First Year Seminar:
This is a required course designed to ease the transition from high school to college. The small size of the seminars allows for more discussion in class, interaction with the professor, and attention to writing skills. In addition to fulfilling the University’s first year seminar requirement, each three-credit seminar fulfills a general education requirement in either the humanities or social and behavioral sciences.
Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE):
A grassroots student movement is sweeping the world. Active on more than 1,000 college and university campuses in more than 20 countries, it is positive. With the energy and enthusiasm to change the world, the students are passionate. SIFE students value the idea of seizing their opportunities and making a difference. They aren't afraid to roll up their sleeves and get involved. Through a collaborative effort between business and education, SIFE Teams improve the quality of life and the standard of living around the world by teaching the principles of market
economics, entrepreneurship, business ethics and personal financial success.
Multicultural Programs and Activities:
Penn State Behrend sponsors a variety of activities which promote the exploration of the richness of the human experience. From the arts to current social issues, the College utilizes a variety of programming methods to encourage a dialog on differences in a respectful environment. Highlights of the College's efforts include:
Speaker Series
A two-time winner of the National Association for Campus Activities' Best Lecture Series Award, the Penn State Behrend Speaker Series brings nationally-recognized speakers to campus to both educate and entertain students, faculty and staff on a multitude of current issues. Past speakers have included Dr. Benjamin Hooks, Rev. Ralph Abernathy, Shirley Chilsolm, Julian Bond, Maya Angelou, Vice President Dan Quayle, the Honorable Alan Page, Gloria Steinem, Jesse Jackson, Juan Williams, and George Stephanopoulos, among others. All Speaker Series events are free and open to the public. Students have the opportunity to serve as hosts for speakers and/or attend a dinner prior to the program.
Feminist Scholars Speaker Series
This series brings cutting-edge leaders in feminist thought to campus to discuss issues ranging from reproductive case law to depictions of new female heroines through the use of children's literature. Past speakers in this series have included Emily Arnold McCully, Dr. Constance Coiner, and Dr. Ruth Hubbard.
Cultural and Performing Arts Series
The Cultural and Performing Arts Series is a colorful series which brings with it hours of lively and interesting entertainment. The
performances in this series give true meaning to the word 'diverse' as they have ranged from comedy and music to drama and visual storytelling. Past performers have included Cecilia's Circle, Heath Allen/Post-Hip, Troy Thirdgill, All-American Dixieland Band, and Shanta.
Film Series
Penn State Behrend hosts several film series which are closely associated with special observations and celebrations. This year,
the Women's Film Series and International Film Series will focus on world cultures and gender issues. Both series feature internationally renowned artists and directors.
Cultural Fiesta
The Cultural Fiesta is a day-long celebration of the global village highlighting the food, music, and dance of many cultures. It features a variety of programs including dance troupes celebrating German, Irish, and African-American traditions. Display tables featuring artifacts of some thirteen different cultures invite faculty, staff and students to explore worlds much different than
their own. Held in the Wintergarden of the Reed Union Building, the sights and sounds of the Cultural Fiesta attract over 500 audience members.
Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Week-Long Birthday Celebration
For the past eight years, Penn State-Behrend has coordinated a campus-wide program to commemorate the birth and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. All classes are relocated to the celebration so that students and faculty can attend the program, and office staff also attend. This week hosts a wide range of programs, including a "Family Breakfast" to mark the morning
King shared breakfast with his family on the day of his death.
Army ROTC:
Army ROTC is an elective course you take in college alongside your prescribed major course of study. Courses are worth 2 or 3 credits and all Penn State majors accept at least 6 credits of ROTC. It is not a major in itself! ROTC is designed to develop and enhance the leadership and management skills of today's students. While in ROTC, students lead the life of a normal
college student but have the added bonus of training in communication, time management and personnel organization. Upon graduation, you may earn a commission as a second lieutenant, an officer in the United States Army. You can take Army ROTC classes with absolutely no military obligation. Introductory courses teach the fundamentals of leadership along with the organization of the U.S. military and basic soldiering skills, and are applicable to your academic major's elective requirements. As a participant in our basic program, you are also eligible for the many exciting extracurricular
and social activities within Penn State's ROTC program.
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