Involvement in campus life is an extremely important step toward developing a sense of belonging and ownership, and also for reaching and enhancing your educational goals. We partner with students with the ultimate goal of student learning and success. We work together as a campus community to create a learning environment that connects students with social, cultural, and leadership programs and events. Your participation in these events and activities will connect you to friends and be a springboard for learning, but it will also help you to learn about the community and prepare you for the world of work. You’ll be developing skills that will last you a lifetime, like communication skills, analytical skills, and the ability to work with a diverse group of people. Employers are looking for these qualities in new hires. They long to have mature staff members who are eager to jump in, be team players, and generate success.
You’ll also have fun; let’s not forget about that!
INVOLVEMENT IS THE KEY TO SUCCESS!
Engaging in campus life outside of the classroom is not only an integral part of each student’s overall education at Penn State York; research proves that students who are involved on campus have higher satisfaction in their institution, have a quicker time to degree, and earn higher grades than their non-involved peers. With well-developed time management skills, all students should create time to participate in a few long-term clubs or activities.
Leadership, Student Clubs, and Campus Activities
Student clubs often host events that are of interest to their members and the entire campus; from sponsoring guest speakers and diversity celebrations to dances and seasonal festivals. Additionally, Dan works with the students of the University Programming Board (UPB) to bring caricature artists, therapy pets, performing artists, health and wellness events, and so much more to the campus. There are also regularly scheduled screenings of the newest movies, bingo nights, blood drives, one-time intramural events, community service events, and leadership workshops. These activities bring our students together in fun and educational settings so that they can truly understand what it means to be a lifelong learner at Penn State!
Diversity Education
In collaboration with other staff and faculty on campus and in the community, we sponsor a wide variety of cultural activities to enhance the out-of-classroom learning experience for all of our students throughout the year. Past performances we have hosted include Piscataway Indian Nation Singers and Dancers, a Cuban band, African dance troupes, and Latin music. Community members are also encouraged to bring their families to our programs to share in new experiences. We also celebrate and recognize Hispanic Heritage, Native American History, Chinese New Year, Black History, Women’s History, National Coming Out Day, and more!
Trips
Student clubs, UPB, and other campus departments sponsor trips at various points throughout the year to such places as Washington, D.C., New York City, the University Park campus, Philadelphia, Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, as well as other shopping and local sporting events. Additionally, students and clubs can sponsor other events; in the past we’ve gone bowling, to play paintball, to Field of Screams, regional museums, to Penn State sporting events in State College, and so many more!
Special Events
Our entire campus community comes together to keep the traditions alive while working on the following special events that occur every year on our campus, including Alternative Spring Break trips, New Student Orientation, Commencement, the Academic Awards Ceremony, Athletic Awards Banquet, Safe Zone training, and others!
Discounts
Annually, the Student Activity Fee Allocation Board and the University approve funding for a variety of events, activities, and services for all students. For example:
- Reduced rates on bus passes – usually 50 percent off
- Reduced ticket prices for events at the Pullo Family Performing Arts Center – usually 50 percent off
- Free newspapers – “New York Times,” “USA Today,” and “York Daily Record”
Student affairs is located in the Main Classroom Building, next to the admissions office - please feel free to stop by anytime!