Transitioning to a new campus is exciting, and the College of the Liberal Arts is here to support you every step of the way.
Our Student Services offices are dedicated to helping you find resources, build connections, and make the most of your experience. Whether you need academic guidance, career support, or ways to get involved, we’re here for you. You belong here—let’s make this next chapter a great one!
Transitioning to Penn State University Park
We can’t wait to have you at the University Park campus! Here are the steps you need to take in order to transition to University Park:
Get clear guidance, practical advice, and a better sense of what to expect as you plan your move to the University Park campus. Our final info session for the spring semester will be on Thursday, April 23.
Your academic adviser will ensure you meet the requirements for a change-of-campus approval. This includes meeting the criteria for entrance into your intended major.
When you have met the criteria for entrance into your intended major, submit an Update Academics request in LionPATH. In most instances, a campus change will not be approved to University Park if you are in pre-major.
Once approved for your intended major, confirm your desire to change campuses in LionPATH using the Update Campus function.
After your campus change has been approved, review the Suggested Academic Plan in the Undergraduate Bulletin for your major at your new campus to schedule appropriate courses for the upcoming semester. You should schedule courses during your enrollment appointment. Be sure to review your Academic Requirements report and use the course schedule for your new campus.
If your plan is to live on campus, visit eliving. If your plan is to live off-campus, be sure to read the terms of your lease, including move-in information, closely. Note that a lease is a legally binding document, and you should not sign a lease until your campus change is approved. Student Legal Services has a wealth of information to help you, and you can find off-campus support resources at University Park through the Off-Campus Housing website.
Your Change-of-Campus Lead Mentor
Drop by 139 Sparks Building or schedule a meeting in Starfish with Liberal Arts Change-of-Campus Lead Mentor Jasmin Tanner, a fourth-year change-of-campus student majoring in Global and International Studies. She is a resource specifically for you as a change-of-campus student.
Drop-in hours:
- Mondays and Wednesdays: 4:00–7:00 p.m.
- Tuesdays: noon–3:00 p.m.
Funding
Helping you find ways to afford your Penn State Liberal Arts education is one of Dean Lang’s highest priorities. The college offers a variety of academic scholarships and funding sources to help you afford tuition and out-of-classroom experiences like internships, education abroad, and research.
Register for LA 103 to Prepare for Your Future Career
Consider enrolling in LA 103 to help you prepare for internships and post-graduate endeavors! Two sections are reserved especially for change-of-campus students every year to help you navigate the changes to your campus and to learn about the different professional ways to get involved at the University Park campus.
If you are interested, you can register by emailing the Liberal Arts Career Enrichment Network at lanetwork@psu.edu.
Student Services
Our Student Services offices connect students with the resources, guidance, and opportunities they need to succeed and are centrally located on campus.
Location: 220 Pond Lab and 119 Sparks Building
Academic advisers help you with your academic plan and progress, as well as your academic schedule, choice of major, and other academic activities and career goals.
Location: 08B Sparks Building
Academic scholarships make a Penn State education more accessible and affordable through need-based support for Liberal Arts students.
Location: 101 Sparks Building
The Career Enrichment Network helps you prepare for your future career, explore internships, discover education abroad opportunities, and pursue professional development.
Location: 139 Sparks Building
The Liberal Arts Chaiken Center helps you navigate your college journey through peer success coaching, resources, specialized groups, and more.
Location: Sparks Building
The Office of Equity, Inclusion, and Diversity supports the success of traditionally underrepresented students in higher education.
Location: Old Botany
The Paterno Fellows Program is an innovative program offered jointly by the College of the Liberal Arts and Schreyer Honors College that encourages students to challenge themselves academically.
Explore Campus
With more than 150 degree options, the College of the Liberal Arts casts a wide physical footprint throughout the University Park campus. Collectively, these buildings serve as proud reminders of Penn State’s past, while continuing to serve the evolving needs of the college.
Beyond the Classroom
Learning outside the classroom is an important part of a Penn State Liberal Arts education. Participating in out-of-classroom experiences like internships, education abroad, and research can play an integral role in personal, academic, and career development, offering students the opportunity to set themselves apart.
Our Career Enrichment Network offers a variety of professional development opportunities for students, including our Alumni Mentor Program and Love Liberal Arts Week.
Academics
The College of the Liberal Arts is home to nearly 150 undergraduate majors, minors, integrated undergraduate-graduate degrees (IUGs), associate degrees, and certificates.
Liberal Arts Resources
The College of the Liberal Arts has a variety of resources available to you online! From career related and preparing for student life, to funding and out-of–classroom experiences, there are many resources to help you navigate life at and after University Park.
Interested in getting more involved?
Join the Change-of-Campus Student Advisory Council
The Change-of-Campus Student Advisory Council brings together students who have transitioned to the University Park campus to share insights, strengthen support, and enhance the experience for future students. Council members provide feedback, help shape resources, and build community among students navigating the change-of-campus process.
Contact Jasmin Tanner to learn more about joining the council and supporting fellow students through their transition.
Safiya Haruna
