The Pennsylvania State University
Construction Standards

Welcome to the Design and Construction Standards Home Page!

We invite you to review the information included at this site.

This Web Site is designed to serve as a database of standards and guidelines for new construction and renovation projects. The use of this site is primarily intended for architects, engineers and contractors performing work for the University. Architects and Engineers may be referred to as the Professional. This site is broken down into five (5) main components:

• Forms
• Professional Agreements
• Front End Specifications
• Submittal Requirements
• Design Standards - All locations, except where alternate Hershey Standards exist
  • Hershey Architectural & Design Standards
  • Hershey MEP
Starting March 1, 2007, all construction firms performing work at the Milton S. Hershey Medical Center must have their project managers and superintendents ASHE Healthcare Construction Certified.

This online version of our Construction Standards is displayed for your convenience and hard copies are available by request. A hard copy of Penn State's Standards Manual is available for $200.00 per year by contacting Kathy Poissant at (814) 863-3346 to subscribe.

Penn State has set up purchasing contracts with many area vendors. These vendors offer a quality product, a high level of support service, product warranties, and have a proven history as a valued supplier. Our vendor contracts allow materials to be purchased at reduced costs. The University requires the Professional specify only FF&E materials offered through these purchasing contracts. The Professional may request in writing any exceptions to the above requirements. These exceptions must be submitted to the Project Manager, and will be reviewed by OPP and Penn State Purchasing Services.

In addition Professionals are encouraged when practical to specify other materials offered by the Penn State purchasing contracts. Contractor's desiring to use Penn State's pricing should reference the Penn State project number or Purchase Order number on orders. See Penn State's Vendor Contracts web site for companies currently under contract with Penn State. Please contact the purchasing agent listed for the category of materials, if unsure how to use the contract number, and to confirm availability of the contract.

In addition, the University has identified buildings having improper cross-connections between the sanitary and storm drainage systems. Design Professionals are responsible for addressing these conditions and making legal connections to the drainage systems. If a building you are working on is on this list, contact Steve Weyandt, Penn State Environmental Engineer, for further information. Steve may be reached at scw15@opp.psu.edu.

This information will be updated regularly with latest revision dates indicated.