Find Your Community

Although Penn State is a huge university, you can find your community whether through offices housed in Student Affairs, other offices at Penn State, or the many student organizations.

Penn State is dedicated to supporting every member of its community with opportunities, resources, and support in order to ensure a positive and welcoming environment. Furthermore, Penn State is continually adding new programs and resources in response to many socio-cultural issues that are evolving daily. The list of resources provided below offers a brief overview of services that are available, but you are encouraged to seek out student groups and other opportunities that can support you during your time as a Penn State student.

 

Student Affairs

An excellent place to begin exploring activities and resources to support and enhance your experience is by visiting the Student Affairs website Links to an external site..  Student Affairs provides a variety of activities to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of how you can be healthy, prepared, and successful as a Penn State student. While all of these resources are accessible through the main link provided above, direct links to each service category have been provided below for quick access.

 

Multicultural Resources and Programming

Penn State supports its many multi-cultural communities with programs and services that encourage the appreciation of diverse perspectives, experiences, and cultures.  

The Paul Robeson Cultural Center

The Paul Robeson Cultural Center (PRCC), which is a part of Student Affairs, provides a more specific subset of resources. The goal of the PRCC is to celebrate the diversity that surrounds us in its many forms and perspectives. A quality educational experience should help you learn about the world around you and to see the value that diversity brings, in addition to preparing you for a successful career. To achieve this, you need to engage in experiences that allow you to gain insight into values and cultures that are different from your own.

The Paul Robeson Cultural Center website Links to an external site. will provide you with information on the following resources:

  • Multicultural Resources and programming
  • Paul Robeson Cultural Center Programs
  • Blueprint Mentoring Program
  • Getting Involved
  • Space and Facility Rentals

Sexual and Gender Diversity on Campus

Penn State works to foster an open, safer, and inclusive environment for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning, queer, and asexual students at Penn State.

Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity

The Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity Links to an external site. (CSGD) provides a comprehensive range of education, information, and advocacy services to students, faculty, staff, and alumni. They work to create and maintain an open, safer, and inclusive environment honoring gender and sexual diversity. Through educational, social, and supportive programming, along with workshops and individual consultation, the Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity strives to serve the entire Penn State community. Their staff is eager to support you on your journey through Penn State!

Through a framework centered on social justice, the Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity seeks to explore systems of oppression as they relate to those navigating diverse genders and sexualities. Using a holistic approach to student development, exploring the intersections of identities, and honoring the experiences of historically marginalized communities, they strive to provide resources, advocacy, and outreach, a global education, and engagement across the campuses.

 

Adult Learner and Veteran Community

We know our non-traditional students have some unique challenges. We have many resources to support you and ensure you have a great Penn State experience. Single adults, student parents, and veterans all belong and thrive at Penn State.

Adult Student Learner Programs and Services

If you're an adult beginning your graduate career while working or raising a family, we provide a network of support throughout your educational journey. If you need assistance with admissions, child care, financial aid, housing, registration, Penn State policies or procedures, help finding a tutor, or a quiet space to study, we can point you in the appropriate direction and connect you with university or community resources. We invite you to explore the resources available from Adult Student Learner Programs and Services Links to an external site. in Student Affairs.

Office of Veterans Programs

Penn State is proud to have veterans as members of our student community. The Office of Veterans Programs Links to an external site. provides a wide array of services from assistance in navigating education benefits offered by the Department of Veterans Affairs to services in the areas of outreach, certification, mentorship, and general counseling.

 

Religious/Spiritual Community

Penn State has students from many different backgrounds and faith traditions. We offer a welcoming environment for you to practice or explore your faith in an open-minded setting while promoting appreciation and respect for religious and spiritual diversity.

The Center for Spiritual and Ethical Development

The Center for Spiritual and Ethical Development aims to provide a safe space where you can worship, pray, meditate, and explore your religious/spiritual paths and participate in cultural and diverse programming and activities. This welcoming, inclusive facility hosts a variety of belief systems.

We encourage you to explore the many community-building activities, events, and educational programs and take advantage of the safe spaces that the Center for Spiritual and Ethical Development provides. The Center can also help you find local houses of worship and religious/spiritual student organizations on your campus.

For more information about Penn State’s religious/spiritual community, visit the Center for Spiritual and Ethical Development Links to an external site. website.