This site provides access to the most up-to-date information on Penn State's response to the coronavirus, as well as related campus-specific information.
KeepLearning.psu.edu: This dedicated website for students offers support for remote learning, resources for academic advising and tutoring, and contact information.
KeepTeaching.psu.edu: Course instructors visiting the site will find information on effective teaching, technology training, webinars, and support as they update and teach their courses for the upcoming semester. The site also features a newly created guide for instructors specifically designed for preparing and teaching this fall.
VirusInfo.psu.edu: Penn State’s main website with links to the latest news and answers to frequently asked questions about the University’s response to the coronavirus pandemic. The site’s resources page also contains links to dedicated resources for students and employees; information on testing, contact tracing, and monitoring for the campus community; classroom and office guidance; and policies on masking and social distancing.
Penn State COVID-19 Compact: Before returning to campus, students are asked to verify that they understand the behavioral requirements and guidelines, via LionPath.
Surveillance Testing Program
Penn State Altoona is participating in the University’s surveillance testing program where asymptomatic individuals are being screened for potential exposure to COVID-19. Students and employees who are learning, working, or living on campus will be selected randomly and contacted by email and text message to answer a few screening questions and to schedule an appointment. If selected, students and employees are required to complete the free testing and should plan to do so within 48-72 hours after being contacted. Surveillance testing at Penn State Altoona is being conducted in room 220 of the Adler Athletic Complex, Monday–Friday from 11:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
On-demand Testing
Free, on-demand testing is available to all Penn State Altoona students. Students should do the following:
- Register with MyQuest at http://www.pennstatetesting.com/al.
- When registering, be sure to use the first part of your Penn State email address as your Penn State User ID (e.g., abc1234).
- Students covered by insurance will enter their insurance provider's name and insurance member ID. Penn State will cover all costs not covered by insurance. Students not currently covered by insurance should enter "no insurance" in the insurance provider field and "000" in the member ID fields. Penn State will cover all testing costs for uninsured students.
- Visit the Sheetz Family Health Center during testing hours to complete your test.
If you have already been tested at the Health and Wellness Center, you will need to re-register with MyQuest.
Testing is available during the week from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on weekends from noon to 4 p.m. Questions? Call the Health and Wellness Center at 814-949-5540.
Campus Map
Location-specific information including Zoom rooms (remote learning spaces), access to computers and printers, hours of operation, and the Health and Wellness Center are available in the Coronavirus Resources section of the Penn State Altoona campus map.
Points of Contact at Penn State Altoona
| Questions | Referral | Number |
|---|---|---|
| Student Health | Health and Wellness Center | 814-949-5540 |
| Other Student Concerns | Student Affairs | 814-949-5053 |
| Safety and Security | University Police | 814-949-5222 |
| Housing and Dining | Housing and Food Services | 814-949-5400 |
| Scheduling Classes | Registrar | [email protected] 814-949-5035 |
| Classes/Coursework | Students should contact their individual faculty members. Please refer to the Faculty/Staff Directory. | |
| Admissions | Office of Admissions | 814-949-5466 |
| From the media | Strategic Communications | 814-949-5160 |
| All other questions | Strategic Communications | 814-949-5160 |
The health and well-being of the Penn State community is our first priority. Penn State has taken a robust public-health- and science-based approach to inform how it will manage social distancing, limit the size of events, and provide learning environments that are as safe as reasonably possible. Penn State will meet or exceed the expectations for colleges and universities that have been outlined by the Pennsylvania Department of Education for returning students to campus.
In accordance with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and public health guidelines, wearing face masks and adhering to social distancing practices, including maintaining six feet of physical distance between another person, are critical components in helping to maintain the health and safety of the entire campus community. Students, faculty, and staff are expected to practice social distancing and wear face masks in classrooms, labs, offices, dining and retail facilities, public spaces, and while walking and traveling on campuses.