UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State will replace its current Undergraduate Bulletin with a new web-based, academic catalog-management-system solution in March. The Undergraduate Bulletin is the University’s comprehensive source for undergraduate academic information and program requirements.
The new platform will improve the accuracy, functionality and maintenance capabilities of Bulletin information as it will now align with University-wide academic and student information-system improvements, including a regular sync with LionPATH to ensure consistent course information across systems.
Highlights of the new platform include improved search functions on the site’s main landing page and throughout the Bulletin; a new layout of program information; the use of a keystone symbol to indicate General Education courses; and basic introductions of academic fields to help exploratory and prospective students learn more about various disciplines. In addition, a "Changes" page will track program-requirement updates in real-time and amendments will be incorporated into the Undergraduate Bulletin website at the end of every semester.
“Updating the bulletins to a more intuitive and flexible system will contribute significantly to the ease with which students can explore and take an active role in their education to achieve their academic goals,” said Rob Pangborn, vice president and dean for Undergraduate Education and executive co-sponsor of the Bulletin project. “For students, the system offers enhanced mobile features and filtering options through engaging design and a user-friendly interface. Faculty and staff will see increased precision, efficiency and sustainability in curriculum management processes.”
Leading the transition to the new University Bulletin is the Bulletins Steering Committee which is co-chaired by Alan Rieck, assistant vice president and assistant dean for Undergraduate Education, and Robert Kubat, assistant vice president for Undergraduate Education and the University registrar. Members of the committee, as well as the Bulletins Implementation Team, include representatives from faculty and staff from across Penn State administrative units and colleges.
Following the launch of the Undergraduate Bulletin, work will commence on the Graduate, Penn State Law, Dickinson Law and College of Medicine Bulletins.
For news and updates, visit the Bulletins Project website at sites.psu.edu/bulletinupdate. Questions can be directed to bulletins@psu.edu.