General Policies and Procedures

Attendance

Students are expected to arrive on time and attend regularly scheduled classes, student meetings, workshops, performances, and presentations for the entire two weeks of the program. Students will also be asked to participate in discussions and keep up with assignments designated by classroom professors. Failure to attend class and complete assignments in a timely manner will be subject to removal of the program. 

Appropriate Attire

During the regularly scheduled classes, meetings, workshops, performances, presentations, and field trips for the entire two weeks of the program, we ask that the participants wear appropriate attire. Some activities may require closed-toed shows, pants and/or long-sleeved shirts.  Tight clothing, tank tops and thin or "spaghetti-style" straps on tops, short-shorts, excessively ripped apparel or controversial prints on clothing will not be appropriate.

Respecting the Rights of Others

Students are requested to exercise mature judgment in respecting the rights of others, and we hold our staff to same standard, particularly to observe the following: 

• Smoking is not permitted in any building or enclosed area on the Penn State Campus. Furthermore, PSEAS recognizes that tobacco sales are illegal to individuals under the age of 21 and purchase of such substances constitutes a crime under Pennsylvania law.  Therefore, smoking, use, or showing of tobacco products on screen will not be permitted during any PSEAS activity. 

• The right of an instructor or presenter is to have an attentive and polite audience. Cell phones should not be used during classes, presentations, networking events, and other formal settings except when asked to use a cell phone for a classroom activity or documenting for committee work. We ask that the students do not use electronic devices other than necessary for their participation – we ask you to be respectful of the faculty, inappropriate use of electronic devices will not be tolerated.

• Dress code. We respectfully request the participants avoid wearing tight, short, or low-cut clothing. As adults working with minors, we expect the same standard held to the staff. We understand it is summer, but we still ask you to dress as though you were in a classroom with Penn State faculty. 

• Distractions: Students will be expected to minimize background discussions and stay attentive to the speaker or event. 

Expulsion

PSEAS scholars will be expelled promptly for any of the following reasons:

• Using alcoholic beverages and/or entering a bar without a parent or guardian.
• Using illegal drugs.
• Stealing.
• Violence of any kind.
• Maliciously breaking or damaging the property of others.
• Possession of weapon(s).
• Inappropriate social media etiquette.
• Leaving the residence hall after curfew.
• Behavior that is considered potentially harmful to oneself and/or others.
• Bringing a vehicle to campus or riding in one other than with parents or PSEAS staff.

Residence Hall Procedures

• Quiet hours will be set by the PSEAS director and School for Excellence Assistants. No loud music is to be played or other loud noise created during these hours.
• Scholars may not have guests (external to the PSEAS program) in the residence hall and/or dorm room.
• Scholars may not play ball games or throw Frisbees or other projectiles in the residence halls.
• Fire drill procedures will be explained upon arrival.
• The School reserves the rights to have authorized staff enter any scholar's room without notice if reasonable cause suggests that regulations are being violated.
• The School mentors and program staff are responsible for resolving any living/roommate problems that arise during the program or for referring them to the appropriate authority.

Curfew

A nightly curfew has been set by the Director of the program. At curfew, the scholars are to be on their respective residence hall floors. Curfew will be strictly enforced.

Sunday through Saturday

10:30 p.m. - Must be on assigned floor.

11:00 p.m. - Students should remain in their rooms for the rest of the night, unless there is an emergency.

All PSEAS rules are in effect for the duration of the program, both for on and off campus activities.