Demonstrating Eligibility
To receive consideration for academic accommodations for a disability, you must contact Student Disability Resources (SDR) to participate in an intake interview, provide documentation of your disability, and complete an online Introductory Questionnaire.
If the documentation supports requests for reasonable accommodations, SDR will provide you with an accommodation letter to give to your professors/instructors as early in the semester as possible. SDR is located on the 2nd floor of the Student Enrichment Center, Suite 205, Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and can be contacted by calling (717) 948-6025.
If stress, worry, hopelessness, or sadness are disrupting your ability to concentrate or complete your tasks, connect online with Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) or call (717) 948-6025. CAPS offers a wide variety of confidential mental health counseling, psychological services, and support options in-person and virtually Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. by appointment. CAPS is located on the 2nd floor of the Student Enrichment Center, Suite 205. You can access mental health crisis services anytime by calling the Penn State Crisis Line at 1-877-229-6400 or texting “LIONS” to 741741.
Students often feel that they are on their own to fix their academic struggles. But you have many resources to help you find your path back to success.
First, contact your faculty member or stop by their office hours. Office hours are time that faculty set aside for supporting their students’ success – take advantage of them.
If you are struggling with time management, organization, test-taking, study skills, or presentation preparation and delivery, reach out to the Academic Success Coaches at the Russell E. Horn Sr. Learning Center (717-948-6475).
For help with challenging course content, connect with our peer and professional tutors (available for most, but not all, disciplines).
If you would like support with the development of essays, resumes, cover letters, scholarship applications, and much more reach out for writing support from the Learning Center. They can help at any stage from brainstorming ideas, to citing sources, to polishing your final product.
Witness or experience an act of bias/discrimination?
Acts of bias are not tolerated and can be reported with this confidential form. Be aware that bias can focus on almost any characteristic or belief, but are most commonly connected with race, gender identity, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, ancestry, and political beliefs.
Typically, an act of bias occurs when someone says or writes something that offends or hurts. If the act extends into a threat, it may need to be investigated by police. Online resources are available at Educational Equity at Penn State or you can contact the Inclusive Excellence Center at [email protected] or (717) 948-6256. Direct all inquiries regarding Penn State’s nondiscrimination policy to the Office of Equal Opportunity and Access at [email protected] or (814) 863-0471.
Avoiding cheating & plagiarism
Plagiarism occurs when we use another’s language or ideas without giving them credit. Research builds on the work of others; citing others’ work shows your engagement with relevant evidence and ideas.
In addition to citing properly, be sure to avoid patchwriting, which occurs when you change a word or two but leave the original author’s phrasing. Write with your unique voice to demonstrate your understanding and interpretation of existing research. See more on plagiarism.
The Writing Tutors with the Russell E. Horn Sr. Learning Center are prepared to support students with correct citation practices.
Cheating occurs when a student receives unauthorized help. This can take many forms, including the sharing or reviewing of course materials posted online without an instructor’s permission.
If your instructor believes that you have engaged in plagiarism or cheating, they will discuss the academic integrity violation with you and then report this suspected violation, according to the Academic Integrity Violations Process.
Suspect or experience sexual misconduct?
Sexual misconduct includes sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, sexual exploitation, and stalking, as well as retaliation for reporting any of these acts. Regardless of whether the act takes place on or off campus, it violates University policy and/or Title IX and is not tolerated. If you or someone you know has experienced any of these, know that help and supportive resources are available. If you suspect an act has occurred, to you or another member of the Penn State community, you are urged to submit a confidential report here.
Finding right path for yourself
Trying to figure out what major to pursue can be a difficult task.
Meet with a career counselor at the Kunkel Career Center (SEC 212) to identify interests, values, personality traits, and abilities that inform your professional interests and aptitudes. Discussing these will help you to identify career goals. Starting early helps you find a career path that you love while allowing you to leverage your time at Penn State effectively.
The Lambert Undergraduate Advising Center (SEC 204) is also here to help you find your path. Consider using this exploratory tool to identify possible areas of interest and take a few minutes to explore a few common myths about identifying a major. You can find more information and get help at the What's Next HBG site.
Once you have decided on your major, create a What If Report in LionPATH, which automatically checks classes and major requirements off as you complete them. Check your What-If Report before scheduling classes to see what general education and major classes you still need to complete.
When it's time to schedule classes, use Schedule Builder to create a schedule that is tailored to your needs.
Can't always afford food, toiletries, or cleaning products?
The WE cARE Pantry provides supplemental food and common household products to allow students to focus their energy on studies, and their money on college expenses. The WE cARE Pantry is located in Church Hall Room 306.
In need of support but don't know where to look?
The Student Advocacy Office (717-948-4396; SEC 212) provides Penn State Harrisburg students with the necessary tools and support to make difficult situations more manageable.
Please contact them or file a Care Report if you or someone you know is struggling with academic distress, challenges with money, housing, food, or childcare, or dealing with a family or personal emergency.
Not sure if your need fits? Please contact them or file a Care Report if you or someone you know is struggling with academic distress; unexpected expense impacting academic success; housing, food, childcare insecurity; medical emergency and/or hospitalization; unexpected events or challenges.