SUMMER 2020
Virtual Coffee Chat—July 21, 2020
Fourteen Liberal Arts staff members joined us for our Virtual Coffee Chat from 9:00–10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 21 via Zoom. Dean Lang attended to check in and see how staff are doing as we all continue to work remotely.
The Art of Gratitude—June 23, 2020
Jeremy Engels, Barry Director of the Paterno Fellows Program and professor of Communications Arts and Sciences at Penn State, presented "The Art of Gratitude" for 83 Liberal Arts staff members from 10:00–11:00 a.m on Tuesday, June 23 via Zoom.
Virtual Coffee Chat—May 29, 2020
Sixteen Liberal Arts staff members joined us for our Virtual Coffee Chat from 9:00–10:00 a.m. on Friday, May 29 via Zoom.
10 Principles of Personal Financial Literacy—May 20, 2020
Allie Probst, an education program associate for the Penn State Sokolov-Miller Family Financial and Life Skills Center, presented the "10 Principles of Personal Financial Literacy" for 86 Liberal Arts staff members from 10:00–11:00 a.m on Wednesday, May 20 via Zoom. Allie's presentation provided useful information about making informed and sound financial decisions for your financial well-being, navigating a complex world, and taking steps toward better financial security, especially in these uncertain times
Becoming Present: Mindfulness Tips for Difficult Times—April 30, 2020
Blake Colaianne, Human Development and Family Studies doctoral candidate at Penn State, presented "Becoming Present: Mindfulness Tips for Difficult Times" for 125 Liberal Arts staff members from 10:00–11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 30 via Zoom.
SPRING 2020
Liberal Arts Morning Social—January 7, 2020
More than 40 Liberal Arts staff joined us for coffee, hot cocoa, and breakfast snacks at our Morning Social from 9:30–11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 7 in 102 Weaver Building. Dean Lang even stopped by to check out what SAC does and meet new staff members.
FALL 2019
Staff Tailgate—November 8, 2019
More than 60 Liberal Arts staff wore their blue and white or other favorite team attire and joined in for a tailgate potluck lunch on Friday, November 8 at 11:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m. in Moore Building. So much good food and great conversations among peers!
College-wide Staff Meeting—October 11, 2019
1:30–2:45 p.m. in 10 Sparks Building
Agenda items include State of the College by Dean Lang and guest speakers from the Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity, Rock Ethics Institute and Human Resources.
Coffee Hour—October 7, 2019
More than 50 staff members across the college attended a coffee hour from 8:30–10:00 a.m. in 124 Sparks Building. Coffee and light breakfast refreshments were served while everyone that attended had the opportunity to rejuvenate and mingle with other staff from around the college.
SPRING 2018
Coffee Hour—April 10, 2018
All staff were invited to attend a coffee hour from 10:00–11:00 a.m. in 463 Burrowes Building. Light refreshments were served, and it was an opportunity for staff to get to know one another and to learn more about the Staff Advisory Committee.
A Day in the Life: Penn State’s Response to Domestic Violence in the Workplace—March 12, 2018
This training program utilized the powerful true story of a local homicide victim to prepare faculty and staff at Penn State to effectively address the issue of domestic violence in the workplace. This session, specifically for Liberal Arts staff, took place on Monday, March 12, from 1:00–4:00 p.m. in 102 Weaver Building. This program taught participants how to identify the dynamics of domestic violence and its effects on victims at work and at home, appropriately support and respond to abused employees, provide information on resources, and become part of the solution at work and in the community.
Town Halls—March 6 and 8, 2018
This was an opportunity for staff to get to know the Staff Advisory Committee a little better as well as learn more about what the committee can provide for you. The goal was to engage staff in meaningful group conversations that will help us better understand how the committee is perceived. We also wanted to know what you feel is positive about our college, what training and networking opportunities you would like to see offered, what overall improvements you could suggest, and finally, inform you on how the Staff Advisory Committee can be your direct line to the dean for concerns. For those unable to attend in person, a Zoom link was provided.
Coffee Hour—February 14, 2018
The Staff Advisory Committee hosted a Liberal Arts Staff Coffee Hour on Valentine’s Day! This informal gathering in 102 Weaver Building was an opportunity to connect with staff across the college. Light refreshments were served.
FALL 2017
Wreath Decorating Party—December 19, 2017
The Staff Advisory Committee and Woodring's Floral Gardens hosted a get together at noon on Dec. 19 in 406 Oswald Building to decorate a wreath for the holidays. A florist was on hand to provide decorating tips and advice. The wreaths, decorating materials and snacks were provided, and participants were encouraged to bring a food donation for the Lion Pantry.
Active Shooter Training—November 9, 2017
The Staff Advisory Committee partnered with Penn State Police to offer a free training session called “Stay Safe: Surviving an Active Shooter” on Thursday, Nov. 9. The session was held from 3-4 p.m. in 102 Weaver Building.
Coffee Hour—November 16, 2017
The Staff Advisory Committee hosted a coffee hour from 10-11 a.m. on Nov. 16 in 302 Pond Building. It was an opportunity for staff from all over the college to get to know one another while enjoying coffee and pastries. Staff members were also invited to bring a food donation to the coffee hour, which was given to the Lion’s Pantry.
Coffee Hour—September 26, 2017
The Staff Advisory Committee hosted a coffee hour from 10-11 a.m. on Sept. 26 in 130 Moore Building. It was an opportunity for staff from all over the college to get to know one another while enjoying coffee and pastries.
SPRING 2017
College-wide Staff Meeting—May 23, 2017
121 Sparks Building
Breakfast at 8:30 a.m., followed by the meeting at 9:00 a.m.
All staff are invited to attend this meeting. The meeting agenda will be coming soon.
Brown Bag Lunch with Dr. Hogan—February 16, 2017
One of the attendees gave a great description of the event and what she learned:
"The objective of this lunch was to engage in a conversation, and Dr. Hogan did a wonderful job connecting theory and research with actual real work. We were taught that diversity and inclusion are a collaborative initiative. We spoke on why diversity programs fail and the impact of implicit biases on diversity and inclusion. What really struck me the most, is when we discussed that as an adult, we have the ability to CHOOSE our core values. What hinders the community coming together to respect and honor the dignity of each person, the ability to embrace civil discourse, and foster a safe community is, sadly, a lack of knowledge, a lack of education, and that there is no shared interpretation of what respect really is. That is where the real work will come into play. Assertions can be true or false and civility are the rules of engagement in conversation. Knowing these statements is first step in the conscious awareness to RESPECT one another. Excellent discussion."
We look forward to hosting more events like this in the future to give staff the chance to converse with faculty about their research.
Coffee Hour—January 19, 2017
More than 50 staff members from the College of the Liberal Arts attended this event to enjoy coffee and pastries and to get to know one another a little better.