UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The Engagement Space, the first major initiative of the new Student Engagement Network, opened its doors on Monday, Oct. 9, on the first floor of the HUB-Robeson Center.

Designed to promote engagement experiences outside of the classroom, the Engagement Space supports the mission of the Student Engagement Network, a University-wide enterprise that encourages all Penn State students to discover pathways of participation, network with others, and activate their compassion to help solve contemporary world issues.

The launch of the Engagement Space represents the first of a multi-phased project to give students a place and opportunity to explore, plan and obtain successful experiential learning opportunities that will empower them to grow beyond the classroom.

Engagement experiences cover a variety of opportunities, including artistic creation and performance, civic engagement, co-ops, internships, leadership and participation in student organizations, service learning, study abroad, undergraduate research and volunteer work, among others.

“The Engagement Space pulls together the incredible array of opportunities offered to Penn State students and connects them to local, regional and global communities," said Mike Zemen, director of the Student Engagement Network. "Data from the SEN Grant program survey shows that students who participate in engagement activities use their academic knowledge to improve the lives of others, gain a greater understanding of different cultural perspectives and worldviews, and spend more time working in teams leading and motivating others."

In the space, Student Engagement Network interns will help fellow students find opportunities to broaden their learning experiences, work with faculty and staff to explain how they can become involved with student engagement, and explain the value of engagement to the wider Penn State community. 

“We hope that students will find inspiration from their peers and the stories they see to help them identify pathways on their own journey,” said Zeman.

The kickoff of the Engagement Space is just the beginning of the initiative. To help in this research and design phase, students are requested to offer their input through an online survey available soon. The results of the survey will determine future features and functions of the Engagement Space.

The Engagement Space will be open to the public in the HUB-Robeson Center from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday.

For more information about the Engagement Space, contact the Student Engagement Network at engage@psu.edu.