University Faculty Senate Policy 34-81 requires each student to "be registered for the course during the semester in which [its] requirements are completed and the grade or symbol must be assigned at the end of that semester." Among a variety of considerations, this Senate policy recognizes and is intended to comply with United States Department of Education Title IV regulations.

Penn State courses occasionally involve travel or other activities that cannot take place during the semester boundaries in which the course is offered. In line with University Faculty Senate policy and the Office of the Executive Vice President and Provost:

• Penn State courses are term-based and therefore must fall wholly within the semester dates established by the university for the fall, spring and summer terms. This will apply to all courses that have previously bridged semesters and will not be limited to those that carry a post-semester travel component.
• When coursework, including but not limited to travel, will occur after the close of a semester, an additional course must be offered during the term in which the extended activity occurs. Course credit for the initial course and for the subsequent course must reflect the content of each course. The approval of new courses that cover extended travel or activities, and amendments to existing courses that prepare students for the extended activities, are subject to University Faculty Senate course approval policies and procedures.