Student Well-Being and Safety
The whole student
Your health and wellness are critical to your success, and it goes without saying, that physical safety is our top priority. Physical health and safety, mental wellness, and spiritual development are all important facets of life at Penn State that have made our campuses some of the safest in the nation.
The challenges faced by young people in today's complex world have become more apparent over the past four years, and we have seen growing demand for the exceptional mental health services that CAPS offers. Counseling and other forms of student support aren’t separate from our academic mission—they’re essential to helping students take advantage of all the opportunities of a Penn State education and to thrive, at the University and throughout their lives.”
Neeli Bendapudi
Penn State President
Physical Heath and Wellness
University Health Services (UHS)
University Health Services (UHS) is your comprehensive on-campus health care resource, including the treatment of medically urgent problems and ongoing health concerns. We provide preventative care, education, and resources to help students live a healthy lifestyle.
Health Promotion and Wellness (HPW)
The mission of HPW is to cultivate a community that supports student success, well-being, and the pursuit of lifelong health. Our staff and peer health educators provide one-on-one services in areas like alcohol, nicotine, and nutrition.
Campus Recreation
Take advantage of the many fitness and recreation facilities, classes, and training at your Penn State campus, with hundreds of weekly fitness classes, opportunities to become a student fitness instructor, and group and personal training options.
Emotional and Spiritual Well-Being
Counseling and Psychological Services
CAPS addresses the psychological needs and personal concerns of students that may interfere with their academic progress, social development, and emotional wellbeing through a variety of services, including wellness options, counseling services, crisis intervention, and community education.
Center for Spiritual and Ethical Development
The Pasquerilla Spiritual Center is home to the Center for Spiritual and Ethical Development at Penn State. The center offers a welcoming, safe, inclusive environment, and aims to promote an environment of appreciation and respect for religious and spiritual diversity.
Safety
University Police
Penn State’s full-service police agency serves twenty-two campuses across Pennsylvania. In addition to a police force, campuses are equipped with emergency phones with 24/7 communication with the police who provide services such as Safe Walk, for anyone who feels unsafe walking alone at night.
PSUAlert
PSUAlert is our campus community emergency notification system. Students, faculty, and staff members can register their devices to receive real-time updates about campus closings, weather events, crimes, and other urgent information.
Clery Act
The Clery Act is a federal consumer protection law that requires higher education institutions participating in the federal student financial aid program to disclose information about certain crime on campus.