FISE House - First year In Science and Engineering

First-year students in the Eberly College of Science, the College of Engineering, or the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences may choose to reside in FISE House. FISE is a part of the Pennypacker Experience and focuses efforts on the needs of first-year students in adjusting to college and encouraging greater awareness of multiculturalism that reflects our society at large. Resident Assistants and Program Assistants work to create a close-knit environment and provide a variety of educational and social programs that bring residents together.

The Eberly College of Science is one of ten colleges on this campus and offers courses and degree programs in the basic sciences at all levels, ranging from baccalaureate through doctorate. At the undergraduate level, we offer programs

in the physical sciences (Astronomy and Astrophysics, Chemistry, Physics), the mathematical sciences (Mathematics, Statistics), and the biological sciences (Biology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, Microbiology) as well as programs of an interdisciplinary nature that unify many of these areas (Science, Premedicine, Forensic Science, Science BS/MBA). You will find descriptions of these courses under the heading Academic Programs.

FISE House provides access to a rich educational experience that will motivate and enable all of our students to seek the highest levels of intellectual achievement and personal growth. The programs offered to students provide opportunities to develop effective study skills, to learn time management, and to explore extracurricular opportunities across campus. Students are also encouraged to take advantage of in-house tutoring of foundation courses (Calculus, Physics, and Chemistry) and mentoring services. These activities and other programming activities are designed to facilitate a smooth and successful transition into the college environment.

Science students must indicate their interest in FISE on their Housing Contract and complete the application.

What is FISE house?

The First Year in Science and Engineering (FISE) House is the scholastic house for first year students in science and engineering majors In FISE you can meet people who have similar interests, talents, and life plans. Located in Pennypacker Hall (in East Halls), FISE is sponsored by the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences, the College of Engineering, Eberly College of Science, the Office of Residence Life, and the Penn State Space Grant Consortium.

Living in FISE house is one experience you'll never regret or forget!
If you are planning an engineering or science major, join us in FISE!

Why Choose FISE?

You're ALL First Year Students - Living in a residence hall filled with people who are experiencing Penn State for the first time just like you is fun! It's a community of scholars your own age who are sharing the same discoveries and challenges.
It's Co-Ed and Multicultural - Pennypacker Hall is a co-ed residence hall with alternating floors for women and men that recruits students from a variety of backgrounds and life experiences. Through living with a wide range of people from various ethnicities, locations, and races, you learn to live and work together - just like in the real world.

Program Assistants Are There to Help You - Better known as PA's, the Program Assistants are provided for Pennypacker Hall ONLY! These upper level students serve as activity coordinators, tutors, mentors, and friends. They plan all kinds of activities such as academic help sessions, hikes up Mount Nittany, corporate visits, plant tours, dining with professors, pizza parties and games. They are there to help make your first year experience at Penn State the best, and they do a good job of it!

You're ALL in Similar Classes - Living with people who are interested in the same types of majors can make life a lot easier. You take similar classes so it is easy to find study groups. Working in groups is one of the biggest keys to success in college. Having the help and support you need at hand makes it that much easier to succeed

You Have Your Own In-House Tutors - Individual or group tutoring is offered in Pennypacker Hall in most first year math and science courses. The tutors come to your own residence hall, so you don't have to travel anywhere to receive help (a big plus in the winter!!).

You're in East Halls - Pennypacker is located in East Halls, close to Beaver Stadium and the Bryce Jordan Center (good for sports and concerts), right across from the Natatorium and outdoor pool, just down the street from the Creamery, and next to Findlay/Johnston Commons, the best and newest commons on campus. The Commons is its own mini-mall with a branch of the Penn State Bookstore, a convenience store, a pizza/sub place, a bagel/coffee shop, a yogurt place, two cafeterias, a game room, study lounges, and a computer lab. The Commons also houses the medical suite, residence life offices, and mailboxes for all of East Halls.

How do I apply?

FISE House has limited space, so apply early. Applicants must demonstrate the desire to live and learn in a scholarly environment and a commitment to being a part of a diverse community. Selection is based on the FISE application, high school performance, and acceptance into a technical college.

Application to FISE House is a two-step process:

1. Make FISE House your preference on your Housing and Food Services Contract by marking"special option" as your first preference, Pennypacker Hall as your residence hall preference, and FISE House, as your special living option.

2. Complete and submit the form with essay. Each college has a different application procedure for FISE House. Be sure to complete this step: Applicants are nominated primarily by their respective college; students who apply only through housing are automatically lower on the applicant list.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

Who do I contact?

Contact one of the following colleges:

College of Earth and Mineral Sciences
ATTN: FISE House
14 Deike Bldg.
Penn State University
University Park, Pa 16802
Phone: 814-863-2751
Fax: 814-863-7708
or e-mail cff1@psu.edu

College of Engineering
Office of Student Services
208 Hammond Bldg.
Penn State University
University Park, PA 16802
Phone: 800-848-9223
Fax: 814-863-7496
or e-mail undergradhousing@engr.psu.edu

Eberly College of Science
ATTN: FISE House
428 Thomas Bldg.
Penn State University
University Park, PA 16802
Phone: 814-863-0284
Fax: 814-863-1003
or e-mail imo1@psu.edu

This page is maintained by Ida O'Donald: imo1@psu.edu, (814) 863-0285
Eberly College of Science, 428 Thomas Building, University Park, PA 16802-2112

This page was last updated on 13 August 2007

If you would like to communicate with the keepers of the Eberly College of Science Web server, send electronic mail to: science-web@science.psu.edu
Technology Webmaster: Brian Broking < brb10@psu.edu >
Content Webmaster: Barbara Kennedy < science@psu.edu >