Beginning in 2016, Penn State students will start to see some changes in the way they do business with the University. In February, LionPATH will begin to replace eLion as the new student information system, and by December 2016, LionPATH will be a one-stop-shop to enroll in courses, check grades, pay tuition bills and more. Below are some of the changes during this transition to a new system.

1. Consent to do business electronically

Users must consent to do University business electronically before using LionPATH. This includes accepting financial aid, enrolling for classes and paying tuition bills. 

1. Financial Responsibility Agreement (FRA)

Similar to the consent to do business electronically, students must sign the FRA prior to enrolling in classes. The FRA is a promise to take financial responsibility for payment of your account.

1. New enrollment process

• Students will add courses to an online “shopping cart,” and click “enroll” when ready. 

1. Schedule builder

• Students will select courses;
• Functionality allows the option of adding scheduled breaks;
• Users will request possible schedules to be generated;
• Students can choose from different schedules and select the best option;
• The best schedules can be sent to a “shopping cart” to expedite enrollment.

1. Wait list replaces watch list

The wait list feature in LionPATH will replace the watch list function in eLion. Students can choose to enroll in the wait list when a class is full. The wait list is like a line. When a seat becomes open, the student at the top of the list is enrolled in the class, and everyone moves up a spot.

1. Prerequisite enforcement

• Plans are being finalized to check information sciences and technology and certain math courses for required prerequisites.
• If a student doesn't meet the prerequisites, they won’t be able to enroll in the class.
• Students can request an exception from the department or campus offering the class.

1. Change in delegation process

If students would like a parent or guardian to have access to see financial aid, bills, grades, etc. for fall 2016 and beyond, they will have to give delegated access in LionPATH, even if they previously had given permission to do so in eLion.

1. Financial aid actions

The “Student Center” provides a centralized place where students can view financial aid awards, accept/decline the awards, and see the actions needed to complete this process for financial aid and other Penn State offices.

1. Mobile app allows students to:

• Check their schedule;
• View classes;
• Search for courses;
• Review billing status;
• View grades;
• Check financial aid;
• See “to do” items;
• Check for holds on your account. 

1. Update academics

• Replaces the entrance-to-major process;
• Replaces paper forms to add or change majors, options and minors;
• Allows student to see what is available at current campus;
• Requests to update can be submitted when a decision has been made and the requirements have been met;
• Request to add additional majors, options and minors.

This will take effect for fall 2016 enrollment. Students who plan to take classes during the summer, will still enroll through eLion.

For more information on LionPATH, visit launch.lionpath.psu.edu.