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 latest major project in this plan, the Academic Learning Center, broke ground in early 2025 and opened in fall 2026. This new 47,000-square-foot facility offers advanced classrooms and collaborative spaces, forming a new academic quad and serving as a hub for interdisciplinary learning across the college.
Renovations to the Swatara Building were completed in early 2025 with the goal of improving student service facilities and create a more welcoming campus entrance.
Phase 2 of the Turf Field project was also completed in spring 2025. This phase built 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.