UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State’s Office of Educational Equity will welcome faculty, staff, students, alumni and community members to its second annual Fall Open House on Thursday, Oct. 1, at Penn State University Park.
The event will offer participants an inside look at the people, programs and services advancing student access, belonging and success across Penn State. Guests will meet Educational Equity staff, leadership and students; tour several offices; and learn how they can access resources, refer students and collaborate with Educational Equity.
Participants should register using the Educational Equity Fall Open House form and indicate their preferred session. Registration is requested by Friday, Sept. 25, so organizers can finalize tour groups and session arrangements, and more information about location will be shared on registration.
Held one day before the Black Alumni Reunion, the open house also provides returning alumni with an opportunity to reconnect with Educational Equity and see how its programs continue to support Penn State students.
“We are excited to open our doors and welcome colleagues and community members into our spaces to meet our students and staff, learn more about our work, and explore opportunities to collaborate in support of student success,” said Seria Chatters, interim vice provost for Educational Equity. “To the alumni joining us as they return for the Black Alumni Reunion, we simply say: Welcome home. We look forward to reconnecting with you and sharing how Educational Equity continues to serve students and strengthen the Penn State community.”
Two opportunities to participate
To accommodate participants’ schedules, the open house will offer two sessions:
- Morning session: 9 to 11 a.m.
- Afternoon session: 1 to 3 p.m.
Those who require an accommodation to participate should include that information when registering or contact the Office of Educational Equity.
Each session will begin with a welcome and introduction from Chatters, followed by an overview of the Talent Search and Upward Bound programs. Participants will then take a walking tour featuring the following Educational Equity offices:
- Student Disability Resources
- Office of Scholars Programs
- Learning, Engagement and Partnerships
- Office of Veterans Programs
Faculty and staff can learn how to connect students with resources, request consultations and participate in workshops. Students can discover programs and services designed to support their Penn State experience. Alumni and community members can explore opportunities to reconnect, collaborate and support students.
“Faculty and staff play a vital role in connecting students with resources and raising awareness,” said Leslie Pearson, assistant director of Learning, Engagement and Partnerships in Educational Equity. “The open house also gives them an opportunity to learn how they can work with us. From reaching out for a consultation to signing up for a workshop, there are plenty of ways for staff and faculty to stay in touch."
Building on last year’s success
The inaugural Educational Equity Fall Open House welcomed 55 Penn Staters and community members. Participants met the people behind Educational Equity’s programs, gained a better understanding of available resources and developed connections across offices and the broader University community.
This year’s event will build on that momentum by creating additional opportunities for conversation, partnership and engagement.