 An adult learner is someone who is 24 years of age or older; a veteran of the armed services; or returning to school after four or more years of employment, homemaking, or other activity; or a person who assumes multiple adult roles such as parent, spouse/partner, employee, and student. Adult learners also may start taking courses one at a time, credit or noncredit, and may not go through the admissions process until later in their educational experience.
As an adult learner at Penn State York, you'll have unlimited potential. You can:
- Get professional guidance and support all along the way.
- Select from more than 200 noncredit, certificate, and degree programs.
- Take advantage of a variety of scheduling options, including enrolling part-time or full-time, participating in day and/or evening classes; completing a program at your workplace; or studying at home through correspondence or courses via the Internet.
- Interact with a diverse community of students, faculty, and staff.
- Accumulate college credits that are transferable to other learning institutions.
- Earn a certificate or degree that is respected worldwide.
About Returning to the Classroom…
Adult students often enter the college environment anxious and uncertain about their ability to succeed and compete successfully with more traditional students. Current research tells us that adult students are typically more successful than younger students because of their maturity and the experience that they bring to the classroom. Adults are likely to exhibit high levels of motivation, more specific occupational goals, and an uncompromising desire to get the most education possible for their money. York campus provides a variety of services and activities to help students be successful in their college experience.
Advising and Career Center (ACC)
The Advising and Career Center is located next to the lobby in the Main Classroom Building. Counselors are available in the center to help you with program planning and career development. Stop in to browse the various career and academic materials or make an appointment with a counselor by calling the center at 717-771-4053.
Placement Testing
Placement tests designed to help you determine the appropriate level of introductory courses to take in English, math, and chemistry, are offered at various times during the semester. Please call 717-771-4053 for testing times or to register to take the placements tests. If you are unsure whether you should take the placement tests, call one of the counselors to discuss your situation. Penn State York offers a number of "refresher courses".
Evening/Weekend Student Orientation
Orientation will help you through the transition of returning to school, especially if you are working or have a family. Don't miss the chance to meet other students, counselors, faculty, and staff and to learn more about Penn State York. For information on the Evening/Weekend Student Orientation, please call 717-771-4045.
Learning Center
Concerned about being able to handle the academic work required in college? The Learning Center, located in theEdward M. Elias Science Center,, can arrange tutoring, provide computer-based instruction in basic skills areas, and assist you with the development of study skills. Call 717-771-4026 for more information.
Reenrollment with Academic Renewal
A student desiring reenrollment to the University after an interruption in enrollment of no fewer than four calendar years may be eligible for "academic renewal." If approved, the new cumulative grade-point average will start when the student reenrolls in the University. The prior academic record will remain on the transcript, and an appropriate notation of academic renewal will be entered. Courses passed with a grade of "C" or better during earlier registration and approved by the appropriate dean of the college may be used to fulfill graduation requirements. Procedures for requesting re-enrollment with academic renewal can be obtained from the Advising and Career Center.
Student Organizations and Cultural Activities
The Student Affairs Office and the Student Government Association sponsor many campus activities including plays, concerts, dances, and lectures. Student Affairs provides programs and workshops on topics ranging from communication skills to goal setting. At the request of student groups, staff members will provide workshops in specific areas of interest. There are also over twenty-five student organizations and hundreds of individual programs and activities to enrich your academic experience. For more information, call 717-771-4045.
Child Care Resources
Please call 717-771-4045 for information on local child care resources and grant assistance.
Veterans Information
Do you know what your Veterans Administration (VA) benefits are? Through the state, the VA, or your guard unit, you could be eligible for money to help you with your education. If you are considering attending Penn State please contact the campus Veterans Affairs Office to discuss the possibilities of additional money to help you reach your educational goal. Currently, there are over 100 veterans attending classes at Penn State York. Some are recently discharged, while others are retired. Penn State York offers several support services to help vets return to academia including: a Veterans Club; a veterans newsletter; monthly meetings; and services through the Learning Center. Please call us at 717-771-4045 for additional information.
Nittany Lion Wire Sculpture in Front of the Lion's Den
Entrance to theM.S. Grumbacher Information Sciences and Technology Center
Facade of the Lee R. Glatfelter Library
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Penn State York Information
FAQs
How do I know what class to take?
Penn State York offers many credit, noncredit and degree programs, covering a wide variety of topic areas. If you wish to know more about your credit course or degree options at York, you may choose to make an appointment with the Admissions Office (717-771-4040) or the Advising and Career Center (717-771-4053) to talk with an adviser.
If you are interested in noncredit professional development, computer courses, technical courses, or personal enrichment classes, please contact the Continuing Education administrator for the program.
What is the difference between a credit and a noncredit class?
Successful completion of a credit course allows a student to apply the credits earned toward degree, credit and credit certificate programs at Penn State and possibly other institutions. Noncredit programs cannot be applied toward a degree program. At Penn State, credit courses are typically designated with a three digit number (e.g. PSY 002, MGMT 301), while noncredit courses are typically indicated with a four digit number (e.g. CSE 6371, HDFS 7736).
Can anyone take a credit class?
Credit courses are open to all who are graduates of accredited high schools or those who hold equivalency diplomas (GED), although for certain credit courses prerequisites must be met. Enrollment in a credit class does not imply admission into a University degree program.
If your ultimate goal is to receive a degree, you will eventually need to apply for admission to a degree program. Contact the Admissions Office (717-771-4040) or the Advising and Career Center (717-771-4053) for details.
What are Continuing Education Units (CEUs)?
Many noncredit courses award Continuing Education Units (CEUs) instead of credits. CEUs are nationally recognized, and are designed to provide a permanent record of an individual's participation in continuing education programs conducted by a qualified instructor. Program participants earn one unit per ten hours in class. For example, a noncredit program participant will earn 1.3 CEUs following the completion of a 13-hour course.
When should I register?
It is strongly recommended that you register as soon as you are certain of your ability to attend the course. All courses have both a minimum and maximum enrollment. In addition, many classes have registration deadlines. Registration deadlines (if any) are listed at the beginning of the listing for the courses in question.
How do I register?
You do not have to formally apply to the University in order to take an individual course. Simply complete the appropriate registration form with all information. Please be sure to include day and evening phone numbers, in case we need to contact you regarding your class. Payment or employer authorization must accompany your registration. A number of payment methods are available. A registration form can be obtained within the current catalog .
Will I receive confirmation of my registration?
Every effort will be made to send all students confirmation for registrations received at least one week before the class begins. Please make a note of your course, dates, and time. Assume that the course will be held unless otherwise notified. It is important that you provide your phone number (day and evening) on your registration so we can reach you if needed.
Where will my class be held?
Most classes are conducted in the Main Classroom Building (#1 on the campus map). A room assignment schedule is posted in the reception lobby of the Main Classroom Building. Computer classes are conducted in the M.S. Grumbacher Information Sciences and Technology Center (#7 on the campus map). If your class is to meet at a location other than Penn State York, you will be notified of the location before the first class.
How do I get my book?
In general, textbooks and other supplies are available at the campus bookstore (#3 on the campus map) which is located within the M.S. Grumbacher Information Sciences and Technology Center. Textbooks are usually available before the first class. Call the bookstore 717-771-4110 to confirm availability and bookstore hours. Some courses (e.g. computer seminars) have the textbook or other materials included in the cost of the course. In this instance, these materials will be provided at the first class. Credit course textbooks and many noncredit textbooks are not included in the cost of the class.
Where do I park? Is there a parking fee?
All students can park for free in any student parking areas. Students should park in the lot off Irving Road near the M.S. Grumbacher Information Sciences and Technology Center or the tiered lots on Albemarle Street near the Main Classroom Building. Daytime students are required to have a parking permit; evening and weekend students are encouraged to register their vehicles for safety and security reasons. Please do not park in lots marked for faculty and staff.
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