Smeal Update: October 23, 2020

University shares fall departure plan for transition to remote instruction

Penn State on Tuesday announced procedures and assistance available to students for the fall departure from campuses, as well as COVID-19 testing and quarantine and isolation procedures after in-person instruction ends on Nov. 20. Read the Penn State News Story.

Here is what you need to know:

Regarding departure testing:

  • Voluntary on-campus departure testing will be offered from Nov. 12 through Nov. 19 at University Park.
  • Please plan to be tested at least three days prior to your planned departure.
  • Students can begin booking appointments for in-person testing times on Nov. 6. More details will be communicated soon.
  • If you’ve tested positive in the 90 days prior to your planned departure and you have completed the appropriate isolation time, you do not need to retest before leaving campus. 

In the meantime, please:

  • Continue with normal class routines
  • Double down on masking, social distancing, hand-washing and avoiding large gatherings

If you need to isolate or quarantine on or before Nov. 20:

  • Complete the isolation or quarantine period on campus or in another suitable single-occupancy space off campus before departing. 
  • Quarantine and isolation space at University Park will be available after Nov. 20 for those who need to quarantine or isolate over the Thanksgiving break or after courses resume remotely on Nov. 30. 
  • Penn State will continue all contact tracing efforts with any student who tests positive during the departure time as well as throughout the Thanksgiving break and into December.  

About Walk-up and surveillance testing:

  • Walk-up testing and random surveillance testing for students and employees will continue through Nov. 20. There will be no surveillance or walk-up testing from Nov. 21-29.
  • The University will support students who remain on campus over the Thanksgiving week with health services.
  • Random surveillance testing will resume on Nov. 30 and continue through the remainder of the fall semester for those who work on or live near campus. 

As you prepare to depart campus:

  • Please take any belongings you will need for the remainder of the year until the start of the spring semester. Spring 2021 classes are scheduled to begin on Jan. 19.
  • If you are not planning to return to campus for the spring semester, please remove all personal belongings.
  • Students living at University Park must leave their on-campus residence by 4 p.m. on Nov. 22.
  • To promote social distancing and reduce traffic congestion, please coordinate with your roommate to leave at different times.
  • Please refrain from traveling to Penn State campus communities to celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday. This will help to mitigate viral spread.
  • Keep an eye on your e-mail for details regarding moving out and how to request housing during the Thanksgiving break, remote learning period, and/or winter break.