News — College of the Liberal Arts

Penn State Language Institute offers summer intensive world language courses On May 21, 2020 The Penn State Language Institute is offering its courses remotely this summer. Students from all Penn State campuses are welcome to take a world language class, especially if the language they are interested in is not offered at their campus.

Psychology student’s research project examines meditation as test anxiety remedy On May 21, 2020 Penn State Scranton psychology graduate Gina Romano has made meditation the focus of an independent study research project on anxiety.

Former public servant, health care exec creates fund in School of Public Policy On May 20, 2020 Wanting to promote the understanding and study of public policy, 1965 alumna Mary Ellen McMillen endowed a director’s fund in the School of Public Policy in the College of the Liberal Arts.

McCourtney Institute, State Theatre partner to screen gerrymandering documentary On May 20, 2020 The McCourtney Institute for Democracy is sponsoring a virtual screening of the film “Slay The Dragon” through May 26 in partnership with The State Theatre in downtown State College. Each ticket buys on-demand access to the film for three days on any streaming device, and a portion of the proceeds from every ticket sold will benefit the theater.

Rock Ethics Institute launches 'Ethics Now' webcast On May 20, 2020 Penn State’s Rock Ethics Institute is launching a regularly scheduled webcast called "Ethics Now." Using videoconferencing technology, the REI is striving for a broadcast-quality production about ethical considerations around topics in the news cycle.

Alumni Association announces 2020-21 Young Alumni Ambassadors On May 18, 2020 The Penn State Alumni Association has selected 11 recent graduates as 2020-21 Young Alumni Ambassadors. These young alumni will share a yearlong experience aimed at developing their skills to become the University's future volunteer leaders.

Impacts of the coronavirus pandemic on substance abuse On May 18, 2020 Penn State researchers provide informed commentary on the impacts of the coronavirus pandemic on those affected by substance abuse disorder. They point out it is essential that treatment and intervention, recovery services, and prevention mechanisms remain accessible, operational and optimized. Additionally, there are multiple opportunities to leverage the expertise within Penn State to help to address acute and long-term needs.

Penn State participates in virtual social science advocacy day On May 14, 2020 Penn State researchers met virtually with members of Congress and their staff during COSSA’s sixth annual Social Science Advocacy Day.

Faculty, grad students come together to help Centre County residents in need On May 13, 2020 In a true grass roots effort, Penn State faculty and graduate students, along with other residents of Centre County, joined forces to create Centre County COVID-19 Community Response -- a community organization that aims to connect people who need help with friends and neighbors ready to offer it.

'Viral Imaginations: COVID-19' site offers Pennsylvanians a creative outlet On May 12, 2020 Penn State has launched a new project called “Viral Imaginations: COVID-19” to give all Pennsylvanians a venue to display their artistic reflections on the pandemic.

Penn State lab develops new procedures to improve high-quality scanning On May 11, 2020 CQI developed new processes that resulted in a high-resolution scan 3D segmented rendering of a contrast-enhanced fetal mouse, which was chosen as the cover image for the journal Developmental Dynamics.

On the front lines: ER doc, Penn State alumna manages life away from family On May 11, 2020 Penn State alumna Teresa Dolan must live away from her family while serving as an emergency room physician during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Impacts of the coronavirus pandemic on the Criminal Justice System On May 08, 2020 Penn State researchers provide informed commentary on the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the criminal justice system (CJS), focusing on its efforts to contain the spread of the virus through the three core components of the CJS — courts, corrections, and policing – as well as opportunities going forward. To read more, visit the "Insights from Experts" website — a partnership of Penn State's Social Science Research Institute and the Center for Health Care and Policy Research.

Penn State junior named Udall Scholar On May 07, 2020 Tim Benally, a junior majoring in psychology at Penn State, has been awarded a Udall Undergraduate Scholarship.

Christopher Abraham selected as Spanish, Italian, and Portuguese marshal On May 06, 2020 As part of Penn State’s 2020 spring commencement activities, Christopher Abraham will represent the Department of Spanish, Italian, and Portuguese as its student marshal. Abraham, a Paterno Fellow and Schreyer Scholar, will graduate with bachelor of arts degrees in Spanish and English.