New Students Start Here

Welcome! Let’s Get You Ready to Start Your Program.

Complete These Six Steps in Order:

1. Watch the Orientation Video (10 minutes)

2. Accept Your Admission Offer (then wait 2–3 days to matriculate)

3. Set Up Your Penn State Access (30 minutes)

4. Plan Your Program (45 to 60 minutes)

5. Enroll in Classes (15 minutes)

6. You’re Ready! Start Class

Watch the Orientation Video

This 10-minute orientation video explains next steps and how to get help and information.

Watch the New Student Orientation Video.

Accept Offer of Admission

1. Accept your admission offer: “Check Application Status” to access the application portal and submit your decision.

2. Stop and wait 2–3 days for matriculation before continuing.

• “Matriculation” means your Penn State record is active and ready to use and occurs automatically on the dates below:

  • Spring 2027

    • Degrees: September 24, 2026

    • Certificates: October 15, 2026

  • Summer 2027

    • All students: Late January 2027 (exact date TBD)

  • Fall 2027

    • Degrees: Mid-March 2027 (exact date TBD)

    • Certificates: Early April 2027 (exact date TBD)

Access Setup (30 Minutes)

Once you have matriculated, proceed with access setup steps.

1. Set up Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA).

• Click here for MFA instructions.

• Need help? Contact the IT Help Desk.

2. After setup, test your access.

• Log into your Penn State email account (MS Outlook)

• Log into LionPath (enrollment and records system)

• This is a good time to .

Program Planning (45–60 Minutes)

1. Bookmark and review the Official Student Guide (the website you are looking at right now).

• The Official Student Guide is your student manual. You will use it often. Most answers can be found here without waiting for an advisor.

2. Review your program requirements and plan ahead.

• Go to the and select your program from the list.

  • Degree students: Download a program planner.

  • Certificate students: Review the list of required courses.

• Use these resources to choose your first courses and plan future semesters.

• Need help? For personalized assistance with selecting courses, schedule a meeting with your advisor.

Enroll in Classes (15 Minutes)

Students in our programs must self-enroll, but assistance is available.

1. Note when enrollment opens.

• Spring 2027: By October 15, 2026, for all students.

• Summer 2027: Early February (exact date TBD)

• Fall 2027: Early April (exact date TBD)

2. On or after the noted date, proceed with enrolling.

• Go to .

  • Click on “How to enroll in class.”

  • Follow the step-by-step enrollment instructions to add classes in LionPath.

• For personalized help with course selection and enrollment, schedule a meeting with your advisor.

6. Start Class!

1. Get ready for class.

• Tuition and financial aid:

• Textbooks: Further details will be emailed before the semester, or you can wait and consult the syllabus after class starts.

2. Start learning!

• Courses open in Canvas, the classroom platform, by 10:00 am ET on the first day of class.

• On the first day of the semester, log into Canvas and start your coursework.

Other Useful Resources

• Review our playlist of useful “how-to videos.”

• Penn State World Campus unit contacts (Financial Aid, Military Benefits, etc.)

• Obtain a Penn State ID+ mobile card (if desired)

• Penn State Libraries

Need Help? Contact Your Advisor!

You are not expected to navigate this alone. throughout your time in the program.

• Email: smealonline@psu.edu.

• Click here to schedule a Zoom advising appointment whenever needed.