Student Services

Because success is achieved with

a little support along the way

The College of the Liberal Arts is a supportive community that values meaningful, long-term relationships to help students thrive—both during their time at Penn State and beyond. Our Student Services offices connect students with the resources, guidance, and opportunities they need to succeed and are centrally located on campus.

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Academic Advising

Academic Advising supports student success through a combination of in-person and virtual advising meetings. Students are encouraged to meet with their adviser at least once a semester to discuss courses, degree progress, education abroad, and more. Students can also meet with a peer adviser or the academic recovery specialist.

Academic Scholarships

Academic scholarships are a key piece to college affordability. Thanks to the generosity of our Liberal Arts alumni and donors, the College of the Liberal Arts offers need-based scholarships for students with at least one Liberal Arts undergraduate major enrolled at Penn State University Park.

Career Enrichment Network

The Career Enrichment Network is a resource for Liberal Arts students looking for career-readiness, international, and professional development activities. Students can meet with a career coach to discuss internships, education abroad, research, the Liberal Arts Alumni Mentor Program, and more!

The Career Enrichment Network has opened my eyes to many opportunities that have empowered me to explore and engage in my college career through career paths, study abroad opportunities, funding and resume building.

Christina Hughes

Chaiken Center for Student Success

The Chaiken Center for Student Success connects and guides students to the right resources and support they need—when they need it—in their academic journey. The Chaiken Center is a built-in community designed specifically for Liberal Arts students to connect to peers, support staff, and others providing resource information and friendly networking opportunities crucial to their college success.

Office of Equity, Inclusion, and Diversity

The Office of Equity, Inclusion, and Diversity supports the success of the traditionally underrepresented students in higher education. The office serves as a collaborative link with other University partners to support student success. The office helps students get involved through student organizations, research opportunities, education abroad experiences, and more.

Paterno Fellows Program

The Paterno Fellows Program is an innovative program offered jointly by the College of the Liberal Arts and Schreyer Honors College that encourages students to challenge themselves academically and distinguish themselves in areas traditionally associated with the liberal arts—ethics, service, and leadership; excellence in communication; and intercultural awareness.

Chaiken CenterFirst-Gen

Milan Dukes

’26

Psychology

Media Studies (minor)

Sports Studies (minor)

Psychology

Media Studies (minor)

Sports Studies (minor)

Through First-Gen Advocates, which is within the Penn State Chaiken Center, Milan supported her peers and contributed to programming that expands resources for first-generation students. Her own challenges motivated her to create spaces where others feel supported and seen, she said.

Chaiken CenterStudent Organizations

Abby Fusaro

’26

Criminology

Psychology (minor)

Criminology

Psychology (minor)

As co-founder and president of the Liberal Arts Chaiken Center Pre-Law Group, Abby helps build a space where students interested in pursuing law can find guidance, resources and community. “We saw an opportunity to create more peer-to-peer connection for students interested in law. There’s a lot to learn about the path, and having a space where students can share information and support each other has been really valuable.”

Chaiken CenterFirst-Gen

Ashley Carmona

’26

Criminology

The support Ashley has received as a first-gen student has influenced how she approaches her leadership roles. This includes support from the Chaiken Center for Student Success along with a variety of first-generation initiatives across the college.

Chaiken CenterChaiken ScholarFirst-Gen

Camren Boyogueno

’26

Psychology

Biology (minor)

Psychology

Biology (minor)

First-generation student Camren found “a mentor who felt like family,” and a community that would shape her Penn State journey at the Liberal Arts Chaiken Center for Student Success. She was paired with peer mentor Kaisha Garvin-Darby (’24 Psychology), who shared her academic and career interests.

Chaiken CenterChaiken ScholarFirst-Gen

Delany Moreno

’26

Criminology

Political Science (minor)

Sociology (minor)

Criminology

Political Science (minor)

Sociology (minor)

The transition from Delany’s hometown in Allentown, Pennsylvania, to college was not easy as a first-generation college student. “You’re the first for everything — the first to figure out the future for your family and beyond.” Delany’s turning point came when she visited a Liberal Arts peer adviser and heard about the Liberal Arts Chaiken Center for Student Success. Facing financial uncertainty, she connected with center Director Patty Klug, who introduced her to the Chaiken Scholars program and other resources.

Campus LeaderChaiken CenterMentoringMentorship

Jasmin Tanner

’26

Global and International Studies

World Literature (minor)

Global and International Studies

World Literature (minor)

Jasmin started at Penn State Altoona before transferring to University Park as a second-year student. Together with Patty Klug, Jasmin created the “change-of-campus lead mentor” role at the Liberal Arts Chaiken Center. In this position, Jasmin has been given the opportunity to build the initial framework and foundation of the position and work to develop the mentorship, support and resources. She advocates for more resources on behalf of her peers to ensure other first-gen and change-of-campus students aren’t left to navigate campus alone.

Academics

Admissions

Academics

Funding

Beyond the Classroom

Professional Development