College of Earth and Mineral Sciences

GENERAL INFORMATION GUIDE FOR POSTDOCTORAL SCHOLARS/FELLOWS

Please contact Patty McCartney, at PHT1@ems.psu.edu or 865-2431, for information on Getting Started.

GETTING STARTED (you will need the following):

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Travel	Helpful Penn State Resources	Department Stores
Mail	Legal and Emergency Numbers	Specialty Stores
Telephone	About Penn State	Bookstores
Employee Assistance Program	State College Weather	Coffeehouses
Eating on Campus	Setting Up House	Life in the University Community
Public Library	State College Living	The Short Hiker
Penn State Recycles	Public Utilities	Smoking Statement
Important Phone Numbers:	Furniture
Phone Utilities	Shopping in State College
Driving & Transportation	Food Markets/Grocery Stores

KEYS
Your department will set the guidelines regarding the issuance of keys.  After being notified by your departmental contact person that your keys are ready, you may pick them up where directed.  You must take a photo ID with you when you pick up your keys. 

You are solely responsible for your keys.  There is a fee for all replacement keys.

Please remember to keep your office locked at all times when you are away.
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US BANK ACCOUNT
If you are receiving funding from Penn State, your paycheck will be directly deposited into a bank account on the last working day of the month.  You must have a US checking or savings account for this to be done.  You will need to complete a salary deposit form (see your departmental contact person) and attach either a voided check (a blank, unsigned check, with checking account number on it, and "VOID" written on it) or a savings deposit slip to the salary deposit form.  Please return this paperwork to your departmental contact person.

The Penn State Federal Credit Union has an office located in suite 102 of the HUB-Robeson Center.  You may open a checking and/or savings account at this location.  You must have a social security number to open an account.  There are several Automatic Teller Machines (ATM) on campus representing several different banks.  These ATMs are located on the lower level of the HUB-Robeson Center.  You can get an ATM card when opening a checking and/or saving account.

For a complete listing of banks in State College, please see the Yellow Pages in the local phone directory.
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COMPUTER ACCOUNT
You may request an Access Account from the Information Technology Services account office (ITS).  The user ID and password assigned to you will enable you to connect to the ITS information server in order to use electronic mail and Internet services.  You will need to complete an Access Account Application form to obtain this computer account.  Please see your departmental contact person to obtain the Access Account Application form.

After your application has been approved by your department, you may forward the completed form to the Computer Accounts Office at 230 Computer Building.  To obtain your Access Account user ID and password, please allow three business days for processing.  You may then present your photo ID to ITS staff at the Computer Accounts office located at 230 Computer Building.

Your department may also require you to obtain a departmental computer account.  Please see your departmental contact person for more information regarding this.
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PAYROLL PAPERWORK/TAXES
If you are receiving funding from Penn State, you will need to complete an Employee's Withholding Allowance Certificate W-4 form (obtain from your departmental contact person).  This must be completed even if you qualify for certain tax exemptions.  You will also need to obtain a social security card.  The Social Security Office is located at 901 University Drive, Suite 2, telephone (238-5035).

Because of the complexity of US tax laws and because these laws vary from one individual to another, please see the following IRS web site.

IRS WEB SITE: http://www.irs.ustreas.gov/

You may also contact the Penn State Payroll Office at (865-7621) or see their web site at: http://guru.psu.edu/central/index.cfm.  Click on Payroll.  Feel free to contact the Payroll Office (865-7621) for further information regarding taxes.

If you qualify for certain tax exemptions, please stop by the Penn State Payroll Office located at 307 Rider Building, 120 South Burrowes Street.
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PENN STATE IDENTIFICATION CARD (This is also your Library Card).
To obtain your Penn State ID Plus Card, your departmental contact person will give you an application form.  You need to take this form to the ID Plus Office located at 103 HUB-Robeson Center.  Please take a photo ID (passport, driver's license) with you.  Your photograph will be taken and placed on this card along with an ID number.

You may use this card to check books out of the University Libraries.  The main University Libraries are called Pattee and Paterno Library.  Please see your campus map for exact locations.  Individual departments may also have their own library.  Please see your departmental contact person for more information on departmental libraries.

This card can also be used for identification purposes at the University.  For example, you can present this card when using the University gym facilities.  You may also link your identification card with your bank account; see www.idcard.psu.edu for further information.
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HEALTH INSURANCE
If you are a postdoctoral scholar/fellow, you can enroll in the University's health insurance program regardless of whether or not you are receiving funding from Penn State.  The health insurance premiums will be automatically deducted from your paycheck.  The premiums offered through the University are at a much lower rate than what you would pay outside of Penn State.

Most postdoctoral scholars/fellows find that the insurance offered at Penn State is sufficient coverage for themselves and their eligible spouses/children.  It is also the least expensive.

Your departmental contact person will provide you with all the necessary paperwork to enroll in this insurance.  Several weeks after you have enrolled, you should receive an insurance card in the mail.  If you do not receive this card within four weeks of enrolling, please contact Employee Benefits (865-1473).

You will be given a booklet at the time of enrollment which contains health care provider names in the surrounding areas.  You must choose one of these participating providers so that your medical expenses will be covered by your health insurance.  You will need to contact one of these providers and ask them if they are accepting new patients.  If they are accepting new patients, this physician can become your Primary Care Provider (PCP), and you can include his/her name on your insurance enrollment form.

If you would like additional information regarding your health insurance options, please refer to the Post Doctoral website at http://www.postdoctoral.psu.edu.  The monthly cost of your benefits will be automatically deducted from your paychecks unless you have an adjunct appointment.  If you have an adjunct appointment, you will need to pay for your insurance in full at the time your adjunct appointment is processed.

Please note that as a postdoctoral scholar you do not qualify for the benefits provided by the Family Medical Leave Act.
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TRANSPORTATION/PARKING
Vehicle :  For information on obtaining a Pennsylvania Driver's License, please contact the PA Department of Transportation in Pleasant Gap, PA, telephone (814) 355-6033.  Licensing/Notary services are available at Tri-County Tag Service located at 1376 East College Avenue, telephone (814) 237-2957.

If you own a vehicle, you will need to obtain a parking permit to park it on campus.  If you are a postdoctoral scholar or a visiting faculty member, you will need to go to the Parking Office in the Eisenhower Parking Deck.  Visiting faculty members may go to the Dean's Office 116 Deike Building to obtain a parking pass.  You will need to have your driver's license, license plate number and make and model of vehicle(s) you plan to drive on campus.

Bikes :  All bikes must be registered.  This can be done at any Kiosk center located around campus.  The closest one is located at the Eisenhower Auditorium.

Bus :  Please see the Centre Area Transit Authority (CATA) bus schedule included in your Welcome Packet or check out the Centre Area Transit Authority's web site: http://catabus.com/.  Mass Transit passes are also available to postdocs for a monthly fee of $5 available through payroll deduction.  For further information on mass transit passes or to obtain a mass transit pass, please contact the Parking Office at the Eisenhower Deck, 865-1436 or 865-1437.

Walking :  Maps that show distance and time for walking around campus have been included in your Welcome Packet.  For a complete listing of campus maps, please see the following URL:  http://www.gouldcenter.psu.edu/visguide/maps/.
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TRAVEL
ALL travel arrangements which will be paid for by University funds MUST be made through your department.  There are several travel agencies in town that are Penn State Contract Travel Agents.  These agents are authorized by the University to direct-bill travel expenses.  You MUST use one of these certified agents if you are seeking reimbursement from University funds.  For a complete listing of certified University travel agents, please see your departmental contact person or see PSU's Travel Services web site at http://guru.sp.psu.edu/central/travel/home.html.  The airport destination code for the airport in State College is SCE.

After making the travel reservation, you must request that the travel agent fax to your departmental contact person a copy of the itinerary.  The departmental contact person will then prepare the direct bill form.  The tickets will be delivered to your office address unless they are electronic tickets.  While traveling, please keep all ORIGINAL receipts for those expenses for which you will seek reimbursement.  You must give the ORIGINAL air passenger receipt to your departmental contact person, even though it is being directly billed.  They will then processs a travel expense form for your reimbursement.

Please remember when making reservations that there is sometimes a charge for changing a reservation.  If you are unsure about making travel arrangements, please feel free to let your departmental contact person know well in advance of your scheduled departure date, and they will be happy to assist you.

If you are a nonresident of the United States, it is essential that you contact International Scholars and Faculty Visa Services (ISFVS) at Penn State (865-0423) before traveling outside the US.
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MAIL
The charge for mailing a domestic, standard size business envelope weighing 1 ounce (31 grams) or less is $0.37.  There is a post office on campus located beside the HUB-Robeson Center, which is the student union.  You can purchase stamps and mail large parcels there.  The main branch of the State College Post Office is located at 237 South Fraser Street.  Tax forms for preparing annual tax returns can also be obtained at this location.

If you have a letter or parcel which needs to be express mailed, please check with your departmental contact person for the fastest, most cost-efficient method of mailing.
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TELEPHONE
Individuals are encouraged to obtain calling cards for use in making personal toll calls from University locations.  However, if it is an emergency and you must make a personal toll phone call, you are expected to reimburse the University for the charge incurred.

Your departmental/laboratory supervisor will set the guidelines for the use of phones in your area.  Phones may be restricted in their use to local calls only in some departments.  Some departments may prohibit long-distance calls within the US or international calls.

To place a phone call on campus, you need to dial only the last five digits of the number.  Example:  If the phone number is 863-0000, you need to dial 3-0000.

To place a local phone call off campus, dial 8 to get an outside line and then the seven digit number.  Example:  If the phone number is (814) 867-0000, you need to dial 8-867-0000.  The area code for the State College area is 814.  You do not need to dial the area code before the seven digit number if the area code is 814.

To place a long distance phone call off campus to anywhere in Canada or the US, you need to dial 8, 1, the area code and the number.  Example:  If the phone number is (123) 456-7890, you need to dial 8-1-123-456-7890.

To place international phone calls, you need to dial 8, and then 011 (the international access code) and the number.  Example:  If the phone number is 12 12345678, you need to dial 8-011-12-12345678.

Please remember that you dial the "8" only when you are on campus.  You do not need to use it when making calls from your home.

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EMERGENCY number for Police, Ambulance and Fire is 911 for on-campus and off-campus locations.  When dialing 911 on campus, you do not need to dial the "8" before the three-digit number.
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EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
Sometimes the hardest part of facing life's challenges is knowing where to turn for help.  This is what the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) at Penn State is for.  Please feel free to contact EAP when a life situation regarding work or your personal life affects your well-being.  EAP can be reached by contacting 1-800-858-2778.  All EAP inquiries are treated with the strictest of confidence.
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EATING ON CAMPUS
The HUB-Robeson Center
The Creamery at 12 Borland Lab
Otto's in Kern Graduate Building
Cafe Laura at 101 Mateer Building
The Nittany Lion Inn on Park Avenue
Cafe Reese in IST Building

For a complete guide to State College restaurants, please see State College's web site or the Yellow Pages in the local phone directory.

State College web site:  http://www.statecollege.com
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PUBLIC LIBRARY
Schlow Memorial Library is the public library in State College located at 118 S. Fraser Street, telephone (237-6236).  You need to apply for a library card at Schlow Memorial Library in order to check books out.  You cannot use your Penn State ID card.  Tax forms for preparing annual tax returns can be obtained at this location.
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PENN STATE RECYCLES
Please place all mixed office paper in the designated trash receptacle located in each office.  Aluminum cans are also recyclable and can be placed in the white barrel located in the departmental hallways.

Paper bags, press board or paper board cartons, pizza boxes, paper towels, and all plastic items are not recyclable.

If you have any questions, please contact the Penn State Recycling Hotline at (865-8000).  Thanks for your cooperation!
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IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS
Whether you're trying to get a Pennsylvania driver's license, a long-distance phone calling card, or having problems with a landlord, these numbers are sure to make life a little easier for you.  Help is only a phone call away.  If you're looking for a number that is not listed below, please contact your departmental contact person.

PHONE UTILITIES

DRIVING & TRANSPORTATION

HELPFUL PENN STATE RESOURCES

LEGAL AND EMERGENCY NUMBERS

ABOUT PENN STATE
You are part of a very diverse population at Penn State.

Approximately 80,787 students are enrolled (41,050 enrolled at University Park); the balance are enrolled at the Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Penn State Harrisburg , or one of the 24 other Penn State campus locations.

Over 2,800 international students from 118 countries are enrolled at Penn State.

Penn State University Park Campus is located in the town of State College.  It is in a predominantly rural, agricultural setting.  The community of State College itself has a non-University population of 29,000.

Washington, D.C., the nation's capital, is a 4-5 hour drive to the southeast.  New York City is about a 5-6 hour drive to the northeast.  The two largest cities in Pennsylvania, Philadelphia to the east and Pittsburgh to the west, are each about a 3-4 hour drive from University Park.
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STATE COLLEGE WEATHER
The Pennsylvania climate is typical of a temperate zone, with marked seasonal variations in temperature and precipitation.  Within each season, the weather may be quite changeable.

Fall:   (mid-September through mid-November) days are often warm and sunny; nights are cool; temperatures are from 60F (15 celcius) in the daytime, down to 32F (0 celcius) at night.

Winter:  (December through March) continuous cold weather with an occasional warmer day; temperatures of about 32F to below 0F (0 to -20 celcius); snow, sometimes deep, is possible anytime.

Spring:   (April through May) increasing warm, sunny days.  Temperatures can reach 60F (15 celcius).

Summer:   (June to mid-September) temperatures average from 70-90F (25-35 celcius).
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SETTING UP HOUSE
Check the local newspaper ( Centre Daily Times - "CDT", http://www.centredaily.com/guide ) and the University newspaper ( The Collegian ) and also be sure to see the State College realty web site which lists rental properties at http://www.statecollege.com/realestate/.

Collect all the information that you can; you will then be on your own to find housing that suits your individual needs.

Make sure that you make the necessary arrangements to have your utilities connected.  Also remember that you may need to make arrangements to have the utilities disconnected when you move out.  Please check the guidelines stipulated on the lease and with the property manager in this regard.
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EMERGENCY (ALL EMERGENCIES) Bellefonte/State College and nearby communities

AMBULANCE                            FIRE                                         POLICE

9-1-1 Or Dial " 0 " (Operator) - Voice Only Stay on the line.  Give the Operator the street and community where help is needed.

STATE COLLEGE LIVING

Public Utilities for the State College Area

FURNITURE

Below are a few places to start looking for furniture.

Wal-Mart (two locations)	373 Benner Pike	235-9306
	1665 North Atherton Place	237-8401
O.W. Houts	W. College Ave & Buckhout Street	238-6701
Furniture Exchange	522 East College Avenue	238-1181
Room Doctor	274 Reese Road	234-1660
	1199 East College Avenue	234-1660
Goodwill Industries	221 South Allen Street	237-8006
PSU Salvage/Surplus	Bigler Road Extension	865-4371
Centre Daily Times	State College Newspaper Look in Classified Section under Merchandise/Furniture.	http://www.centredaily.com/guide
Bargain Sheet	Local Sales Paper distributed weekly.  Found free at local merchants and grocery stores.

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SHOPPING IN STATE COLLEGE

Food Markets/Grocery Stores

DEPARTMENT STORES

BOOKSTORES

COFFEEHOUSES

LIFE IN THE UNIVERSITY COMMUNITY

Penn State is located in one of the friendliest towns in the Northeast.  The University and the adjacent community of State College are situated in Happy Valley , 1,200 feet above sea level, nestled among the scenic forest ridges of the Appalachians.  The campus, known as University Park, and State College provide an exceptional combination of cultural offerings and research facilities; the area is noted throughout the East for its excellent outdoor recreational opportunities.

State College is a modern community with a population of seventy thousand.  The University and the State College community offer cultural advantages ordinarily found in large metropolitan centers.  The University sponsors an excellent performing arts series, which presents distinguished musicians, nationally known symphony and chamber orchestras, ballet performances, plays and movies.  Various groups sponsor noted entertainers on campus; University orchestras, choirs, and other groups give regular performances; and many art exhibits are held throughout the year.  The week-long Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts, which attracts craftspeople and performers from around the country, is held in State College each July.  The cities of Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, New York, Baltimore, and Washington, D.C., are within reasonable driving distance (approximately four hours), and are served by nonstop flights from the modern University Park airport.

Moviegoers can choose from among films shown in several town or on-campus theatres.  For live theatre, the University Resident Theatre Company is active during the academic year, while Pennsylvania Centre Stage features professional actors during the summer.  A theatre (housed in a remodeled barn) in nearby Boalsburg presents amateur performances for two months each summer.

Penn State, which is one of the Big Ten Universities, is well known for its outstanding athletic program.  Sports events ranging from football, wrestling, gymnastics, and basketball to lacrosse, field hockey and fencing provide year-round entertainment.

The opportunities for recreation and outdoor activities in the area are plentiful.  Facilities for active sports enthusiasts include many miles of scenic trails for jogging, biking and cross-country skiing.  The famous Appalachian Trail is only an hour-and-a-half's drive from University Park Campus.

Numerous indoor and outdoor tennis courts, as well as handball and squash courts, are available on campus.  Several exercise clubs and health facilities are located on campus and in State College.  Adjacent to the campuses are the University's two eighteen-hole public golf courses, and three other private courses are located nearby.  Swimming facilites on campus include a natatorium for indoor swimming and an outdoor olympic-sized pool.  State College has two outdoor pools, and many of the larger apartment complexes have pools.

The area surrounding the University is also rich with opportunities for outdoor recreation.  A University-administered park and eight state parks are situated in the forested ridges and valleys within an hour's drive of the University.  These offer excellent swimming, hiking, climbing, cave exploration, camping, picnicking, sailing, canoeing, and fishing.  A ski area is located on the edge of town, and several major ski areas are within a two- or three-hour drive from campus.
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WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE STATE COLLEGE ON FOOT?
The Short Hiker is a guide book that takes the reader on a tour of short hikes and nature walks in the middle of Penn's Woods.  The 1-5 mile trails are all within 50 miles of State College (less than a one-hour drive, no more than three hours walking time).  You can purchase this book at most of the local bookstores.  The Short Hiker by Jean Aron.
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SMOKING IS PROHIBITED IN ALL UNIVERSITY FACILITIES.
It is the intent of the Smoking Policy to promote a more healthful environment for all members of the Penn State University community at all locations and to protect the health of nonsmokers.  Thank you for your cooperation.
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The College of Earth and Mineral Sciences
The Pennsylvania State University © 2002
U.Ed.# EMS 02-17

Penn State is committed to affirmative action, equal opportunity, and the diversity of its workforce. This site is maintained by the Office of the Dean, College of Earth and Mineral Sciences. Please contact webmaster@ems.psu.edu if you have questions about this site. Last updated July 15, 2003.