Penn State announced that students who are unable to return to campus in the fall should notify the university by using a new tool in Starfish.

By utilizing the “Raise Your Hand” tool, the online system will automatically generate an alert for the student, allowing them to schedule a meeting with their academic adviser to discuss their options for the upcoming semester. Essentially, the process matches students with personalized resources to help them plan for their semester.

“The ‘Raise Your Hand’ process in Starfish was created to be as quick and simple as possible for students to self-identify,” associate dean for advising and executive director of the Division of Undergraduate Studies, David R. Smith, said. “Starfish provides an effective place for students — undergraduate and graduate — to easily take action and schedule a meeting with an adviser who can help them think through their circumstances and effectively plan for the fall semester.”

Starting April 12, students will see an announcement in LionPATH notifying them to use the “Raise Your Hand” tool in Starfish if they predict that they will not be on campus in fall 2021. They’ll also be able to provide additional details explaining their individual situations.

Academic options for the fall semester will be provided for students to review prior to their appointment. Potential plans include taking Penn State World Campus online courses, deciding to take a leave of absence from the university, or transferring credits from another institution.

Penn State World Campus students do not need to take any action at this time. Incoming freshman and transfer undergraduate students do not need to take any action either, as they will be able to meet with an academic adviser during New Student Orientation this summer