Parents & Families Weekend

Welcome Event

Friday, October 2
7:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Are you ready for fun and games? Join us for the official welcome to the 2020 Parents and Families Weekend. Get ready to begin the Family Trivia Challenge. Learn about how to get involved as a parent. And, watch for your photos on the Then and Now video.

Watch it now

Creating Community: The Penn State Family

Saturday, October 3
2:00 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.

How do universities create community? Engage students? What makes Penn State unique? Meet four incredible Penn Staters as they share their experiences in this “Ted-talk style” event.

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Penn State Traditions

Saturday, October 3
5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

For the Glory. Raise the Song. White Out. The Creamery. We invite you to join us in learning about Penn State traditions, get a glimpse at the All Sports Museum located in Beaver Stadium, and hear from a few special guests.

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Coffee Chat with Students

Sunday, October 4
10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

We’ve invited four students to talk about issues that are important to students. Time for Q&A at the end.

Watch it Now

Breazeale Nuclear Reactor Tour, Introduction and Q&A 

Friday, October 2  
3:00 p.m. – 3:45 p.m.  

Virtually visit the only research reactor in PA. Learn about the reactor and how radiation is used in our everyday lives. Find out how we solve mysteries of the past and research nuclear applications for the future.  The webinar will provide time for Q&A at the end. 

• Zoom Link
• Password: 172068 
• Phone: (312) 626-6799 (US Toll) 
• Meeting ID: 988 9382 4921 
• International numbers available here

Air Force ROTC Update for Parents 

Friday, October 2  
3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.  

This session is hosted by our Detachment Commander, Colonel Havird, and during the session Col Havird will update parents on FA 20 events and student success as well as have a Q&A session for parents. 

• Zoom Link
  After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing instructions for joining the webinar. 

University Police and Public Safety “Who We Are and What We Do” Zoom Session 

Friday, October 2  
3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. 

An in-depth look at University Police and Public Safety, including the programs and services available to students. 

• Zoom Link
• Password: 032664 
• Phone: (646) 876-9923 (US Toll) 
• Meeting ID: 912 0912 6510 
• International phone numbers available here

College of Education Advising and Certification Center Open Forum 

Friday, October 2  
3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.  

Join College of Education academic advisors anytime between 3:00 – 5:00pm to learn about the academic programs and unique engagement opportunities the College of Education provides. 

• Zoom Link
• Password: 896395 
• Phone: (301) 715-8592 (US Toll) 
• Meeting ID:  961 7419 3439 
• International phone numbers available here

Division of Undergraduate Studies Open House 

Friday, October 2  
3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. 

Join us for a short presentation from our Executive Director and Associate Dean for Advising about the ways that the Division of Undergraduate Studies actively engages and supports students in finding meaningful academic pathways.  Additionally, we will have other staff present to provide an overview of some of our programs.  Following the presentations, we will host an interactive Q&A. 

• Join with Microsoft Teams
  Select “watch on web instead” to access

College of Engineering Presentation:  Inspiring Change, Impacting Tomorrow 

Friday, October 2  
4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. 

Join the Harold and Inge Marcus Dean of Engineering, Dr. Justin Schwartz; Associate Dean for Equity and Inclusion, Dr. Tonya Peeples; Assistant Dean for Academic Support and Global Programs, Dr. Christine Masters, and two student leaders for a panel that will discuss how the college empowers students to find their inspiration and prepare to make an impact in the world through curricular and co-curricular experiences such as study abroad, cooperative education, and undergraduate research. Dean Schwartz will also give a brief presentation on the College of Engineering facilities master plan.  

Event Recording

Experience Hospitality 

Friday, October 2  
4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. 

Prospective and current Hospitality Management students and their families are invited to experience our #PennStateHMStrong hospitality.

Event Recording

Schreyer Honors College Teatime with Dean Peggy A. Johnson 

Friday, October 2  
4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.  

Grab your favorite tea and baked good and join us for Teatime with Dean Peggy A. Johnson. Listen to a brief update from the Dean and several other members of the Schreyer Honors College staff, as well as parent volunteers, followed by a moderated Q&A.   

Event Recording

Eberly College of Science Virtual Open House 

Friday, October 2  
4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.  

Where will science take you? Science in-and-beyond the classroom. Explore the many ways science educational experiences are enhanced, with new opportunities in and beyond the classroom. Engage with the science community of faculty, staff, and students. 

• Zoom Link
• Passcode: 177501 
• Phone: (312) 626-6799 (US Toll) 
• Meeting ID: 944 8478 1099 
• International phone numbers available here  

Breazeale Nuclear Reactor Trivia Game  

Friday, October 2  
5:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. 

Join us for a live trivia event with questions and information about radiation and the Penn State Reactor. 

• Zoom Link
• Passcode: 413504 
• Phone: (646) 876-9923 (US Toll) 
• Meeting ID: 992 4855 0555 
• International phone numbers available here

Trivia Night with the College of Agricultural Sciences (Penn State's First College!) 

Friday, October 2  
5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.  

Join faculty, staff, students and alumni in the College of Agricultural Sciences for a fun night of trivia based on Penn State's first academic college! Prizes will be sent out to our winners! 

• Zoom Link
• Passcode: 224714 
• Phone: (301) 715-8592 (US Toll) 
• Meeting ID: 942 8850 3410 
• International phone numbers available here  

Penn State Hillel: Virtual Parents and Families Shabbat   

Friday, October 2  
5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.   

Penn State Hillel is hosting virtual Shabbat services and dinner for the students and families of Penn State. Please join us at 5:30 pm for services, followed by a virtual BYOB (bring your own beverage) gathering for parents and family members 21+. We look forward to seeing you there.  

• Zoom Link
• Password:  35?Q*p 
• Phone: (346) 248-7799 (US Toll) 
• Meeting ID: 952 9808 2974 
• International phone numbers available here

Real-Life Writing: How the Writing Center Prepares Students for Success 

Friday, October 2  
6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.  

Penn State Learning’s writing center offers one-on-one tutoring in a variety of writing skills for the classroom and for life beyond. Come participate in our experiential workshop to learn more about writing center services and staff, and to sample how the Writing Center can help students succeed here and elsewhere. 

Event Recording

Making the Most of Your College of Education Student Experience 

Saturday, October 3  
10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.  

Current College of Education students will share information about various programs and organizations, and recent alumni will discuss their professional paths after graduating with a degree from the college. 

Event Recording

Bellisario College of Communications: From Campus to Careers 

Saturday, October 3  
10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.  

Join the college's Internship and Career Services Office for a virtual presentation! You will learn about the 3-C approach to navigating the transition from student to professional, and you'll also hear about exciting internship opportunities students have. 

Event Recording

Health and Human Development Virtual College Fair 

Saturday, October 3  
10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.  

HHD will host a Virtual College Fair, where students and parents can connect with the different ways we engage students. Visitors can choose to visit several different Zoom rooms where they will find first-year advisers, departmental major advisers, as well as individuals available to discuss Research Opportunities, Career Development, Global Engagement, and more. 

• Zoom Link

College of Information Sciences and Technology Parents and Family Event 

Saturday, October 3  
10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.   

Opportunity for parents and families to learn more about IST majors and programming and to hear from distinguished IST faculty and leadership. 

• Zoom Link
• Passcode:  953654 
• Phone: (346) 248-7799 (US Toll) 
• Meeting ID: 941 9544 4472 
• International phone numbers available here

Nursing Our World to Health 

Saturday, October 3  
10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. 

Join the College of Nursing as we celebrate our students and Year of the Nurse.  We will host a virtual tour of our state-of-the-art simulation lab, discussions with our alumni about what it’s like to be a nurse during a pandemic, and demonstrate our appreciation for the next generation of nurse leaders as they embark on their exceptional life path. 

• Event Recording

Smeal College of Business Parents and Families Weekend 

Saturday, October 3  

10:00 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.: Welcome and Introduction 

10:15 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.: Smeal Entrance to Major Presentation 

10:45 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.: Question and Answer (open-ended) 

11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.: Smeal Office of International Programs Presentation 

11:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.: Smeal Student Mentor and Academic Adviser Q&A Panel 

Recording not available.

College of Earth and Mineral Sciences: The Ryan Family Student Center Virtual Open House 

Saturday, October 3  
11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.  

Come learn what makes the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences (EMS) unique. You will have the opportunity to meet faculty, staff, and students.  EMS Ambassadors will discuss their engagement experiences such as internships, study abroad and research.   

Event Recording

Braezeale Nuclear Reactor Tour Introduction with Q&A 

Saturday, October 3  
11:30 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.  

Virtually visit the only research reactor in PA. Learn about the reactor and how radiation is used in everyday lives. Find out how we solve mysteries of the past and research nuclear applications for the future.  

• Zoom Link
• Passcode: 501586 
• Phone: (646) 876-9923 (US Toll) 
• Meeting ID: 924 2481 5966 
• International phone numbers available here 

What do nuclear engineers do? 

Saturday, October 3  
1:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.  

Introduction to nuclear engineering followed by small group meeting with nuclear engineering students to learn about the major and the types of job opportunities. 

• Zoom Link
• Passcode:  474884 
• Phone: (301) 715-8592 (US Toll) 
• Meeting ID: 966 4177 6004 
• International phone numbers available here

Department of Meteorology and Atmospheric Science: The Penn State Campus Weather Service 

Saturday, October 3  
1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.  

Join the Campus Weather Service executives in the Joel N. Myers Weather Center as they talk about their roles within the Campus Weather Service, their career aspirations, and show examples of their work. 

• Zoom Link
• Password: psucws  
• Phone: (346) 248-7799 (US Toll) 
• Meeting ID: 969 7149 7225 
• International phone numbers available here

Study Abroad 101 for Parents & Families 

Saturday, October 3  
1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.  

The Education Abroad staff will provide an overview of education abroad programs at Penn State, the steps to study abroad, and resources for students interested in studying abroad. A question and answer session with a panel of students who have studied abroad will follow.  

Event Recording

THON 2021 Informational Session 

Saturday, October 3  
1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.  

Join our session to learn more about the world's largest student-run philanthropy and how you, as a Penn State Parent or Family, can get involved! 

Event Recording

Let’s Talk Money with the Financial Literacy Ambassadors 

Saturday, October 3  
1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.  

Penn State’s Sokolov-Miller Family Financial & Life Skills Center is hosting an interactive panel to discuss the importance of financial literacy in college and raise an awareness of resources available to students. Our current Financial Literacy Ambassadors will be joined by an alumni Ambassador to discuss free resources offered by the Center, navigating finances both in college and as a recent graduate, maximizing the college experience while minimizing student loan debt, and their own tips to achieving financial wellbeing.

Event Recording

Multicultural Resource Center Open House 

Saturday, October 3  
3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. 

Students and families are invited to participate in an interactive virtual presentation by the Multicultural Resource Center (MRC) counselors to learn about our services. MRC provides individual college counseling and educational services for undergraduate students who self-identify as African/Black American, Hispanic/Latinx American, Asian/Pacific Islander/Desi American, and/or American Indian.  MRC counselors work with students on a variety of topics to help them succeed and graduate from Penn State. For more information, visit www.equity.psu.edu/mrc/ or contact us at 814-865-1773. 

• Zoom Link
• Phone: (646) 876-9923 (US Toll) 
• Meeting ID: 910 9998 3912 
• International phone numbers available here

Penn State Trivia Night with the Lion Ambassadors 

Saturday, October 3  
7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.  

Join the Lion Ambassadors for an evening of Penn State themed trivia. Enjoy this fun night learning about Penn State history and tradition. 

Event Recording

Ask an Astronomer  

Saturday, October 3  
7:30 p.m. – 11:30 p.m.  

Come join us for a Q & A session with Penn State astronomers and get all your questions about Space, the Universe, and Everything answered! 

• Zoom Link
• Phone: (346) 248-7799  
• Meeting ID: 984 9781 0541 
• International phone numbers available here

Penn State Hillel: Parents and Families Get Together Over Brunch 

Sunday, October 4  
11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.  

Bring your brunch or a snack that represents where you are from to eat virtually with other Jewish parents and families to meet each other and a special guest or two! We cannot wait to see you!  

• Zoom Link
• Password: j.5qUG 
• Phone: (669) 900-6833 (US Toll) 
• Meeting ID: 977 8751 6234 
• International phone numbers available here

Overview of Penn State Career Services 

Sunday, October 4  
1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.  

Join Penn State Career Services for a brief overview of all the services we have to offer to help your Penn State student succeed at Penn State and beyond.  We will discuss both our in-person and virtual services offered to students, so that we can support them wherever they are.  From our career counseling and mock interviewing opportunities, to networking and career fair events, come learn all that Penn State Career Services has to offer! 

• Zoom Link
• Passcode: 664296 
• Phone: (253) 215-8782 (US Toll) 
• Meeting ID: 959 9838 2398 
• International phone numbers available here 

Penn State Town Hall

Sunday, October 4  
2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. 

Penn State leaders will host a virtual Town Hall event during Parents & Families Weekend to answer questions from students and their families about Penn State’s return to campus and the University’s ongoing response to the coronavirus. The hourlong event will be streamed live and will be archived online for later viewing.

• Stream the event here
• Submit questions in advance anonymously here 

Discover the Palmer Museum of Art 

Sunday, October 4  
3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.  

Join museum staff, graduate assistants, and interns for an introduction to the Palmer Museum of Art, Penn State's premier visual arts resource for students, faculty, staff, and the local community. Discover the rich and varied ways that students work and learn at the museum, and enjoy a glimpse of the galleries, an introduction to the various collection areas, and an in-depth look at a few selected works of art.   

• Zoom Link
• Phone: (312) 626-6799 (US Toll) 
• Meeting ID: 985 3915 4325 
• International phone numbers available here

College of Arts and Architecture Showcase Premiere  

This event will showcase the ways students in all seven academic units are engaged in learning within performance, design, and visual art settings. 

• Access the premiere

College of the Liberal Arts 

Parents and Families are invited to visit https://parentsandfamilies.la.psu.edu/ to view a message from the Dean of the College of the Liberal Arts, Dr. Clarence Lang. Additionally, parents and families will be able to learn more about how the College of the Liberal Arts is engaging with students remotely this semester. Student spotlights will also be shared to demonstrate what Liberal Arts students are doing and how Liberal Arts students are making a difference. Parents and families will be provided with important resources to share with their students, in addition to information with how to stay connect to the College of the Liberal Arts. 

Counseling and Psychological Services  

CAPS remains committed to serving students in need. We have developed our services to better support and provide more access for all our students. 

• Learn about how CAPS supports students

The Cornerstone is Missing! A University Libraries Escape Room Caper 

The cornerstone of Old Main is missing. Dismayed at the lack of appreciation for all his great grandfather has done for Penn State, Fred Lewis Pattee IV has taken it. He will only return it to the person or persons who can successfully find the clues, proving their appreciation of his great-grandfather and what he meant to the history of the university. Your mission, should you choose to accept it: Locate the clues in Fred's office and use the Libraries' webpage to find the answers that will unlock the missing cornerstone. 

• Help find the missing cornerstone!

Department of Astronomy: Virtual Observatory Activities  

This program included presentations, virtual telescope viewing, demonstrations, virtual planetarium shows, and explorations of our video game virtual world we use for teaching astronomy general education classes at Penn State. 

• Penn State Astronomy & Astrophysics Virtual Observatory
• Alternative Website for Presentations and Demos

Housing Session  

Navigating the off-campus housing market, making a decisions about whether to live on- or off-campus, and how to find the resources you need along the way. 

• Learn about housing at Penn State

On-demand Totally Rad Trivia Game 

The quiz, “Totally Rad 2”, is about Radiation Applications myths and misconceptions.  You can play as a guest, so you don’t need to make an account.  If you have questions attend one of the live-Q&A sessions for the Breazeale Nuclear Reactor facility.  

• Test your knowledge

Palmer Museum Virtual Tour: Who Am I? Art and Identity 

This self-directed, interactive, online tour features a selection of objects from diverse areas of the museum's collection, related through a common exploration of personal or cultural identity. Generous support for this project provided by Art Bridges.

• Learn about the Palmer Museum

Penn State Family Virtual 5k 

Participate in a virtual 5k during the weekend of Oct 2-4.  Students will enter their families via imleagues for an official count of participants.  We encourage families to pick a date that they can run together virtually, then submit their pictures to imsports@psu.edu or #PSU5k.  Families should be dressed in their blue and white, to show Penn State Pride.  Photos can be viewed on any social media platform by searching the hashtag #PSU5k. 

Shaping leaders: What is Health Policy and Administration? 

Whether you are a family member of a first-year or transfer student, or looking to learn more about what it is that students in the major do, Health Policy and Administration faculty and students will share the opportunities and resources available that we use to educate the next generation of health care administrators. Our pre-recorded sessions will give you a glimpse into the opportunities available to our students. From internships, to earning both your bachelor’s and master’s degree in five years, and more. Learn about the wide variety of information and resources that will make your student’s experience unique and rewarding in HPA. 

• Learn about Health Policy and Administration

Sharing our PRIDE: Learn about the Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity 

Virtually meet the staff from the Penn State Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity. Through pre-recorded clips, learn more about how students can get involved, find support, and advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion both during and after their journey at Penn State!

• Connect with the CSGD team and learn more

Society of Physics Students Present: Secret Agents vs The COVID Aliens 

Three secret agents must learn the secrets of how to protect earth from the new COVID aliens. Join our heroes on this dangerous adventure as they use physics to obtain the secret and save our world! 

Sorority and Fraternity Parents and Families Information Session 

Parents and Families will be provided with an overview of the Fraternity and Sorority Community at Penn State as well as community safety initiatives, membership development opportunities, and tips on how to support their student as they pursue an interest in joining or if they are in the process of joining a sorority or fraternity. 

• Learn more about Greek life at Penn State

Virtual Fitness Classes  

Join your student for one of these short fitness class designed especially for families who are separated by distance and are viewing virtually. Ask your student to join you in their space while you workout at home. It will be the most fun you've had working out together. Our certified student Instructors use popular music to create fun, do-able moves that make you work hard without even noticing. No experience necessary. Just a pair of athletic shoes and a good attitude. Choose from four of our most popular offerings.

• HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) with Lexi 
• Core on the Floor with Amy
• Yoga for Grounding with Brie 
• Stretches for Working Out the Kinks with Julie

Virtual Tour of Penn State Breazeale Nuclear Reactor 

Take a virtual tour of the Penn State Reactor, celebrating 65 years of nuclear research.  Learn about radiation, nuclear energy, radioactive isotope production, space radiation, and other research projects to improve our future.

• Take the virtual tour

Why LiveOn Campus?

Discover the benefits of living on campus and how to request housing with an update on the 2021-2022 on campus housing process.

• Learn about the benefits of campus living