1. Who is a senior?
A senior is any student graduating in May, August, or December of the current academic year. For example, a student graduating in May, August, or December of 2010 is a member of the Class of 2010 and is represented by the 2010 Senior Class Gift.
2.What is my general deposit?
• Upon admission to Penn State, all degree-seeking students are required to make a general deposit of $100. This deposit serves to safeguard the property and equipment used by students in their work and is held until graduation.
• It only covers unpaid charges applied to the student account, such as Health Services charges, fitness passes, and printing charges. Parking tickets are not covered by the general deposit.
• The funds in your deposit that are not used for these fees can be allocated toward your Senior Class Gift. Any questions about your general deposit may be directed the Office of the Bursar, 865-6528.
3. How can I make a gift?
You can choose to make your gift through your general deposit online at our Schreyer Institute site or via credit card at www.GiveNow.psu.edu, at one of the many Senior Class Gift events throughout the year, or through monthly update e-mails that are sent to all seniors.
4. Do I have to pledge all of my deposit?
No, you can pledge half or any portion of your deposit. Gifts of any size help make the Senior Class Gift program a success!
5. Can I give my money to another program at Penn State?
You may pledge to any Penn State college, campus, program or student organization. Just note your choice in the marked “other” when pledging online. The only areas you cannot give to are social fraternities and sororities.
6. How many students support the Senior Class Gift?
Roughly 30% of undergraduates, or 3,000 students, pledge all or a portion of their general deposit to support the class gift program. Their average gift is nearly $80!
7. When will the money be removed from my account?
The money is not removed until after you graduate. The Office of the Bursar removes any fees before we complete your gift so you can be assured that your gift will only come out of the funds remaining in your deposit. Within 6-8 weeks after graduation, you will receive a thank you letter.
8. What happens if there isn't enough money left in my deposit?
If the remainder of your deposit is less than your gift, you will not be required to make up the difference. After you graduate, you will receive a letter thanking you for your pledge and letting you know that the remaining balance in your deposit was used toward your gift. However, you can make future contributions toward the gift at any time.
9. Will my deposit automatically be returned to me if I don’t pledge?
Yes, if you do not pledge your deposit to the Senior Class Gift, any remaining money will be returned to you via check to your home address roughly 6-8 weeks after you graduate.
Not finding what you're looking for? E-mail Jordan Ford, Senior Class Gift advisor, at jaf378@psu.edu or call 814-863-3935.