Starting next fall, students transferring to University Park from Commonwealth Campuses will have access to CD-ROMs designed to help them with the transition.
The Council of Commonwealth Student Governments (CCSG) has headed up the creation of the CD over the past year.
Currently, transferring students receive an orientation similar to that for freshmen.
Drew Lavenberg, CCSG executive assistant, said the orientation is insufficient because it does not address issues specific to University Park.
He added that it includes unnecessary information, such as how to use eLion.
"[Students] have not gotten the needed information," he said.
CCSG Vice President Kevin D'Ausilio said the CD would feature three major sections: student life, academics and housing.
The student life section will feature information on student organizations, intramural sports and State College public transportation.
The academic section will address major requirements and provide university contact information.
While the housing section is still being developed, CCSG plans to include information about rates and availability for both on- and off-campus housing.
D'Ausilio said the Web site links on the CD would keep the information up to date.
Student governments will provide input about the CDs before they will be available for students to view from the campus's CCSG branch.
CCSG is also looking into creating an orientation session for change-of-assignment students designed to accompany the CD.
Both D'Ausilio and Lavenberg said CCSG plans to hand over the project to administration to ensure the changes continue, even when positions change in the student governments. Lavenberg said he hoped CCSG would still act as an advisory group to help relay students' input to the administration.
Some students believe a new program is necessary for those moving to University Park.
"They really didn't give us a heads up on anything. We were just flying by the seat of our pants," said Billida Simpson (senior-telecommunications), who transferred from Hazleton Campus. "I agree there should be a separate program for [change-of-assignment students]."
Other students said they haven't had trouble moving to University Park.
"I don't think I had any problems making the transition," Josh Grosser (senior-computer science) said.
Josh Kagan (junior-political science) feels it was easier to begin at a branch campus. "At the smaller campus it was easier to get comfortable," he said.
