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  2. Parents and Families
  3. Parents of Incoming Students

A Message from the Director of Student Affairs

Sean Kelly

On behalf of the staff within the Division of Student Affairs, it is my pleasure to welcome you to the Penn State Altoona community.

As both you and your student embark on this new journey into higher education, which will be filled with exciting new opportunities and challenges, please do so knowing that there are many dedicated faculty and staff at Penn State Altoona willing to provide help and support for you. You will find a comprehensive array of services and programs in place for your student to access, all designed to provide support in helping them achieve their goals and be successful. Our role in the Division of Student Affairs is to help your student develop as a total person. We hope to assist them in gaining a variety of life skills that will serve them well during and following their time at the University.

Penn State Altoona has a tremendous amount to offer your student both academically as well as socially. They will have the good fortune of working with an outstanding faculty who will challenge them to develop critical thinking skills and reach further than they have ever done before in an effort to become a more educated person. Please take the time to encourage your student to develop a positive working relationship with their faculty and take advantage of offerings such as office hours and special class initiatives.

We ask that you please encourage your student to become an active participant in the co-curricular and social life of the campus. Penn State Altoona is alive seven days a week with a broad range of student activities and interactive programming. It is our belief that your student will benefit greatly from being involved in at least one out-of-class opportunity during their time on campus. A few examples may include joining one of our 60 plus registered student organizations, participating as a team member or as a fan in our NCAA Division III athletic program, playing intramural or club sports, joining our Campus Activities programming Board or Student Government Association, or supporting our THON organization. There truly is something for everyone at Penn State Altoona.

Finally, I ask that you take time to think about and discuss with your student prior to the start of classes what it means to be part of the greater Penn State Altoona community. How will they choose to invest their time and connect with other students, faculty, and staff? Encourage them to give thought to how they can challenge themselves to grow in a holistic way, and how they can live the Penn State values of Community, Discovery, Excellence, Integrity, Respect, and Responsibility in their daily lives.

We often find that true learning takes place when we step outside of our comfort zone and challenge ourselves to look at things from a different or new perspective. We hope that your student will recognize and appreciate that we are alike in some ways and that we are different in others, but that at our core, WE ARE all PENN STATE!

The Division of Student Affairs wishes you all the best for a very successful academic year and we look forward to working together with you in
support of your student.

Sean Kelly
Senior Director, Division of Student Affairs

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Pennsylvania map showing Penn State's campuses with Penn State Altoona highlighted

Penn State Altoona

A full-service, four-year, residential campus located less than 45 miles from the research campus at University Park. Offering 21 four-year degrees and the first two years of over 275 Penn State majors.
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Give Visit Apply
  • This is Penn State Altoona
    • Penn State Altoona At a Glance
    • Mission, Vision, and Values
    • Our History
    • Campus Map
    • College Leadership
    • Current Weather Conditions
    • Livestream
  • Academics
    • Majors
    • Academic Calendar
    • Out-of-Class Learning
    • Eiche Library
    • Learning Resources Center
    • Registrar
    • Academic Advising
    • Honors Program
    • Campus Closures
  • Admissions
    • Visit Us
    • Information for First-Year Students
    • How to Apply
    • Accepted Students
    • Experience Altoona
    • Virtual Tour
  • Tuition & Financial Aid
    • Scholarships and Awards
    • Grants
    • Loans
    • Work-study
    • Financial Aid Basics
    • Tuition and Costs
    • Financial Aid Information
  • Student Success
    • Center for Student and Civic Engagement
    • Health and Wellness Center
    • Student Diversity and Inclusion Programming
    • International Student Services
    • Housing
    • Parking
    • Police and Safety
    • Career Services
    • Diversity at Penn State Altoona
  • Research & Engagement
    • Undergraduate Research and Creative Inquiry
    • Faculty Research Resources
    • Community-Based Studies
    • Internships
    • Study Abroad/Study Away
    • Internal Grants and Awards
  • Athletics
    • Schedule
    • Facilities
    • Recreation and Club Sports
    • Staff and Coaches Directory
    • Athletic Training and Sports Physicals
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    • Camps and Clinics
    • Hall of Fame
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