UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State World Campus is hosting a series of in-person and virtual events to welcome students to the fall 2024 semester.
The scheduled programming aims to build a sense of community and belonging among Penn State World Campus students wherever they may be studying.
Kicking off the fall semester
Fall 2024 begins with themed weeks of programming, each highlighting different opportunities to interact with fellow Penn Staters, as well as explore Penn State resources available to students.
The first week preceded the beginning of the fall semester with “Gear Up for Success Week” (Aug. 19), which focused on tips and advice from current students. Topics included resources, technology, and developing a work, school, and life balance.
The first day of courses for Penn State students is Aug. 26, which starts “Welcome Week, Bright Beginnings.” Students can participate in a time management workshop and entertainment programming like “Penn State Friendly Feud,” a virtual competition game.
As the first week jitters ease, students can participate in activities during “Connect and Engage Week” during the week of Sept. 2. Student Affairs officials encourage Penn Staters to explore involvement opportunities during the World Campus Virtual Involvement Fair or Networking Night.
The final theme week starts on Sept. 9 celebrating “Together, We Are!” Students can explore affinity groups and learn how Penn State’s infamous “We Are!” chant came to be.
Marly Doty, Penn State World Campus Student Affairs director, said building a community enhances the student experience.
“Students tend to persist at higher rates when they make a positive connection within the first few weeks of the semester. Organizing around a theme packages programs for students in an engaging way,” Doty said. “We hope to see lots of students at these virtual programs.”
Celebrating Homecoming
For the fourth year, Penn State World Campus will recognize students, alumni, faculty, and staff on its own homecoming court. This year’s theme is “In Every Roar, Tradition Soars.”
Homecoming Week is scheduled for Sept. 22-28, culminating in a home football game against the University of Illinois.
Penn State World Campus students will hold a ceremony to honor the 2024 court in the Outreach Building at the University Park campus that will be streamed online. To learn more information or get involved, visit the Penn State World Campus Homecoming Committee website.
Conference, new student organizations expand opportunities for engagement
Penn State World Campus will host a Student Leadership Summit on Oct. 29. The virtual event is open to all Penn State students. Registration will be announced later this fall.
This semester, Penn State World Campus welcomes two new groups, which join the more than 20 student-led organizations.
Craft for Causes members will create homemade crafts to donate to charities in students’ local communities. The Biobehavioral Health Society gathers students with interest in the biobehavioral health academic program for further conversation and topic exploration.
Penn State World Campus is hosting a weekly series of social gatherings. Thursday Night Live kicked off Aug. 22 with Bingo and Penn State Friendly Feud the following week (Aug. 29). Students interested in career information can attend the monthly Career Services presentation, offered on the first Tuesday of each month.
A Penn State education online
Penn State World Campus has been offering a Penn State education online since 1998 and has a comprehensive selection of more than 200 undergraduate and graduate degree and certificate programs.
World Campus students can be a part of the Penn State community through a variety of involvement opportunities offered online and in-person at the University Park campus.
Visit the Penn State World Campus Student Center to view the full calendar of fall 2024 events.