Coronavirus Information
Information, resources, and updates for the Ag Sciences community
The College of Agricultural Sciences—our academic programs, research, outreach, and impact—remain strong and vital thanks to the perseverance, dedication, and passion of our entire community of students, faculty, staff, alumni, partners, and constituents.
The ever-evolving coronavirus/COVID-19 situation has prompted changes to how we interact and conduct our important work. But, together, we remain steadfast in accomplishing our important objectives and fulfilling our land-grant mission for our communities, state, country, and the world. This website is dedicated to providing information in support of our very special, very engaged, and very valued ag community.
Penn State Information
(4/15/2020 Update) Based on evolving federal guidance and statewide mitigation plans announced by Gov. Tom Wolf around the continuing coronavirus pandemic and the global efforts underway to stop its spread, Penn State has extended the remote-delivery period for all classes into the summer.
For the most complete and up-to-date information for members of the University community, visit Penn State's official coronavirus information website.
University Resources
- Updates for the Penn State community — The University's official hub for coronavirus information and resources
- Penn State student, employee, and community FAQs — Includes topics such as academics, housing, campus events, study abroad
- Penn State Remote Learning — Help with transitioning from the classroom to remote learning; access to 24/7 technology support
- Penn State Remote Teaching — Resources to help Penn State faculty offer courses remotely when teaching on campus is not an option
- Penn State Remote Working — Resources to help Penn State staff be prepared to work remotely; also see information for Ag Sciences faculty and staff below
- University Libraries COVID-19 Updates, Remote resources for Penn State library users — University Libraries virtual library services and resources remain open; faculty and staff are available remotely to assist with Penn State academic and research needs.
- Contacts and resources for Penn Staters — Includes health, housing, international students, study abroad, support services, environmental health and safety, research
- National and international health resources — Links to general information from state, national, and global health experts
Additional Resources
Information for
- Undergraduate Students
- Graduate Students
- International Students
- Prospective and Accepted Students
- Faculty and Staff
- Penn State Extension Community
College Topics
Undergraduate Students
Message from the Office for Undergraduate Education
Academic Advising
As always, your adviser and instructors are your primary sources for information and assistance related to your academic progress. They are communicating directly through Canvas, email, and other channels with information and expectations for how courses will run remotely, how to access materials, and answers to other academic topics. If you are having difficulties connecting with your adviser, please reach out to Matt Stumpf, director of academic advising for the Office of Undergraduate Education at mjs63@psu.edu.
Career Services
Career services resources remain available to all Penn State students. Please see Penn State Career Services and connect with Ag Sciences Career Services. Jobs and internships are posted at Nittany Lion Careers.
Commencement
Penn State hosted its first virtual commencement on Saturday, May 9, 2020. The ceremony was livestreamed, with more than 15,000 diplomas awarded University-wide, and is available for viewing on the Spring 2020 Commencement website. In addition to the May 9 ceremony, Penn State remains committed to inviting the Class of 2020 back to campus for in-person celebrations when public health guidelines permit this to occur. The College of Agricultural Sciences is making plans to host an on-campus celebration in conjunction with the University event.
Computer/Technology Needs
Students are encouraged to visit remotelearning.psu.edu and Penn State student, employee, and community FAQs. If you do not have access to a computer and/or the internet from your location, please log in to the IT service portal and fill out the Penn State Mobile Technology Request Form to formalize your computer/access request or call 814-865-HELP (4357).
Contacts
Graduate Students
College of Agricultural Sciences
COVID-19 Resources for Research and Graduate Education
The Graduate School
COVID 19 Updates for Graduate Students
Contacts
International Students
The University continues to weigh the needs of international students as decisions are made, with a top priority of protecting students' health and well-being while supporting academic progress. Students should visit Global Penn State International COVID-19 FAQs for the latest information.
Prospective and Accepted Students
Open House and Campus Visits
The College of Agricultural Sciences spring open house has been cancelled. However, we are exploring the possibility of hosting a virtual open house in the coming weeks for high school students and their families. In the meantime, you are invited to schedule a 30-minute videoconferencing session with Marra Baker, director of recruitment and student activities for the college, or contact her at moa5300@psu.edu or 814-863-3942.
Learning More about the College
If you're interested in gaining more insights and information about the College of Agricultural Sciences, know that our team is here for you! We encourage you to explore this website further, and we welcome you to reach out to us:
Faculty and Staff
Inside Ag Sciences
The college has prepared a special coronavirus section on the new Inside Ag Sciences intranet. Please visit this site for information, resources, and tools.
Penn State Human Resources
COVID-19/coronavirus guidelines and FAQs for faculty and staff .
Penn State Extension Community
Penn State Extension is unique in the world as a trusted, unbiased, and cutting-edge partner in the translation of science that benefits all residents of Pennsylvania. During this current crisis, experts across all units of Penn State Extension have joined together to provide the resources you need during this time of uncertainty. See Penn State Extension's coronavirus/COVID-19 update to access information, resources, online courses, webinars, and more.
Spotted Lanternfly
The spotted lanternfly call center, which fields calls from residents reporting spotted lanternfly sightings or seeking information about spotted lanternfly management, quarantine regulations and related topics, remains in operation. To report a sighting or get more information, the public can visit the Penn State Extension spotted lanternfly website or call 888-422-3359 (888-4BADFLY).
Additional Ag Sciences Information
Agricultural Sciences Research Community
The college's research continues in support of Pennsylvania agriculture, the state's food system, and the well-being of citizens in the commonwealth–with measures in place to safeguard the health and safety of our personnel, partners, and collaborators. Learn more about the Ag Sciences research program and see COVID-19 resources and information.
Labs and Services
Many of the college's labs and services are still operating, but often on a limited basis and with prioritization of life-sustaining/essential efforts. Please visit the website of interest for details:
- Agricultural Analytical Services Laboratory
- Animal Diagnostic Lab
- E. coli Reference Center
- Food Science Pilot Plants
- Land Analysis Lab
- Penn State Plant Disease Clinic
- Sensory Evaluation Center
The Arboretum at Penn State
Services at the Arboretum at Penn State are currently halted. Office and restrooms are closed, and parking regulations and custodial services are suspended. Those who choose to visit the grounds are asked to carry out any trash that they generate. Volunteer events, garden and wildflower trail work sessions, and docent led-tours are canceled as described on the Arboretum website.
Frost Entomological Museum
The Frost Entomological Museum is closed until further notice.
Pasto Agricultural Museum
The Pasto Agricultural Museum and Armsby Respiration Calorimeter are currently closed and events have been canceled, including volunteer work days, public programs, and scheduled tours. However, administrative offices remain open for scheduling future visits. Please see the museum site for details and to subscribe to email, and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
Penn State Berkey Creamery
The Berkey Creamery retail store is closed until further notice, but online orders can be placed on the Creamery website for shipping.
Penn State Meats Laboratory
The Penn State Meats Laboratory, which ordinarily has weekly public sales during the spring and fall semesters, is closed until further notice, and the lab's annual Easter ham sale was cancelled.
Pennsylvania School for Excellence in the Agricultural Sciences
Pennsylvania School for Excellence in the Agricultural Sciences is currently still planning to host programming on campus this July. Should any programming changes be required, participants will be informed as soon as possible. Note that the 2020 application deadline expired on February 21 for this program for PA high school rising seniors.
