Penn State has decided to delay the start of in-person classes and transition to a fully remote learning environment for the beginning of the spring 2021 semester at all campus locations. This decision was made following extensive analysis and scenario planning given worsening virus conditions nationally and across the state indicating predictions of rising hospitalization rates in the coming weeks.
Emily Jefferson, a senior at Penn State, observes and records the growth of bacteria her MICRB 202 (Introductory Microbiology Laboratory) class isolated during week-one of the 2020 fall semester. Students were outfitted with new masks, face shields, and gloves prior to every lab session, and their stations were set up to provide appropriate social distancing.