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Early involvement leads to greater success for students

By Andy Elder, Student Affairs Writer

For students new to the sprawling University Park campus, the first few days, weeks, even months, can be intimidating, sometimes overwhelming. A natural reaction might be to retreat to the familiarity of old friends, the security of a dorm room and the relative routine of a class schedule.

On the surface, that action might seem advisable. But research says otherwise.

"Getting involved in a service project or student group actually benefits students," said Deb Dworsky, assistant director of Unions and Student Activities. "Getting involved early is a key indicator of success. Students need to feel that connection. And, it actually helps with time management."

So, while it might seem like good advice when parents suggest students concentrate on studies for a semester or two and then get involved, the opposite is actually more beneficial.

"The kind of activities Student Affairs is showcasing have positive outcomes. A first-year student may not be able to necessarily attain a leadership position in their first year that will take up a great deal of time," Dworsky said. "We encourage involvement and balance. Students' education is their top priority. We're partners in that. And, it's harder to get involved later after they've established routines and engaged in other activities."

Student Affairs provides three events in the first month of the fall semester at University Park that expose new students to a wide variety of positive ways to connect to their new home: Into the Streets (September 11), Student Involvement Fairs (September 13-15) and Fresh START (September 24).

"The whole program of involvement days from beginning to end provides good opportunities, especially for new students, to learn about many areas for involvement on campus," Dworsky said. "The whole concept starts with service and ends with service but there are a lot of other opportunities in between."

Into the Streets

The Into the Streets program hosts a variety of Centre County non-profit agencies who need volunteers to participate in one-day community service projects. Held once a month each semester on a Saturday or Sunday for a few hours, Into the Streets is a way to learn about many of the non-profit agencies in the community.

"We have contact with all of the agencies in the Centre County area. If there's a need in a particular month, we direct students to that agency. We base services on the needs of the agencies," Dworsky said.

Student Involvement Fairs

The fairs are focused on community service agencies and also student organizations that are service oriented. The fairs provide students with the opportunity to meet with representatives of local, non-profit agencies and campus organizations.

Fresh START (Students Taking an Active Role Today)

Now in its eighth year, Fresh START is Penn State's largest day of service for students new to the University Park campus. Fresh START's goal is to introduce students to numerous service opportunities in the Penn State and surrounding communities and build new friendships.

"Last year we had a record attendance of more than 2,000 students," Dworsky said. "We have a committee, but it is mostly run by students. Student Affairs helps with logistics and planning, but the students run this program and recruit students to participate."

No matter if a student chooses to attend one or all of the Student Affairs events, the potential for positive reward and personal growth is great.

"There are other benefits to getting involved," Dworsky said. "The skills a student can gain are different from those they learn in a classroom. We're hoping the skills and abilities complement what they learn in the classroom. Students can learn communication   and interpersonal skills employers look for."

And, while students are selflessly helping others, they are unwittingly helping themselves.

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