Liberal Arts Welcome Week takes place at the start of each 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.
Get support before and during the first week of classes.
August 18–20:
- Drop-in advising is available 1:30–3:30 p.m. virtually. Quick questions only—no full schedule planning. First come, first served.
August 24–28:
- Meet with a Liberal Arts Adviser from 9:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m. virtually or in 220 Pond Lab. Quick questions only—no full schedule planning.
- Peer advisers are available daily 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. in 119 Sparks Building
Starting September 1:
- Drop-in advising is available 1:30–3:30 p.m. virtually or in 220 Pond Lab on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Quick questions only—no full schedule planning. You can also make an appointment with your assigned adviser in Starfish for a 30-minute virtual or in-person meeting to discuss long-term planning.
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 23
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.
Drop-In Career Support
Wednesday, August 26
1:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.
Liberal Arts Career Enrichment Network, 101 Sparks Building
Liberal Arts Career Enrichment Network Career Coaches will be available for fifteen-minute meetings to help you in your career development!
Graduate School Search Support Group
Wednesday, August 26
4:30 p.m.–5:15 p.m.
101A Old Botany Building
These small-group sessions provide guided support, accountability, and peer connection in a relaxed setting.
Undergraduate Festival
Wednesday, September 3
12:30–2:30 p.m.
Pattee Mall
Explore all that the College of the Liberal Arts has to offer—forty-nine majors, fifty-three minors, and six Student Services offices—all in one place! Enjoy free snacks, giveaways, and raffles while you connect with departments and resources across the college. Don’t forget to join the chalk art competition for a chance to win prize money!
Drop-In Career Support
Wednesday, September 2
1:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.
Liberal Arts Career Enrichment Network, 101 Sparks Building
Liberal Arts Career Enrichment Network Career Coaches will be available for fifteen-minute meetings to help you in your career development!
Drop-In Career Support
Wednesday, September 9
1:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.
Liberal Arts Career Enrichment Network, 101 Sparks Building
Liberal Arts Career Enrichment Network Career Coaches will be available for fifteen-minute meetings to help you in your career development!
Virtual Employer Lunch and Learn: Target
Thursday, September 4
12:15–1:00 p.m.
Virtual | Register here (Penn State login required)
Looking to grow your leadership skills and explore internship opportunities? Join recruiters from Target and the Liberal Arts Career Enrichment Network for an engaging virtual session where you’ll learn about their Store Executive Leadership Internship and other exciting roles. Whether you’re a first-year, second-year, or third-year, this is a great chance to explore how you can build a strong foundation in business leadership with one of the nation’s most recognizable brands. You’ll also hear insights into Target’s dynamic workplace culture, get advice from real recruiters, and have the chance to ask your own questions. Bring your lunch and your curiosity. Target is ready to meet you!
First-Year Lecture
Thursday, September 4
1:30–3:00 p.m.
Foster Auditorium
Communication, the Key to Resolving Fragmentation and Building Community in Precarious Times
Kirt H. Wilson, associate professor and head of the Department of Communication Arts and Sciences, will explore how communication shapes our lives, our identities, and our relationships.
Communication, he argues, is one of the most essential but taken-for-granted human activities, from one-on-one conversations to group discussions and even cross-cultural exchanges. Wilson shows in his lecture how listening, thinking, and sharing ideas can keep a community connected, even when people disagree or see the world differently.
In a time when divisions feel sharper than ever before and real differences of opinion persist, it’s important to create spaces where open conversations can happen and people feel free to change their minds. Penn State—and especially the College of the Liberal Arts—is one of those spaces, but keeping it that way takes everyone’s effort.
This event is co-sponsored by Liberal Arts Ambassadors, Liberal Arts Undergraduate Council, and Minorities in the College of the Liberal Arts.
Change-of-Campus Student Welcome
Tuesday, September 9
4:00–6:00 p.m.
220 Pond Building
Get to know fellow change of campus students and learn about the resources and support available to you at Penn State. This event is sponsored by Academic Advising and the Liberal Arts Chaiken Center for Student Success. At this event you can:
- Locate your assigned academic adviser’s office
- Learn how to schedule and check into advising appointments
- Meet staff from our Student Services offices
- Connect with other change-of-campus students
- Enjoy free food, lawn games, and more!
Drop-In Career Support
Wednesday, September 10
1:00–4:00 p.m.
Liberal Arts Career Enrichment Network, 101 Sparks Building
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? The Liberal Arts Career Enrichment Network Career Coaches will be available for fifteen-minute meetings to help you in your career development! Learn more.
First-Gen Open House
Thursday, September 11
5:00–7:00 p.m.
Liberal Arts Chaiken Center for Student Success, 138 Sparks Building
Mingle with other first-gen students, explore the resources and support available to you, learn more about our First-Generation Committee, and enjoy Raising Canes.
Liberal Arts Student Employer Reception
Wednesday, September 17
4:30–6:30 p.m.
Gene and Roz Chaiken Lobby, F102 Welch Building
The Liberal Arts Student Employer Reception offers a relaxed setting for students and employers to continue conversations after the career fair. Sponsored by the Liberal Arts Career Enrichment Network, this event gives students a chance to build deeper connections with recruiters who value their broad skill sets and diverse perspectives. Enjoy light refreshments while networking in an informal, engaging atmosphere.
Résumé Review Day
Monday, September 15
9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Liberal Arts Career Enrichment Network, 101 Sparks Building
Whether you need to start your résumé from scratch, or want to make it more competitive for the career fair, we are here for you! The Liberal Arts Career Enrichment Network career coaches will be available for fifteen-minute sessions to review your résumé.
Drop-In Career Support
Wednesday, September 17
1:00–4:00 p.m.
Liberal Arts Career Enrichment Network, 101 Sparks Building
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? The Liberal Arts Career Enrichment Network career coaches will be available for fifteen-minute meetings to help you in your career development!
Virtual Employer Lunch and Learn: ArtBound Initiative
Thursday, September 18
12:15–1:00 p.m.
Virtual | Register here (Penn State login required)
Are you looking for a creative internship? Join the Liberal Arts Career Enrichment Network’s Lunch and Learn to learn about the ArtBound Initiative program, which offers internships in leading creative hubs (New York, Chicago, Los Angeles), professional career coaching and networking events, and more! Explore opportunities in advertising and communications, design, fashion, entertainment and media, fashion, fine arts, and more!
Don’t miss this chance to kickstart your career in the creative industry. Register now to secure your spot! Bring your lunch and your questions!
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.
Your journey at Penn State University Park begins with a warm welcome from the dean of the College of the Liberal Arts and student leaders from our college-level student organizations. Begin building your support network from day one by connecting with current students and professional staff, getting answers to last-minute questions, and preparing for a successful semester. Enjoy snacks, giveaways, and lively conversation in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere—and leave feeling confident, connected, and ready to start classes.
These small-group sessions provide guided support, accountability, and peer connection in a relaxed setting.
The Graduate School Search Support Group meets every other Wednesday this fall (August 26, September 9, 23, October 7, 21, November 4, 18, December 9, excluding the week of Thanksgiving Break).
For students interested in continuing their education, this group focuses on the graduate school search process. Topics may include:
- Identifying programs aligned with academic and career goals
- Researching schools, deadlines, and admission requirements
- Preparing personal statements and application materials
- Requesting letters of recommendation
- Discussing funding, assistantships, and next steps
No registration is required. All interested students welcome. Light snacks provided.
This event is sponsored by the Liberal Arts Career Enrichment Network. Questions? Contact lanetwork@psu.edu.
Second-year students are invited to our group coaching series this fall! Liberal Arts Career Coaches will help you move from self-discovery to clear next steps through reflection, peer discussion, and action planning.
Week 1: Discover Your Direction
Identify interests, strengths, and values and connect them to possible career directions.
This event is provided by the Liberal Arts Career Enrichment Network. If you have questions, please contact lanetwork@psu.edu.
Get a free professional headshot to elevate your LinkedIn profile and professional brand! Liberal Arts students are invited to stop by the Sparks Building Lobby between 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 2 to have their photo taken—no appointment necessary.
This event is provided by the Liberal Arts Career Enrichment Network. If you have questions, please contact lanetwork@psu.edu or 814-865-1070.
Join us as we celebrate ten years of the Liberal Arts Undergraduate Festival and explore everything the College of the Liberal Arts has to offer—all in one place! Connect with academic departments, Student Services offices, and student organizations from across the college while enjoying free snacks, giveaways, and raffles.
Get to know fellow change-of-campus students and learn about the resources and support available to you at Penn State.
- Locate your assigned academic adviser’s office
- Learn how to schedule and check into advising appointments
- Meet staff from our Student Services offices
- Connect with other change-of-campus students
- Enjoy free food, lawn games, and more!
These small-group sessions provide guided support, accountability, and peer connection in a relaxed setting.
The Job Search Support Group meets every other Wednesday this fall (September 2, 16, 30, October 14, 28, November 11, December 2, 16, excluding the week of Thanksgiving Break).
For students pursuing employment after graduation, this group offers support for navigating the job search. Topics may include:
- Exploring career options for liberal arts majors
- Building a resume and cover letter
- Searching for internships and entry-level roles
- Preparing for interviews
- Networking and using career resources effectively
No registration is required. All interested students welcome. Light snacks provided.
This event is sponsored by the Liberal Arts Career Enrichment Network. Questions? Contact lanetwork@psu.edu.
Get connected with a Liberal Arts alumni who can help guide your career path, offer professional insights, and support your personal growth!
Join us for an information session about the Liberal Arts Alumni Mentor Program to learn how you can:
- Be matched with a dedicated alumni mentor
- Get career advice and professional development support
- Build meaningful networking connections
Bring your questions! We’ll cover everything you need to know to apply and make the most of the program!
Open to Liberal Arts undergraduate students interested in joining the 2026–2027 cohort of the Alumni Mentor Program
This event is provided by the Liberal Arts Career Enrichment Network. If you have questions, please contact lanetwork@psu.edu or 814-865-1070.
The annual Liberal Arts First-Year Lecture will be given by Matthew Restall, Edwin Erle Sparks Professor of Colonial Latin American History, Anthropology, and Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies.
Second-year students are invited to our group coaching series this fall! Liberal Arts Career Coaches will help you move from self-discovery to clear next steps through reflection, peer discussion, and action planning.
Week 2: Build Your Career Foundation
Turn self-awareness into practical career goals and a simple action plan for the semester.
This event is provided by the Liberal Arts Career Enrichment Network. If you have questions, please contact lanetwork@psu.edu.
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 meetings to help you in your career development!
What to expect?
Visit the Career Enrichment Network in 101 Sparks Building between 1:00—4:00 p.m. You will be asked to sign in and will then be assigned the next available Liberal Arts Career Coach. You will have up to 15 minutes to share your résumé or cover letter for review, ask general career guidance questions, review the resources of the Career Enrichment Network, or even learn how to schedule a future career coaching appointment.
This event is sponsored by the Liberal Arts Career Enrichment Network.