This site provides access to the most up-to-date information on Penn State's response to the coronavirus, as well as related campus-specific information.  

KeepLearning.psu.edu: This dedicated website for students offers support for remote learning, resources for academic advising and tutoring, and contact information.  

KeepTeaching.psu.edu: Course instructors visiting the site will find information on effective teaching, technology training, webinars and support as they update and teach their courses for the upcoming semester. The site also features a newly created guide for instructors specifically designed for preparing and teaching this fall. 

VirusInfo.psu.edu: Penn State’s main website with links to the latest news and answers to frequently asked questions about the University’s response to the coronavirus pandemic. The site’s resources page also contains links to dedicated resources for students and employees; information on testing, contact tracing and monitoring for the campus community; classroom and office guidance; and policies on masking and social distancing.

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In-Person Meetings, Events and Gatherings

Masking and Distancing Guidelines

  • At this time, masking outdoors and physical distancing are not required.
  • All students, faculty, staff and visitors — including those who are vaccinated and unvaccinated — are required to wear masks indoors at all campuses.
  • All individuals must wear a face mask while using public transportation, in accordance with CDC guidance, and in some additional settings such as when visiting on-campus health care facilities and when conducting in-person research involving human subjects.
  • Review the complete details on the University's masking guidelines.

Information for Organizers and Visitors

Penn State University continues to encourage virtual or hybrid-format events and meetings.

The updated event and gatherings guidance emphasizes that organizers must follow existing COVID-19 safety procedures as outlined by the Pennsylvania Department of Health, the University’s COVID-19 website and Penn State’s Return to Work website.

Please review the complete University guidelines on events and gatherings, including information for visitors, event planners, and facility coordinators.

Vaccines Mandated for Faculty and Staff

In compliance with President Biden’s Sept. 9 executive order requiring COVID-19 vaccination for all federal employees, contractors and others, Penn State has determined that all faculty and staff on seven Penn State campuses -- including Penn State Harrisburg -- must submit proof that they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by Dec. 8, regardless of whether or not they work on federal contracts.

See the Penn State Vaccine Information website for complete information on the mandate. 

Faculty, staff, and wage payroll student workers at Penn State can now upload their proof of vaccination online and are encouraged to do so as soon as possible. Read the details on the upload process.

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Required Student Testing

Students who have not informed the University that they have been fully vaccinated are subject to required weekly testing during the fall semester. These students may obtain a test in person at the Capital Union Building (CUB) Front Desk (outside of the gym) or via mail from Vault Health. Students can upload their vaccination records through myUHS.

Asymptomatic Required Testing and Compliance Schedule

For students and employees required to test this fall, the University has set defined dates for individuals to complete their COVID-19 test prior to the Thanksgiving and winter breaks. Individuals will receive notification via their Penn State email for their defined timeframes.

For students at Harrisburg, the testing windows are:

  • Tuesday, Nov. 16 – Monday, Nov. 22
  • Tuesday, Nov. 30 – Monday, Dec. 13

For employees, the testing windows are:

  • Wednesday, Nov. 17 – Tuesday, Nov. 30
  • Wednesday, Dec. 1 – Tuesday, Dec. 7
  • Wednesday, Dec. 8 – Tuesday, Dec. 14

Note: There will be no required testing for employees from Wednesday, Dec. 15, through Sunday, Jan. 2, due to the winter break. Faculty and staff who are traveling during their entire testing window should contact their Human Resources strategic partner or consultant to complete an exception form for that period.

Read complete information on testing periods and operating hours for UHS and testing sites across the Commonwealth modified for Thanksgiving and winter break.

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Symptomatic Testing

Students

The University has contracted with a COVID-19 testing company to conduct rapid turnaround testing for symptomatic or suspected positive students. Penn State Harrisburg students who believe they are experiencing symptoms will need to:

  • make a telemedicine appointment with Student Health Services at Penn State Harrisburg
  • or the 24/7 nurse advice line at 814-863-4463, for evaluation

After this health screening, if a student is deemed in need of a test, they will be directed to the symptomatic testing center outside, adjacent to the CUB.

The testing results will be shared with the student as well as University Health Services, to enact contact tracing if needed. Contact tracing is supported out of University Park, and all individuals (students and employees) that were potentially exposed will be contacted and provided further instructions.

Faculty and Staff

Faculty and staff who believe they are experiencing symptoms should consult with their personal health care provider. If an employee receives a positive test result, they or their supervisor should contact Penn State Occupational Medicine at [email protected] or 814-863-8492, and Occupational Medicine will provide guidance on the next steps to initiate any work adjustments that need to take place, as well as initiate the contact tracing process.

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Environmental Health and Safety

As part of the preparations for the return to campus of faculty, staff, and students, the college has undertaken numerous environmental health and safety measures, including:

  • Upgraded air filters and increases to the amount of fresh air introduced into buildings through HVAC systems.
  • UV air sanitizers installed in HVAC systems and portable UV air sanitizers to clean indoor air. 
  • Basic disinfectant materials located in classrooms, office suites and other common areas on campus.
  • Use of CDC recommended cleaning materials to disinfect high touch surfaces on a regular basis.
  • Installation of magnetic door hold opens for stairways, where feasible.
  • Conversion of 20 water fountains to touch-free handwashing stations.
  • Placement of 170 hand sanitizer stations throughout campus, with a focus on high traffic areas. 
  • Installation of Plexiglas barriers in some high transaction spaces as well as the installation of clear vinyl sheeting or a reconfiguration of some workspaces and suites to provide additional separation and minimize close in-person contact. 
  • High-visibility placement of safety and directional signage across campus.

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Points of Contact

Please note that many offices and support units continue to have modified hours or contact methods during the Summer 2021 Semester.
Review our Contact Us page for a comprehensive listing of departmental contact information, or search our Campus Directory by name or unit.

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Student Care & Advocacy

WeCare Food Pantry

The on-campus Food Pantry is available to any Penn State Harrisburg student in need of food. To place an order, please complete the on-line order form on Engage. Please first complete the “Pantry Intake Form” if you haven’t already completed one for this year. Once your order is processed (within 2 business days), you will receive a notification of where and when to pick up your order. 

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Employee Support Resources during the COVID19 Pandemic

Penn State employees have access to many wellness services that could be especially beneficial during the current pandemic, a challenging time full of stress and anxiety. The Employee Support Team has compiled informational pieces to address a variety of needs, such as the Employee Assistance Program, tips for helping your child learn remotely, childcare resources, and more. Please visit the HR Health and Wellness page to see the resources available to PSU employees.

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