Penn State student move-in will look different this year. Here’s what to expect
A traditionally crowded weekend in Happy Valley will look drastically different this year as Penn State students are set to return to campus in less than a month to move in and start the fall semester amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
During a virtual town hall Thursday, university officials outlined COVID-19 mitigation efforts and procedures students and families must follow when returning for in-person classes. First-year students are set to arrive between Aug. 17-20, and returning students will move into residence halls from Aug. 21-23.
“I think those of us who are expecting, from past experiences, large crowds might be surprised that we’re not going to see so many of those kinds of crowds in the future,” Vice President for Student Affairs Damon Sims said. “Nearly every space on our campuses will have new occupancy limits, shrinking the size of the groups in those spaces.”
Move-in dates will be staggered to limit the total number of people on the University Park campus, Sims said.
Students and their families will also be asked to follow on-campus move-in guidelines that encourage social distancing. Only one vehicle per family is permitted to unload, and unloading must be completed within 20 minutes. Large vehicles such as U-Hauls or trailers are not permitted in the housing area, and all individuals must wear masks while on campus.
Penn State is also taking measures to help limit exposure to the virus before the students arrive in State College.
“Every time we bring new people into our community, we risk bringing the virus to our community,” Sims said.
Prior to arrival, students are asked to self-quarantine for seven days. Pre-arrival COVID-19 testing will be mandated for 30,000 students, faculty and staff selected based upon infection rates in the counties in which they reside, and all students are required to read and sign a “Penn State Coronavirus Compact,” which outlines expectations for the semester.
Students living in on-campus residence halls will be able to schedule their move-in date and time online via eLiving starting Friday. Staff will help students and families when they arrive to campus. Volunteers will also be tested for the virus beforehand as an added precaution.
“We’re going to have enhanced cleaning procedures and move-in protocols to limit the risks involved,” Sims said. “And we do want parents and families to participate in this important experience. It’s always been a really important thing for them and for us, but I must say, we don’t want too many family members to be present, and we’d rather they not linger any longer than necessary.”
Updates to orientation and move-in procedures will be posted online at arrival.psu.edu.
This story was originally published July 31, 2020 at 2:54 PM.
