• Stay Informed

  • Penn State is actively and carefully monitoring the situation regarding COVID-19. Please consult the Updates for the Penn State Community Coronavirus Information website.

Given the rapidly changing circumstances due to the COVID-19 outbreak (e.g. school, daycare, and other business closures) that may make it difficult for graduate students to complete activities, supervisors of graduate students involved in research, teaching and other activities, and graduate student advisers overall should continue to provide flexibility for their graduate students.

Take Immediate Action if Feeling Ill

If you are ill with symptoms concerning for COVID-19, please contact your physician for advice. If anyone who is carrying out essential research activities displays minor symptoms of illness, including but not limited to cough or fever, that person must stay home, and they should notify their research supervisor as soon as possible so that plans for alternative coverage of those critical activities can be determined. If someone has any doubt about whether they could be ill, they should NOT come to campus.

The ongoing COVID-19 outbreak may be causing our graduate students to feel extra stress and anxiety. The CDC has released information for coping with stress During COVID-19, and Penn State resources are available to students at University Park through Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), and at the College of Medicine through the Office of Professional Mental Health. 

The Graduate School’s Commitment to Student Success

The Graduate School recognizes that some Graduate Council academic requirements and other rules will need to be approached with flexibility during the COVID-19 outbreak. Exceptions and Other Adjustments to Graduate Council Academic Policies and Graduate School Administrative Policies In Response to COVID–19 Outbreak provides an outline of relevant policies and the appropriate adjustments. This document will be updated as needed.

The overarching goal of the University’s actions is to minimize the risk of the spread of COVID-19 and to safeguard the health and safety of the Penn State community. We appreciate everyone’s understanding and flexibility.