News about Admissions

Penn College welcomed more than 500 guests – including about 220 prospective students – for Friday’s first Open House of Spring 2023.

Following a schedule that comprised equal parts structure and flexibility, visitors attended a presentation by the Admissions Office and toured up to two academic labs.

Among many other comprehensive opportunities, they were afforded chances to meet with Financial Aid staff, grab a bite, learn about Student Engagement programming, and get acquainted with the LEAP Center.

Registration is open for the semester’s remaining Open House dates: Saturday, Feb. 25; Friday, March 17; Sunday, March 26; Friday, April 14; and Saturday, April 29.

Before starting her final semester this past week, Lauryn A. Stauffer returned to Bethlehem Area Vocational-Technical School while on holiday break as part of the “Rep Penn College” program coordinated by the Admissions Office. Under the initiative, begun during the 2021-22 academic year, students are provided training and supplies to take on the road for potential recruitment of future Wildcats.

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As the commonwealth celebrates anew the breadth of its agriculture heritage, representatives of Pennsylvania College of Technology will again be on hand to epitomize those who have helped the industry thrive for centuries.

Students and employees will represent the college at the Pennsylvania Farm Show in Harrisburg from Jan. 7-14, reflecting the 2023 theme of “Rooted in Progress.” The show – the largest indoor expo of its kind under one roof – provides a fascinating glimpse into a $185 billion segment of the state’s economy and the half-million people who fuel its success through innovation and inspiration.

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The Student & Administrative Services Center at Pennsylvania College of Technology will soon bear the name of retiring President Davie Jane Gilmour.

The college’s Board of Directors convened a special meeting to approve the action at a gala event honoring Gilmour’s 24-year presidency. The board also granted emeritus status to Gilmour, who retires June 30.

The Student & Administrative Services Center, known in campus shorthand as “the SASC,” houses offices for student services such as Admissions, Financial Aid, the Registrar, Veterans & Military, the LEAP Center (first-year student assistance) and more. The upper floors of the three-story facility, which opened in 2003, includes spaces for People & Culture (formerly Human Resources), Financial Operations, Information Technology Services, Public Relations & Marketing and executive offices, including the President’s Office and Academic Affairs.

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Ready to see what hands-on learning is all about? Here’s a teasing glimpse of the action that’s set to unfold in the Pennsylvania College of Technology episode of The College Tour, produced nationally and streaming on Amazon Prime when Season Five drops on Aug. 31:

Now that your interest is piqued, watch the full episode at Penn College’s College Tour website. Filmed over five days during the spring semester and edited into 27 brisk minutes, the video features 10 standout students in dedicated segments: Ashlee Felix, human services & restorative justice (Business, Arts & Sciences); Caila N. Flanagan, who earned two business degrees (Wildcat Life); Alejandro F. Huaman, a building science & sustainable design: architectural technology concentration alumnus (Engineering Technologies); Dacia J. James, dental hygiene (Nursing & Health Sciences); Jesse D. Laird V, a nursing student and ROTC cadet (Commitment to Service); Danielle E. Malesky, construction management (Momentum Guaranteed); Maggie J. Mangene, a softball player and heating, ventilation & air conditioning design technology student (Stay Wild); Wesley S. McCray, an engineering design technology grad (Future Made by Hand); Kathryn A. Plankenhorn, physician assistant studies (Explore Campus & Beyond); and automotive technology management alumnus Dhruv Singh (Come Ready, Leave Prepared). After hearing their stories and getting the inside track on campus life, we’re sure you’ll agree with host Alex Boylan that “There’s so much to love here!”

​More than 400 prospective students and their guests attended Wednesday’s first Open House of the summer season, which featured weather as warm as the welcome they received from accommodating faculty and staff. Attendees got an informative “sneak peek” at what awaits Penn College’s Tomorrow Makers, including tours of instructional space and various aspects of student life. Visit the Admissions Office to register for one of the season’s remaining Open Houses: Sunday, June 26; Saturday, July 23; and Friday, July 29.
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A building construction technology student is Pennsylvania College of Technology’s first graduate in its alliance with The Brook J. Lenfest Foundation Inc., which funded a $1.8 million scholarship program for underserved populations from the commonwealth’s southeastern neighborhoods. The distinction belongs to Isaiah S. Robinson, of Philadelphia, who received his associate degree during commencement exercises on May 14 and will begin working in the field the following week.

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Penn College welcomed 59 future Wildcats and their families to Accepted Student Day on Sunday – emphasis on the “sun” – as gorgeous walking-around weather helped guests celebrate “the beginning of something amazing.” The day’s VIPs checked in at the Field House, then explored campus, made new friends and found an ever-helpful assortment of students and employees. “I am so pleased with the outcome of Accepted Student Day and the hard work put in by so many people,” said Melinda D. Heckman, coordinator of admissions events and communications. “The students who visited are on the edge of committing to Penn College, but still had a few questions they needed answered. Judging from the smiles, I think many questions were answered and our Penn College community will grow.” Aside from gaining helpful pointers about financial aid, housing, veterans services and coping with those inevitable first-year challenges, visitors were treated to outdoor games and ice cream. Presidential Student Ambassadors also led tours, explaining such traditions as Midnight Breakfast, the annual decorating and lighting of oversized holiday cards, and the fireworks display that caps every Welcome Weekend. “A parent met me in line and wondered aloud if Dr. (Carolyn R.) Strickland was really Mother Nature in disguise,” Heckman added, referencing the vice president for enrollment management/associate provost, “since she mentioned personally ordering the perfect weather!”

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A new 30-second spot, an open invitation to see Penn College in person, is making the rounds on broadcast and social media. It’s one thing for prospective students to imagine their futures, but quite another when they turn that visualization into a visit. Wildcats-in-waiting should check out the video … then book an impressive, immersive campus tour through the Admissions Office!

The Financial Aid Office at Pennsylvania College of Technology is offering its resources to help current and future college students and their families complete the 2022-23 Free Application for Federal Student Aid.

Colleges and universities require the FAFSA to determine student eligibility for federal and state grants, federal loans, and some scholarships. Penn College is hosting a free FAFSA completion workshop to facilitate the online application process.

The session is scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 22, from 4:30-7 p.m. in Room 202 of the college’s Madigan Library. One-on-one assistance in the Financial Aid Office is also available via appointment. Registration is required for both options.

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Excitement was in the air (along with a few snow showers) as Penn College welcomed more than 175 prospective students and their guests for the first Open House of the Spring 2022 semester on Friday. Visitors were given ample opportunity for campuswide exploration – starting with an Admissions presentation and tours of up to two academic areas, with optional room to check out other points of interest (including residence halls, dining units and The College Store). Online registration is open for the season’s remaining Open House dates: Saturday, Feb. 5; Friday, Feb. 25; Saturday, March 19; Sunday, April 3; and Friday, April 22.

Jen M. Cullin-Hetrick has been appointed associate director of admissions at Pennsylvania College of Technology.

Previously, Cullin-Hetrick had been coordinator of admissions events and communications and an admissions counselor at Penn College. Prior to that, she served as a membership recruiter for the Girl Scouts in the Heart of Pennsylvania, Harrisburg.

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Penn College unveiled its “reimagined” Open House format on Friday, kicking off a series of fall visitation opportunities designed to guide potential enrollees as they explore their college options. The day featured an introductory admissions presentation, followed by academic tours and a wide-ranging menu of elective activities. “Our new Open Houses are the perfect way to visit campus year-round,” said Jen M. Cullin-Hetrick, coordinator of admissions events and communications. “Prospective students can tour up to two academic areas before exploring the rest of what we have to offer. Whether they are just starting the college search process or they’re enrolling this spring, they can truly make the day theirs.” Additional Fall Open Houses – following a model built on feedback from campus partners and prospective students – will be hosted Sunday, Sept. 26; Friday, Oct. 8; Saturday, Oct. 23; Saturday, Nov. 6; and Friday, Nov. 19.

Disability & Access Resources (formerly Disability Services) has relocated to the Bush Campus Center, Suite 202.

Students with documented disabilities can rely on the office to explore and facilitate reasonable accommodations, academic adjustments, and/or auxiliary aids and services. Those anticipating the need for accommodations, both before and after enrollment, are encouraged to email or call 570-320-5225.

The office relocation also includes a testing center, in which eligible students can request to take exams with accommodations.

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Presidential Student Ambassador Lauryn A. Stauffer is your effusive and illuminating guide to Pennsylvania College of Technology in a newly launched video produced by Public Relations & Marketing. Loaded with fresh footage of renovated labs and popular campus hang spots, the comprehensive tour takes you through main campus, down the road to the Lumley Aviation Center and over the mountain to the Schneebeli Earth Science Center.

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