As the start of an ongoing project to modernize University processes, the LionPATH Development and Maintenance Organization (LDMO), in collaboration with various University offices, has released new functionality in the LionPATH student information system that will allow for the replacement of paper forms and manual processes with digital solutions. The new forms will expedite the submission and handling of information for critical student processes, including scheduling doctoral exams, issuing letters of certification, and managing student confidentiality requests.
“With the launch of our LionPATH forms project, we seek to modernize and improve many outdated, manual processes in an effort to streamline the student experience, as well as bring a significant savings to the administrative offices we serve, in terms of time and manpower,” said Misty Patcyk, director of LDMO.
For example, the newly released Letter of Certification Form allows students to request an official letter from the Graduate School verifying either the student’s degree completion prior to degree conferral, or the passing of either the doctoral comprehensive or final examination.
Students send these letters to a variety of individuals, including sponsors, potential employers, governmental agencies, etc. Prior to the electronic form being released, the letters were requested via paper form that had to be printed out, signed and then submitted to the candidate’s graduate program for signature, Graduate Enrollment Services for processing and, finally, the senior associate dean of the Graduate School for an official signature. The LionPATH form request process and workflow now allow for an efficient – and contactless – request and process, especially vital during the current COVID-19 pandemic.
In addition to the Letter of Certification Form, two additional forms are part of the initial Forms Project roll-out: the Doctoral Examination Request Form and the Request to Withhold Directory Information (FERPA) Form.
The Doctoral Examination Form replaces the current paper form and is used by graduate programs to request that an official doctoral comprehensive or final examination be permitted to take place. This form aligns with Graduate Council policies 606, 607, 700-F, and 700-G. The Doctoral Examination Request Form is initiated by the graduate student’s program, reviewed by the Director of Graduate Studies or Professor-In-Charge, and then reviewed by Graduate Enrollment Services. Approved examination requests result in updates to the appropriate student milestones in LionPATH, indicating the date, time, and location for which the exam has been requested.
The Request to Withhold Directory Information (FERPA) Form replaces the existing paper process for students to request to withhold or release directory information (related to FERPA/confidentiality) and is submitted to the Office of the University Registrar. Students are advised to review the result of submitting this form. More information on Penn State's direction is available at https://www.registrar.psu.edu/confidentiality/directory-information.cfm.
LionPATH is the student information system that supports student-related administrative processes of the University including admissions, registration, grade reporting, billing, financial aid disbursement, and graduation. A phased roll-out of the system began in August of 2015 and was completed on January 31, 2017. The LionPATH Development and Maintenance Organization (LDMO) supports system operations and handles enhancements as well as other system changes. The LDMO works in close collaboration with the LionPATH Governance Committee and key functional offices from across the University.
These forms are just the first of many to be rolled out over the coming months as the LDMO strives to best serve the Penn State community. The student-initiated forms mentioned above can be accessed from the LionPATH Student Home Base. Faculty and Staff with security access can utilize the Main Menu > PSU Forms Dashboard navigation. For more information, visit lionpathsupport.psu.edu.