Penn State Student Affairs hosts Student Engagement Carnival

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. – On Monday, starting at 11 a.m., Penn State Student Affairs hosted the Student Engagement Carnival as a part of Engagement Week. The event took place in the HUB building and lasted until 2 p.m.

This event was an opportunity for students to play carnival-like games to learn more about how the student engagement network can influence an engagement journey while being a student at Penn State.

The carnival promoted the student engagement app, clubs, organizations, study abroad programs as well as other ways to get involved on campus.

I spoke with student Karli Sutton, who was helping run the tables, and she told me a little about how being engaged can influence a student's college experience.

“Getting engaged out of the classroom is really beneficial for students to make connections, to make friends, and just quality of life overall. You don’t want to be stuck just doing school all day every day.”

Getting engaged allows students a creative and social outlet to ensure mental health and physical health are prioritized over academics.

I was also able to talk to Karli about some of the opportunities she has taken advantage of as a way to stay engaged.

“I actually had the chance to study abroad twice. I went to New Zealand and Antarctica, so those were two really cool engagement opportunities. I am also a global engineering fellow, so I promote study abroad programs to other students as well.”

Upcoming events through the Student Engagement Network include expo presentations and performances that will take place on Wednesday, Nov. 13, from 5:30–8:30 p.m. in the Freeman Auditorium and various areas near the Engagement Space.

Another event is, Get Connected at the Resource Fair on Thursday, Nov. 14, from 11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. in the lounges near the Pollock Road entrance.

Hannah Neurohr is a third-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact her, email hmn5264@psu.edu.