Since 2015, Penn State Harrisburg has embarked on an ambitious plan to transform the campus with a focus on enhancing academic and student experiences. This Campus Plan is creating spaces that encourage collaboration, innovative research, and strengthen community engagement.
The next major project in this plan, the Academic Learning Center, is anticipated to break ground in spring 2025. This new 47,000-square-foot facility will offer advanced classrooms and collaborative spaces, forming a new academic quad and serving as a hub for interdisciplinary learning across the college.
In summer 2024, renovations to the Swatara Building began to improve student service facilities and create a more welcoming campus entrance. These enhancements are anticipated to be complete in fall 2024. Additionally, the Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) Clinical Lab, set to open in fall 2024, will provide expanded clinical training and research opportunities for students in behavioral science.
Phase 2 of the Turf Field project is set for completion in fall 2024. This phase builds upon the initial development completed in 2021, which introduced a synthetic NCAA Division III field to campus, elevating the athletic facilities for students and community events.
Earlier projects laid a strong foundation for the Campus Plan. The Educational Activities Building North addition in 2015 initiated this transformation, followed by the Student Enrichment Center in 2017, which created a dedicated space for student activities and community events.
Future projects will continue to enhance campus life. Planned upgrades include improvements to the psychology clinic, Morrison Gallery, campus bookstore visibility, and athletic facilities. New initiatives, such as the Smart Medical Technology Hub in collaboration with Penn State College of Medicine, will expand research, clinical training, and community impact.
Together, these projects support Penn State Harrisburg’s mission to be a high-impact institution and strengthen our role as a key resource for Harrisburg and the surrounding region. These developments advance our academic and student experience, setting new standards for campus life, innovation, and community engagement.