There are a number of organizations to help you at Penn State. If you are planning to live off campus, contact the Organization for Town Independent Students (OTIS) at the Hetzel Union Building (HUB) – the Student Union Building. The HUB’s information desk provides a number of useful brochures, such as guides for new students published by student organizations. These provide considerable information about both the university and the town. The HUB provides other useful resources as well, such as the Penn State Bookstore, eateries, ATM machines, galleries, and study areas, as well as many scheduled activities. The Collegian, the Penn State student newspaper, is available in the HUB and in many other buildings on campus free of charge.
The University Office of International Programs is located across the street from the HUB in 222 Boucke Building. There is also a lounge there, where you can meet other international students.
The Graduate and Professional Student Association (GPSA) is the representative body for graduate students. The mission of the GPSA is to represent and support the interests of the University’s current and future graduate student community by supporting scholarly activities and providing leadership, service, and social opportunities. This volunteer organization, recognized by the University as the graduate students’ central organization, provides services, such as graduate student orientation; programs and workshops on topics including income tax issues; student advocacy on pertinent issues; social activities, such as free movies; and publications such as The Guide to Graduate Life, a newsletter distributed ten times a year (four times in both fall and spring, and twice in summer); a Tax Guide; typist listing; a babysitters listing; and a health insurance pamphlet. The GPSA is also charged with designating graduate student representatives to a number of committees throughout the University, thus maintaining contact between the graduate students and the many offices of the University.
The Office of Graduate Fellowships and Awards Administration is responsible for facilitating all Graduate School funding programs and awards. Funding programs are available for both incoming and current graduate students. The Graduate School funding process, like the admissions process, is decentralized. Therefore, applicants for Graduate School funding must be nominated and supported by the academic department and college. Students should begin looking for funding approximately one year in advance of their need for funding and stay in close communication with their department or program head. Given that competitions for funding have particularly early deadlines, students should also investigate as many funding options as possible to avoid missing valuable opportunities.
The Office of Global Programs provides answers to questions and needs that are unique to international students. The office is located at 410 Boucke Building. global.psu.edu
The Office of Student Aid is a good place to begin the search for financial assistance. studentaid.psu.edu
The Office for Disability Services provides information and assistance to students with disabilities. equity.psu.edu
The Writing Center is sponsored by the Graduate School and provides assistance to graduate students who wish to enhance their writing skills. Graduate students are invited to schedule appointments for one-on-one discussions of their writing projects. pennstatelearning.psu.edu/tutoring/writing
Penn State Escort Service is operated under the auspices of Police Services and will provide an escort for students walking on campus after dark. The escort service may be reached at 5-WALK (865-9255). police.psu.edu
Off-Campus Housing opportunities are listed in 213 HUB-Robeson Center, 865-2346. studentaffairs.psu.edu/offcampus
The Office of Sexual Misconduct Reporting & Response is responsible for dealing with violations of the Code of Conduct, including sexual assault, harassing, stalking, and physical assault. universityethics.psu.edu/our-expertise/title-ix
Code of Conduct online: studentaffairs.psu.edu/conduct
The Office of Equal Opportunity and Access is committed to ensuring the University maintains an environment free of harassment and discrimination. affirmativeaction.psu.edu
HUB-Robeson Center is the site for multiple student services including restaurants, a copy center, a bank (Penn State Federal Credit Union), STA Travel, a convenience store, the Penn State Bookstore, the Center for Arts and Crafts, Art Galleries, and the main information desk for the University. studentaffairs.psu.edu/hub
Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) can help students resolve personal concerns that may interfere with their academic progress, social development, and satisfaction at Penn State. Some common concerns include difficulty with friends, roommates, or family members; depression and anxiety; sexual identity; lack of motivation or difficulty relaxing, concentrating, or studying; eating disorders; sexual assault and sexual abuse recovery; and uncertainties about personal values and beliefs. studentaffairs.psu.edu/counseling
Career Services, located in the MBNA Career Services Building, is fully equipped to assist graduate students in the preparation of resumes and curriculum vitae and in developing effective interviewing skills. Career Services hosts a career fair that is open to graduate as well as undergraduate students. studentaffairs.psu.edu/career
Research Protections is the office that oversees all research on human participants, animals, radioisotopes and biohazardous materials. You must have permission from this office prior to conducting research involving any of these subjects. Permission can not be obtained after the work has begun. research.psu.edu/orp
Pasquerilla Spiritual Center is home to more than 50 spiritual organizations. The center is non-denominational and provides students with opportunities to explore ethical and spiritual issues. studentaffairs.psu.edu/spiritual
Problem Resolution Graduate students occasionally have difficulties with advisers, programs, or an academic matter associated with their programs. The first step in problem resolution is always to talk with your adviser and then with the program chair or department head followed by the associate dean of your college. If this does not resolve the problem, the associate dean of the Graduate School is available to provide guidance and maintain neutrality. Issues discussed during meetings with the associate dean will remain confidential if requested by the student.
RECOMMENDED PRACTICES IN GRADUATE EDUCATION
The Graduate School suggests best practices for faculty members, graduate students, administrators, and staff members for engaging in a supportive climate, academic progress, and career development. gradschool.psu.edu/faculty-and-staff/faculty/recommended-practices/
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY
The University does not tolerate violations of academic integrity, which include but are not limited to: plagiarism, cheating, falsification of information, misrepresentation or deception. Academic Integrity Policies and Procedures can be found online: artsandarchitecture.psu.edu/students/acad_integrity
PLAGIARISM
Plagiarism is a serious misdoing. Plagiarism means taking someone’s words and presenting them as your own. Cutting and pasting from a website is considered plagiarism. Copying verbatim from any source without using quotation marks and the full reference is plagiarism. Plagiarism is a serious violation of academic integrity regardless of whether it is a homework exercise, an exam, a thesis, or a manuscript for publication.
UNIVERSITY POLICIES
University policies may be viewed online. Important policies
include:
- • Sexual Harassment (AD85)
- • Professional Ethics (AD47)
- • Parking Rules (BS04)
- • Intellectual Property (RA12)
guru.psu.edu/policies
GRADUATE STUDENT POLICIES
Graduate Student policies are available online. These include:
- • Grade mediation (G-10),
- • Resolution of problems (Appendix II),
- • Termination of program (Appendix III),
- • Termination of assistantship (Appendix IV), and
- • Residency requirements (Appendix V).
gradschool.psu.edu/graduate-education-policies
A FINAL NOTE
It is important not to lose sight of why you have chosen to pursue a graduate-level degree. Different from the structure of an undergraduate curriculum, this program is designed to provide you with a more individually-tailored educational experience, allowing for both personal and intellectual development. Make the most of this opportunity!