Liberal Arts Welcome Week takes place at the start of each fall, spring, and summer semester. Through events and programming geared toward all Liberal Arts students, it provides an opportunity for students across our majors to not only learn about valuable resources in the college but to also get to know other members of the Penn State Liberal Arts community.
Getting support during the first week of classes
- Your assigned academic adviser has drop-ins from 9:00–11:30 a.m. and 1:30–3:30 p.m. in their respective offices.
- Peer advisers are available from 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. every day in 102 Sparks Building.
Summer 2024 Welcome Week
New Student Welcome
Tuesday, June 25, 1:00–3:00 p.m., 121 Sparks Building
All incoming first-year Liberal Arts undergraduate students are invited to attend the summer 2024 New Student Welcome to meet and hear from our faculty, staff, and current students.
Welcome Meeting
1:00–1:45 p.m.
121 Sparks Building
Resource Fair
1:45–2:45 p.m.
Pattee Mall
All new students who are starting during Summer Session II are expected to attend.
Fall 2024 Welcome Week
Drop-In Academic Advising
Monday, August 21–Friday, August 25
9:00–11:30 a.m. and 1:30–3:30 p.m.
There will be no scheduled Academic Advising appointments during the first week of classes. Instead, students can stop by their adviser’s office for a fifteen-minute meeting to ask a quick question about courses for the fall semester. The meetings will happen on a first come, first served basis.
New Student Welcome
Sunday, August 25, 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Alumni Hall, HUB-Robeson Center
All incoming first-year, change-of-campus, and transfer Liberal Arts undergraduate students are invited to attend the fall 2024 New Student Welcome to meet and hear from our faculty, staff, and current students.
First-Year Lecture
Wednesday, September 4, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
Foster Auditorium, 102 Paterno Library
A. K. Sandoval-Strausz, professor of history, will present the first-year lecture, which relates to the college’s Moments of Change: Immigration, Identity, and Citizenship theme.
This event is co-sponsored by University Libraries.
Peer Advising Office Hours
Monday–Friday. 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
102 Sparks Building
Peer advisers are current students in the College of the Liberal Arts who are trained to help new students adjust to college life, explore opportunities for social and academic engagement, and find ways to connect to the college and to peers. Peer advisers also work with upper-division students to address a variety of academic and other concerns.
Peer Success Coaching Office Hours
Monday–Thursday, 11:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m. and Friday, 11:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
138 Sparks Building or Virtual Appointment
Students can meet with a peer success coach through the Chaiken Center for Student Success to receive help navigating college and University resources. Peer success coaches provide personalized action plans on topics such as goal setting, motivational techniques, stress management, studying strategies, time management, and more. Sign up in Starfish to meet with a peer success coach!
Undergraduate Festival
Wednesday, September 4, 12:30–2:30 p.m.
Pattee Mall
Explore the forty-nine majors, fifty-three minors, and six Student Services offices in the College of the Liberal Arts. Enjoy fresh popcorn and delicious Berkey Creamery ice cream, prize giveaways, basket raffles, selfies to share on social media, and more! The Career Enrichment Network will also host a mock career fair.
Drop-In or Pop-In Career Support
Every Wednesday beginning August 30, 1:00–4:00 p.m.
101 Sparks Building or Zoom
Not sure if your résumé is as competitive as it can be? Want some help with your job or internship search? Not even sure where to start? Liberal Arts Career Enrichment Network career coaches will be available for fifteen-minute sessions to help you in your career development.
Career Kickoff Week
Join us for Career Kickoff Week, where you’ll gain essential tools and insights to jump-start your professional journey. Participate in hands-on workshops on leveraging LinkedIn, get a free headshot, network with alumni and support staff, explore our Alumni Mentor Program, and more. Don’t miss this opportunity to kick-start your career with valuable resources and connections!
These events are provided by the Liberal Arts Career Enrichment Network. Please email lanetwork@psu.edu or call 814-865-1070 with questions.
Liberal Arts After-Party
Continue the excitement of the Undergraduate Festival with a deeper dive into your Liberal Arts support network! Join us for an evening of networking, engaging information sessions with Student Services, and valuable insights from alumni leaders. Connect, learn, and enjoy refreshments as you explore opportunities and build your Liberal Arts community.
New Student Welcome
Sunday, August 25
11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Alumni Hall, HUB-Robeson Center
All incoming first-year, change-of-campus, and transfer Liberal Arts undergraduate students are invited to attend the New Student Welcome to meet and hear from our faculty, staff, and current students.
Leverage LinkedIn Workshop and Headshots
Tuesday, September 3
Workshop
Noon–12:45 p.m.
124 Sparks Building or Zoom
Did you know that 87 percent of recruiters use LinkedIn to source and vet job candidates? Another 41 percent have said they may not interview a candidate if they can’t find them online. LinkedIn is a great professional resource to market yourself for opportunities in your career field of interest. Learn how to set up and optimize your LinkedIn profile by personalizing your personal brand, growing your professional support network, and maximizing your LinkedIn to market your skills, abilities, and experience.
Headshots
1:00–4:00 p.m.
133 Sparks Building
Drop by to have your free professional headshot taken by CommAgency!
Undergraduate Festival
Wednesday, September 4
12:30–2:30 p.m.
Pattee Mall
Explore the forty-nine majors, fifty-three minors, and six Student Services offices in the College of the Liberal Arts. Enjoy free snacks, prize giveaways, raffles, and more as you learn all about the liberal arts at Penn State.
First-Year Lecture
Wednesday, September 4
2:30–3:20 p.m.
Foster Auditorium, 102 Paterno Library
A. K. Sandoval-Strausz, professor of history, will present “Immigration and the Making of the Nation: Thinking about Borders in 1924 and 2024,” which relates to the college’s Moments of Change: Immigration, Identity, and Citizenship theme.
This event is co-sponsored by University Libraries.
Change-of-Campus Student Welcome
Wednesday, September 4
4:30–6:30 p.m.
138 Sparks Building
Get to know fellow change-of-campus students and learn about the resources and support networks available to you at Penn State.
Paterno Fellows Program Information
Session and Networking
Wednesday, September 4
5:30–6:30 p.m.
121 Sparks Building
Discover the benefits of the Paterno Fellows Program and connect with current Fellows and faculty. The Aspirants orientation will start at 5:30 p.m., followed by the Fellows orientation at 6:00 p.m.
Liberal Arts Meet and Eat
Wednesday, September 4
5:00–7:00 p.m.
Sparks Building Lobby
Explore valuable resources while enjoying pizza and snacks, and network with students, alumni, and support staff from several of our Student Services offices and our First-Generation Committee.
Alumni Mentor Program Info Session
Wednesday, September 4
6:30–7:30 p.m.
121 Sparks Building
Learn how you can connect with Penn State Liberal Arts alumni who provide advice and guidance about careers, academics, and professional development!
Apply to the Liberal Arts Alumni Mentor Program by Friday, September 27!
Crack the Code: Mastering the Case Interview
Thursday, September 5
Noon–12:45 p.m.
124 Sparks Building or Zoom
Join us for a special presentation on mastering the case interview, tailored specifically for Liberal Arts undergraduates interested in a consulting career. Penn State alumnus Jason Hunt, a consultant at Accenture, will share his insights and strategies to help you excel in this critical aspect of the job search process within the consulting field. This event is a unique opportunity to learn directly from a professional in the field and enhance your interview skills. In-person attendees will also enjoy a complimentary lunch from Panera Bread.