Making a Campus Change

After you take into account all of the considerations it takes to make a campus change, you must take action to ensure you are eligible for a campus change and that your request is submitted in a timely manner. We recommend that you take action before your course enrollment date for the upcoming semester.

If you are changing campus to University Park

  1. Schedule a meeting to meet with your academic adviser through Starfish. Your academic adviser will ensure you are meeting the requirements for a change-of-campus approval. This includes meeting the criteria for entrance into your intended major.
  2. Take action in LionPATH. This is a two-step process:
    • When you have met the criteria for entrance into your intended major, submit your Update Academics request. In most instances, a campus change will not be approved to University Park if you are in pre-major.
    • Once approved for your intended major, confirm your desire to change campuses using the Update Campus function. 

If you are changing campus to another Commonwealth campus

  1. Schedule a meeting to meet with your academic adviser through Starfish. Confirm with your adviser if you need to declare your major prior to making the campus change request. In some instances, you may change to another Commonwealth Campus while in pre-major status.
  2. Take action in LionPATH. This is a two-step process:
    • If your academic adviser confirms you need to declare your major and you have met the criteria for entrance into your intended major, submit your Update Academics request.
    • Confirm your desire to change campuses using the Update Campus function

Some Additional Change-of-Campus Notes

  • You must submit your Update Academics request before you submit your Update Campus request if you are changing campus to University Park. If you submit your Update Campus request before your Update Academics request is approved, your request will be denied.
  • When your Update Academics request is approved, there is a chance that your assigned academic adviser may disappear in LionPATH. Be sure to follow-up with the same academic adviser you have been working with if this occurs.
  • These steps are typically taken during your second year at Penn State. If you are making an early or temporary change of campus, please click here for more information.
  • Change-of-campus requests are approved or denied by the college of your intended major. Therefore, it is important you consult with your current academic adviser to ensure you are meeting all necessary requirements for a request approval. 

Need additional support?

The Student Orientation and Transition Programs (SOTP) team at University Park is here to support students navigating the change‑of‑campus process—whether you are planning to transition to University Park from a Commonwealth Campus or are exploring a move between Commonwealth Campuses.

While the team does not provide academic advising, they can help you understand how the change‑of‑campus process works, answer general questions, and guide you toward the appropriate resources that can further assist you.

For support, please email changeofcampus@psu.edu. The SOTP team is ready to help you throughout your transition.