Simply put, the upcoming fall semester is set to be one of the strangest periods in Penn State history. Everyone will need to work together to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus both on campus and in State College.

To help meet public health guidelines, Penn State has implemented a number of rules and precautions ahead of the semester to help folks settle into the “new normal.” However, it can be a bit overwhelming to remember everything all at once.

To help you ease your mind a bit, we’ve compiled most of the guides containing the important information you’ll need to know this fall.

Penn State Keep Learning

Penn State Keep Learning has been the university’s main attempt to keep everything organized for the fall. Here, you can find information regarding health and safety precautions, options to study remotely this fall, and the latest on Penn State’s flexible instruction modes. The guide also contains a section featuring answers to all the frequently asked questions ruminating inside that noggin of yours.

Return To Campus

On August 14, Penn State shared a video outlining its recommendations for a safe return to campus. Most importantly, it provides specifics for when you’ll need to wear masks on campus, how to socially distance, and take care of yourself amid the coronavirus pandemic.

The six-minute video also delves into Penn State Go’s coronavirus symptom checker and provides some tips to keep up your hygiene.

Pre-Arrival Checklist

Before students return to campus this week, they’ll need to check off a number of boxes to ensure a safe return. These include completing pre-arrival coronavirus testing, self-isolating for at least seven days, and reviewing Penn State’s face mask and social distancing policies.

Upon their return, both on-campus and off-campus students will receive two reusable face masks from Penn State to use in classes and around campus.

Mask Up Or Pack Up

The “Mask Up or Pack Up” initiative was started by Penn State in an effort to encourage the use of masks on campus and within the community. The university created this campaign in direct response to surveys and focus groups who were asked about returning to campus.

The goal of the campaign is to follow Governor Tom Wolf’s recommendations for safety. Currently, face masks are required in all public spaces. Additionally, those found without wearing a mask when necessary in State College could be charged with a civil infraction and fined $300 this fall.

Penn State COVID-19 Compact

Penn State also released the COVID-19 Compact for students to sign and accept responsibility for their actions that Penn State cannot control regarding Coronavirus regulations.

Though the initial compact was met with controversy, Penn State later made a revised version that limited the amount of responsibility taken solely by the students. Still, it’s best to read up on the agreement’s specifics before signing your name to it.

Penn State Virus Info

Generally speaking, most of the information Penn State has released regarding the coronavirus can be found at virusinfo.psu.edu under one of the several tabs.

Penn State will continue to use this website as its resource for virus information throughout the fall. It plans to update it when new information comes out in the future, so keep an eye out for important updates.