Cocurricular Learning at Penn State
As a Penn State student, you are earning a degree from one of the most prestigious and well-regarded universities in the United States. In addition to the richness of your classroom learning, Penn State offers many opportunities for out-of-class or cocurricular learning.
This "cocurriculum" at Penn State includes both formal and informal out-of-class learning opportunities. These include involvement with clubs and organizations, workshops, lectures, internships, co-ops, living-learning communities, intramural and recreation programs, undergraduate research opportunities, interactions with faculty and other students, service learning, academic and career advising, cultural events and study abroad.
Employers tell us that they seek to hire students who graduate with enhanced skills - especially in communication, leadership, diversity, ethics and career management. With this in mind, Student Affairs annually offers hundreds of workshops and experiential learning programs for students on topics such as career management, leadership, personal health and wellness, diversity and multicultural competence, sexual assault awareness, ethical decision making and personal financial management. These programs are mapped to Penn State's Cocurricular Learning Outcomes.
Online Workshops
Many of the face-to-face workshops offered at Penn State's campuses are now available online through this EDGE website - and they are all free to Penn State students. You can gain an additional competitive "edge" in today's workplace by graduating with these enhanced skills. You can select individual workshops that meet your interests and complete them at a time that is convenient for your schedule. Each of these online workshops should take about an hour to complete. Some workshops can be found in Penn State's ANGEL learning system and require a log in to enroll. You can also earn a non-credit certificate in two areas: multicultural competency and career planning. All workshops are offered free of charge to Penn State students.
Non-credit Certificates
Please Note: The certificate programs are not currently available, but students can still work through any of the individual workshops listed below the Career Planning and Multicultural Competencies headings..
Enroll now for the full certificate in ANGEL - or select one of the following individual workshops:
- Professional Resume Preparation - Learn how to design and develop a professional resume. This workshop is hosted in ANGEL.
- Interviewing Skills - Learn how to prepare for all elements of the interviewing process. This workshop is hosted in ANGEL.
- Job Searching Skills - Learn how to design a job search strategy. This workshop is hosted in ANGEL.
Enroll now for the full certificate in ANGEL - or select one of the following individual workshops:
- Power and Privilege - Learn about the concepts of power and privilege and how they impact race and ethnic relations.
- Stereotypes, Prejudice, and Discrimination - Learn about stereotypes, prejudice, and discrimination; how they differ from each other; and how they influence each other.
- Introduction to the Isms - Learn about the concept of "isms" and more specifically about how racism, sexism, classism, and heterosexism affects communications and community relationships.
Other Online Workshops
Open to all Penn State students, this eLearning module allows you to learn the facts about sexual assault and sexual harassment, as well as develop practical skills to keep you and your friends safe. First year students should take Penn State AWARE, linked at the top of this page.
Learn how to make informed financial decisions on managing your credit card debt, paying for college, living on a budget, and more.
Learn about Penn State's Student Code of Conduct.
Learn about basic nutrition and strategies for eating a healthy, well-balanced diet.
Learn how stress impacts your health and life as well as some self-help strategies for managing it.
Learn how to read and understand a residential lease to make well-informed decisions before signing.
Learn how to write a personal statement to apply for scholarships or for graduate school.
Audio/Video Presentations
Search ANGEL groups for "recorded."
Director of Penn State Career Services, Dr. Jack Rayman, gives his 5 tips for achieving career success.
Four university panelists discuss the current job market and several Penn State students share their individual stories.
Face-to-Face Workshops and Events
Center for Arts & Crafts (PDF)
Workshops by Request
Some Student Affairs workshops are offered to groups and Penn State classes on request. Please submit a specific workshop request by completing the Ask Student Affairs contact form.