account
You will need to sign up for and activate your Penn State Access
Account. A Penn State Access account is a user ID and password
combination that allows Penn State students, faculty and staff to use
the University's full range of internet services. You need an access
account to use the information technology services, in and outside the
classroom, student computing labs, email, eLion, etc.
To obtain your access account, take your photo identification card to a signature station - signature stations are located in the following areas: upstairs in the Reed Building (near the photo ID office), the computer lab in Hammermill 135, and the Registrar's office in Erie Hall. Make note of your user ID and password when they are displayed on the screen. You account should be fully active within one business day. Student accounts remain active during periods of continuous enrollment (fall and spring semester) and for six months after graduation.
By accepting your Penn State Access account, you are agreeing to abide by Penn State policies and guidelines. You are expected to exercise responsible, ethical behavior when using the University's computers, information, networks and resources. Violation of policies or laws may result in suspension of network or other information access privileges, disciplinary action and legal proceedings.
Click here for Access Account Information
Parking Permits
All vehicles must be registered with Police Services. Parking
permits are to be renewed each semester or academic year. All vehicles
without permits are subject to a fine.
In addition the Erie Metropolitan Transportation Authority (EMTA) - 814.452.3515 - bus stops outside of the Reed Union Building on a regular basis. The Reed Union Information Desk has EMTA bus schedules and tokens. In addition the Erie Yellow Cab - 814.455.4441 - is also available.
Campus Bookstore
The campus bookstore is located on the first floor of the Reed
Union Building. Course texts (new and used) and supplies are arranged
on shelves in the rear of the store. Mastercard, VISA, Discover and
American Express can be used. Payment by check is possible.
If you decide to drop a course for which you have already purchased a book (or you purchased the wrong one), you have seven (7) days from the beginning of class to return it for a full refund. Please retain your receipts and new books must be in the condition in which they were purchased. Please contact the bookstore toward the end of the semester for information about textbook 'buy-back'.
Click here for bookstore information
Things to Do
Below is a convenient checklist with important reminders to get you
started
Campus Map