The Penn State University Campus Podcast

Penn State Updates: Campus Closures, New Student Orientation, Nittany Lion Inn Reopens, Beaver Stadium Renovation, and More

Good afternoon, Penn State! It's Monday, August 4th, and here's what's happening on campus.
Today, expect hazy sunshine with a high of 82 degrees and a low of 59. Looking ahead, Wednesday and Thursday may see reduced air quality due to smoke from Canadian wildfires. Stay informed and take necessary precautions.
Penn State is set to restructure the New Student Orientation at University Park for 2025. The revamped program will separate academic advising and course registration from in-person orientation, allowing for a more streamlined experience focused on community-building. This change aims to accommodate the growing number of incoming students and enhance their transition to university life.
In a significant decision, the Board of Trustees has approved the closure of seven Commonwealth Campuses by 2027. The campuses affected are DuBois, Fayette, Mont Alto, New Kensington, Shenango, Wilkes-Barre, and York. This move is part of a strategic plan to optimize resources and invest in the remaining campuses to better serve students across the state.
The Nittany Lion Inn has reopened after extensive renovations. The 92-year-old hotel now features updated dining options, including a new café in the lobby, and modernized guest rooms. The inn continues to serve as a central gathering place for university events and visitors.
Beaver Stadium is undergoing a major renovation, with the first phase completed before the 2024 season. The project includes upgrades to plumbing, concourses, and seating, aiming to enhance the fan experience and expand the stadium's use for events beyond football games. The full renovation is expected to be completed before the 2027 season.
Dr. Réka Albert, a professor of physics and biology, has been elected to the National Academy of Sciences for her pioneering work in network science. Her research provides new insights into complex systems, impacting fields such as medicine, environmental science, and public health.
The Penn State World Campus is hosting a series of in-person and virtual events to welcome students to the fall semester. These events aim to build a sense of community and include workshops, virtual games, and networking opportunities. Students are encouraged to participate and connect with fellow Penn Staters.
That's all for today's update. Stay safe, stay informed, and as always, We Are Penn State!

Beaver Stadium Renovation, Campus Closures, Palmer Museum Debut & Big Ten Highlights: Penn State Updates—July 28, 2025

Good afternoon, Penn State community. Today is Monday, July 28, 2025, and here are the latest updates from University Park.
The $700 million renovation of Beaver Stadium is progressing steadily. This summer, construction crews are pouring concrete for the foundation of the new West Tower, which will house suites and club seating. Temporary seating arrangements are being installed to accommodate fans for the upcoming football season, ensuring that Beaver Stadium remains at or near full capacity. The entire project is on track for completion before the 2027 football season.
On July 23, Head Coach James Franklin, along with senior quarterback Drew Allar, redshirt senior offensive lineman Nick Dawkins, and redshirt senior safety Zakee Wheatley, represented Penn State at the 2025 Big Ten Football Media Days in Las Vegas. This annual event serves as the kickoff for the upcoming football season, providing insights and updates from teams across the conference.
In a significant decision, the Penn State Board of Trustees approved the closure of seven Commonwealth Campuses—DuBois, Fayette, Mont Alto, New Kensington, Shenango, Wilkes-Barre, and York—effective after the spring of the 2026-27 academic year. This move aims to optimize resources and strengthen the remaining 13 campuses, ensuring a robust educational experience for students across the state.
The new Palmer Museum of Art, located at the Arboretum, officially opened its doors on June 1. This 73,000-square-foot facility nearly doubles the exhibition space of the previous museum, featuring 20 galleries, educational spaces, a museum store, and a café. The museum's inaugural exhibition includes Dale Chihuly’s "Lupine Blue Persian Wall," a stunning 13-foot installation that spans 35 feet.
From July 9 to July 13, the Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts brought vibrancy to downtown State College and the University Park campus. The festival featured hundreds of independent vendors, live performances, and interactive activities, drawing large crowds and celebrating the rich artistic culture of the region.
Currently, it's sunny in State College with a temperature of 72°F (22°C). As the day progresses, expect temperatures to rise, reaching a high of 92°F (33°C) by late afternoon. The evening will bring clear skies with temperatures gradually cooling to 77°F (25°C) by 11:00 PM.
That's all for today's update. Stay cool, stay informed, and as always, We Are Penn State!

Penn State Update: Stadium Renovations, Tuition Hike, Campus Closures, Football News, Arts Fest, Global Research, and Fulbright Honor

Good morning, Penn State! It's Monday, July 21, 2025, and here's what's happening around campus.
Construction on Beaver Stadium's $700 million renovation is progressing steadily. The west side of the stadium is undergoing significant changes, including the demolition of the press box and upper sections to make way for a new structure featuring suites and club seating. The project is on track for completion before the 2027 football season.
The Penn State Board of Trustees has approved a 2% tuition increase for in-state undergraduate students at University Park for the 2026-27 academic year. This decision comes amid financial challenges and declining enrollments. Additionally, the university plans to close seven Commonwealth Campuses—DuBois, Fayette, Mont Alto, New Kensington, Shenango, Wilkes-Barre, and York—after the spring of 2027. These closures aim to optimize resources and focus investments on campuses with stronger growth prospects. ([inquirer.com](https://www.inquirer.com/education/penn-state-tuition-2026-27-tim-piazza-fraternity-house-20250717.html?utm_source=openai), [pennstatermag.com](https://pennstatermag.com/campus-life/changes-ahead?utm_source=openai))
Head coach James Franklin, along with senior quarterback Drew Allar, redshirt senior offensive lineman Nick Dawkins, and redshirt senior safety Zakee Wheatley, are set to represent Penn State at the 2025 Big Ten Football Media Days. The event will take place at the Mandalay Bay Resort in Las Vegas on July 23. Fans can look forward to insights and updates as the team prepares for the upcoming season.
The 2025 Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts, held from July 9 to July 13, was a resounding success. The festival featured hundreds of independent vendors and performances throughout Downtown State College and the University Park campus, celebrating the vibrant arts community.
- : In early June, Bogotá, Colombia, became the center of global páramo research as faculty and students from Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences joined forces with international partners to host the landmark Páramos 2025 Symposium.
- : Sarah Chekan, a master’s student in mechanical engineering, has been selected for the 2025-26 U.S. Fulbright Student Research/Study Program. She will conduct research on integrating renewable energy into existing power grids in Chile.
That's all for today's update. Stay tuned for more news and events happening around Penn State.

Penn State News: Stadium Renovation, Tuition Hike, Campus Closures, Arts Fest Highlights, and Big Ten Football Updates

Good morning, Penn State! Here's your latest campus news for Monday, July 21, 2025.
Construction on Beaver Stadium's west side is progressing steadily. The $700 million renovation aims to enhance the fan experience and modernize facilities. Temporary seating will be in place to maintain full capacity for the upcoming football season. The project is on track for completion before the 2027 season.
The Penn State Board of Trustees has approved a 2% tuition increase for in-state undergraduate students at University Park for the 2026-27 academic year. Additionally, the university has purchased the former Beta Theta Pi fraternity house, where student Tim Piazza tragically lost his life in 2017. Plans for the property's future use are under consideration.
In response to declining enrollment and financial challenges, Penn State will close seven Commonwealth Campuses—DuBois, Fayette, Mont Alto, New Kensington, Shenango, Wilkes-Barre, and York—after the spring 2026-27 academic year. This decision affects over 500 employees and more than 3,100 students. The university plans to redirect resources to strengthen remaining campuses and expand online education options.
The 2025 Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts took place from July 9 to July 13, featuring hundreds of independent vendors and performances throughout Downtown State College and the University Park campus. The festival continues to be a highlight of the summer, celebrating the vibrant arts community in our region.
Head coach James Franklin, senior quarterback Drew Allar, redshirt senior offensive lineman Nick Dawkins, and redshirt senior safety Zakee Wheatley will represent Penn State at the 2025 Big Ten Football Media Days in Las Vegas on Wednesday, July 23. This event marks the official kickoff of the upcoming football season.
That's all for today's update. Stay informed and engaged, Penn State!