How do I get involved in activities on campus? You can play intramural sports, participate in community service, or join a student organization along with a million other options.

How do I buy my books? As soon as you schedule your courses, you can start shelling out the big bucks for your books! Go to the student bookstore in the HUB (student union) to print out a list of your books, or find out the books you need from their website.

When do classes begin/end? An academic calendar for each semester is available online on the PSU website. It’s a great way to find out when spring break is your senior year!

How do I get my grades? You will receive your grades after the conclusion of each semester on eLion. No paper grade report will be sent to you or to your parents.

Who is my Smeal Student Mentor? Mentors will be assigned before the semester begins and they will contact you either before you arrive, or right after you get here.

Why can't I schedule my classes yet? First of all, you don't really know what to schedule yet (though hopefully you have some general idea after going through this website!). Second, you can't schedule until you get your ID and activate your account which you do during FTCAP.

Who is Smeal? Mary Jean and Frank P. Smeal both graduated from Penn State in 1942, and have been generous supporters of the University and the business college which is named in their honor in 1990.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is FTCAP? Your academic orientation to Penn State, and to the college of your enrollment. (seriously, have you been paying attention?)

When do I get my ID? You should get your PSU ID card when you come to campus for FTCAP, first thing in the morning. (or during lunch if you can't get up early enough!)

Who is my Advisor? We don’t know yet. You’ll be sent a letter with that information before you begin your first semester. In the meantime, feel free to contact the Smeal Advising Center where anyone can help you. (we hope!)

What is eLion? eLion is the online program that keeps track of your grades, registration, bill, etc. You’ll learn more about it during FTCAP. (it will crash at least once during your four years of scheduling)

How many credits/classes should I take each semester? There is no set number, but most students take between 4-7 courses and 14-17 credits. Talk to a Smeal advisor during FTCAP about your situation.

How many hours should I be studying? Get ready... you should study at least a couple hours out of class for every hour you are in class. (Yes, we’re serious!)

When do I get into my major? You enter Penn State as a pre-major student. You will apply to your major as a second-semester sophomore and officially be in your major after your sophomore year concludes.