Contact : General Medicine Department, 102 Ritenour Building, 865-6557.
The University Health Services Clinic Volunteer Program provides students with the opportunity to interact professionally with patients in the General Medicine Department.
Clinic volunteers work closely with members of the clinical staff and assist the nurses in a variety of duties. They assist patients and get a first-hand understanding of the dynamics of the health care system. Communication skills are enhanced by working with patients and members of the healthcare team.
Training occurs each fall. All participants in the Clinic Volunteer Program are trained to conduct initial intake screenings of patients in a 2-credit Biobehavioral Health course. This includes assessing vital signs, determining the reason for the visit, providing health education on various topics, and performing simple screenings, such as peak flow readings and eye exams. Other topics include common health concerns, proper documentation, and patient confidentiality.
Clinic volunteers must commit to working in the clinic for one 4-hour block of time each week for a minimum of 2 semesters.
Applications are available at the Information Desk in Ritenour Building each February or visit www.sa.psu.edu/uhs/volunteer/clinicprogram.cfm. Students are interviewed and selected for this program each spring semester.
Contact: Cross Cultural Health Program, 238 Ritenour Building, 863-0461.
The Cross Cultural Health Program (CCHP) provides programs and services to enhance the delivery of health care and health education to international students and their spouses, as well as U.S. ethnic minority students.
This committee gathers information about the academic and non-academic climate for minority students in the college, recommends steps to address those areas and assists the implementation of related programs in the college. Any HHD student may join. Contact Joyce Hopson-King, Director for Diversity Enhancement Programs, 215 Henderson Building, 863-1291.
This society is open to any undergraduate student in the college with a 3.30 grade-point average or higher. Letters of invitation are sent to eligible students each fall. The society has regular meetings throughout the year and sponsors a variety of service projects. For more information, please contact the office of the Associate Dean for Undergraduate Studies and Outreach, 865-1427.
The purpose of the Health Education and Awareness in Living House is to create a special living environment for those students who are interested in healthy living and who commit to making it a part of their experience at Penn State. This house is a combination of the Wellness House and the Health and Human Development House. Healthy living is comprised of a balance of the following six components: physical, emotional, social, academic, spiritual, and intellectual well-being. The house helps students maintain this balance through experience and education and is not solely geared toward health majors but is open to anyone who makes healthy living a part of their daily life. A variety of activities are offered to meet the needs and interests of all the individuals living within the community. Successful events in the past include broomball, yoga, stress management and massage programs, healthy eating and exercise events, picnics and retreats. Members build lifelong friendships while residing in an environment which promotes physical and mental well-being. The HEAL House is located on the second floor of Beaver Hall in the Pollock residence hall area. Contact Amy Leddy, 213 Whitmore LAB, 865-7620..
All students majoring in the College of Health and Human Development are qualified to become members of the Undergraduate Student Council. A $5 membership fee is required to be paid each academic year. For information, contact the Office of the Associate Dean for Undergraduate Studies and Outreach, 865-1427.
Contact: HealthWorks Coordinator, 237 Ritenour Building, 863-0461.
HealthWorks is a peer education outreach program dedicated to serving the Penn State community by educating students about wellness; nutrition; sexual health; and alcohol, tobacco and other drugs issues.
HealthWorks Peer Educators facilitate workshops, sponsor University-wide outreach events, and advocate for health within the University and larger community.
HealthWorks Peer Educators are trained during fall semester. The training consists of 2 courses which offer academic credits. A 1-credit Biobehavioral Health course offers training in how to be a HealthWorks educator; both theory and leadership skills are addressed. The second course, which is 2 credits, will provide information on college health issues relevant to each content area as well as presentation skills.
To apply to be a HealthWorks Peer Educator, please visit our website at http://www.sa.psu.edu/uhs/forms/hwappl.cfm or stop by the Office of Health Promotion and Education, 237 Ritenour Building. Application deadlines are traditionally in the spring for the following fall.
Contact: Community Health Educator and Program Coordinator, 237 Ritenour Building, 863-0461.
Intervention services provided by students are available for alcohol and marijuana violations, smoking cessation and HIV pre-and post-test counseling. There is a 1-year commitment required and training is offered during the fall semester with continuing educational opportunities throughout the academic year.
The Individual Peer Health Education Service provides students in human service majors with experience in individualized health promotion and education. Volunteer students and students enrolled in Biobehavioral Health 497 receive intense training in educational and motivational counseling, and special topics such as alcohol use and abuse, marijuana use and abuse, tobacco, and sexual health.
For an application to be a student interventionist, visit our website at http://www.sa.psu.edu/uhs/volunteer/learnopp.cfm or stop by the Office of Health Promotion and Education, 237 Ritenour Building. Application review and interviews are conducted during spring semester.
Contact: EMS Manager, 206 Ritenour Building, 865-1772.
The Office of EMS is always looking for certified Pennsylvania EMTs and Paramedics to become new volunteers with UAS (University Ambulance Service).
New volunteer EMTs are scheduled on either day or night ambulance shifts with regular crew members for training and orientation. Students fill various company officer positions, and receive leadership training and opportunities as part of their service experience.
If you are not currently certified as a Pennsylvania EMT, there are many local training opportunities to become certified. Penn State offers the EMT course (KINES 403) every semester. Volunteers who have gone through the orientation program may become eligible to apply for regular ambulance and special events crew positions. These are part-time paid positions with the Office of EMS. Applications are accepted from EMTs, EMT-Ps, EMT-HPs who are Penn State students and have completed the University Ambulance Service volunteer training program and hold certifications in CPR, AED, EVOC, and HAZMAT-Ops.
For an application to be considered as a volunteer EMT, check out our website at www.sa.psu.edu/uhs/ems/volunteers.cfm. The completed application should be returned to the Penn State Office of Emergency Medical Services, 206 Ritenour Building, University Park, PA 16802.
Contact : Physical Therapy Department, 3 Ritenour Building, 865-7381.
University Health Services Physical Therapy Department (UHS-PT) is dedicated to serving students with musculoskeletal injuries. The goal of UHS-PT is to facilitate the recovery of the patient to their desired level of activity.
The PT volunteer program offers opportunities for students who are interested in pursuing a career in physical therapy or other health-related fields. Student volunteers are encouraged to observe the physical therapist/physical therapist assistant/athletic trainer-patient interaction and ask questions.
Opportunities may arise for student volunteers to follow a patient through their exercise program. Training for PT volunteers takes place at the beginning of each semester. Training includes an administrative and an infection control orientation given by UHS staff. Orientation specific to the PT department is given by the PT staff.
For an application to be a PT volunteer, visit room 3 in Ritenour Building. Student volunteers are scheduled on a first-come first-served semester basis and hours/days usually range from 2-4 hours/1-2 days per week. Internship opportunities are also available.
Contact: S-Plan, 237 Ritenour Building, 865-7134
S-Plan, (Support, Survival and Success for African-American and Latino students new to Penn State) is designed to promote the mental and physical health of African-American and Latino students and to assist students within these populations with the adjustment to campus life, as well as the management of stresses they may experience in their first year.
S-Plan student leaders meet to discuss their concerns, introduce students to campus resources, and provide opportunities for socializing. S-Plan leaders also plan and implement programs on health issues relevant to students of color.
Training for S-Plan leaders includes cultural and health issues relevant to students of color. They learn leadership, team building, mentoring, and communication skills. S-Plan leaders receive 1 to 3 academic credits of African/African American Studies (AAAS) for their training and involvement in the program each semester.
S-Plan leaders must have attended 2 semesters of S-Plan programming as a new student prior to becoming an S-Plan leader. For an application to be an S-Plan leader, visit http://www.sa.psu.edu/uhs/ohpe/splanleaders.cfm#application or stop by the Office of Health Promotion and Education, 237 Ritenour Building. Applications are traditionally accepted in March for the following fall.
Formed to foster student participation in the creation of an outstanding undergraduate education. Committees include: Social, Education, and Public-Faculty Relations. For further information contact the faculty adviser, Dr. Doug Granger, 863-8402 or dag11@psu.edu.
HealthWorks is the peer health promotion and community development program of the Office of Health Promotion and Education, University Health Services. Peer health educators are involved in outreach, workshops, theatre performances, advocacy, library and office management. Content areas of specialization include: nutrition; alcohol, tobacco and other drug abuse prevention; wellness; and sexual health promotion.
Training courses are conducted each fall semester. Upon completion of training, educators are asked to commit to 2 semesters of active involvement with the program, including continuing education. Experienced educators are encouraged to assume leadership positions with the organization. For more information, contact HealthWorks, 237 Ritenour Building, 863-0461.
The Department strongly supports the Penn State chapter of NSSLHA. All CSD majors are encouraged to join and become active members in the Penn State NSSLHA chapter. The purpose of NSSLHA is to involve students in various activities related to the profession. These activities include attending professional meetings, lectures, and planning and participating in activities dealing with persons of all ages having a communication handicap. For more information, contact Elise A. Uhring, (Dept. of CSD, Penn State University, 308 Ford Building, University Park, PA 16802, (814) 863-2017, ean1@psu.edu).
The PSSLO is dedicated to spreading deaf awareness to the State College and University Park community. PSSLO provides its members with practice in the art of sign language and instruction on deaf culture during its informal meetings for anyone who is interested. Through informal lectures, movies, and group activities, members are given a better understanding of the hearing impaired, deaf and deaf culture. For more information, please contact Sommar Chilton (Dept. of CSD, Penn State University, 404E Ford Building, University Park, PA 16802, (814) 865-6110, sah152@psu.edu).
This undergraduate chapter of the major international professional organization of healthcare executives (ACHE) seeks to provide an environment for students interested in health administration to exchange ideas and views on policies and issues affecting the health care field today. Benefits include student associate membership in the international organization in addition to bimonthly periodicals updating students on national conferences, job opportunities, and new developments in the health care industry. The club sponsors speakers from the healthcare industry, trips to local health care facilities, and other important events. Additionally, students attend ACHE’s international conference in Chicago each spring. Membership applications are available in the magazine racks in 604 Ford Building. For additional information, call (814) 863-2900.
This organization is dedicated to fostering friendships and promoting professional growth within the major. Participation is sought from all members of the major, the minor and other interested students. Activities include guest speakers from the health care field, participation in service events, and promotion of student/faculty relations. For additional information, call (814) 863-2900.
Student members of the CMAA are interested in leading private clubs in America. The organization’s purpose is to promote networking with club managers and to encourage the education and advancement of CMAA student members. The CMAA sponsors trips to clubs in the central PA chapter of the CMAA to explore and collect information about this aspect of the hospitality industry. For more information please contact Steven Musco, 201 Mateer Building, 863-8981 or sam363@psu.edu.
This HRIM honor society attempts to develop the professionalism of the individual student in HRIM and to advance the segment of the industry related to travel, tourism, food and beverage management, and hospitality management. The society fosters the growth of knowledge in the HRIM field and promotes contact between members of the industry and the student body. Eligibility is based on individual student achievement. For further information contact the faculty adviser, Dr. John O'Neill, 201 Mateer Building, 865-1853, jxb21@psu.edu
The HMSC is staffed and operated by a group of students who have identified sales and marketing in the hospitality industry as a primary career interest. With the support of a faculty adviser, these students arrange several visits each year (during winter break and spring break) to hotel properties in markets near and far. The students are permitted to work with professional sales and marketing staff at these hotels, usually in the operation of a “sales blitz” of a specific market. In addition to these trips, the club hosts the visit of sales executives who speak specifically to the career possibilities in this area. For more information contact Dave Cranage, 201 Mateer Building, 863-0296 or dac2@psu.edu.
HD FS, HRIM, and NUTR majors of at least fourth semester standing and a 3.20 minimum grade-point average are invited to join this national professional honor society. The mission of KONu is to create empowered leaders in the profession. The honor society promotes leadership, research and graduate study. The website is http://www.kon.org. Two $150 scholarships are awarded annually to local KONu members. For further information contact the faculty adviser, Brenda Eissenstat, 119B Chandlee Lab, 863-5826 or bre2@psu.edu.
This organization was founded in 1989 with the mission of promoting hospitality education and career advancement for racial-ethnic minorities by preparing students and young professionals to pursue career opportunities in the hospitality industry. The Penn State Chapter seeks to accomplish these goals by facilitating professional development, educational and service opportunities for students enrolled in HRIM and related fields. Students of all races and ethnicities who are dedicated to diversity in hospitality are encouraged to join. Membership benefits include the opportunity to attend the annual national conference, scholarship opportunities, as well as networking, mentoring and other professional development opportunities. For further information contact Catherine Haynes, 506 Keller Bldg., 865-6341, coh5000@psu.edu.
The catering society plans and executes a variety of on-premise catered events at Café Laura. This club gives students a unique opportunity to gain experience in front- and back-of-the-house operations at events ranging from executive luncheons to hors d'oeuvres receptions. Penn State Catering Society allows students to earn extra money and work hours count towards the 1,000 hour requirement. For more information, please contact Jeffrey Boggie, 234 Mateer Building, 863-3770 or qzx1@psu.edu.
HFTP is an international organization that provides networking opportunities to hospitality professionals involved in accounting, finance, and IT areas, and is the sponsor of the annual HITEC convention. For further informtation contact Peter Nyheim, 209 Mateer Building, 865-9012 or pdn1@psu.edu.
The main objective of PSHRS is to promote and encourage HRIM student-faculty relations. Student members can be active in any of the committees of the club: education, alumni relations, social, fundraising, and catering society. This organization provides trips to the International Hotel-Motel and Restaurant Show in New York and National Restaurant Show in Chicago. This chapter’s affiliation with the national alumni group gives students contacts with outstanding professionals in the field. For further information contact Paul Howard, 201Mateer Building, 865-6728 or pah101@psu.edu.
The PCMA Mission Statement: To familiarize its members with the basic aspects of the meetings and conventions field through educational and networking opportunites supported or developed by PCMA and its members. For further information contact Paul Kelley, 201 Mateer Building, 863-8982 or pjk20@psu.edu
See description under NUTR section.
This organization promotes the HD FS major and presents programs appropriate to interests of students within and outside the major. Alumni and guest speakers are invited to meetings, and members participate in college activities to promote more faculty/student involvement. For more information, contact the Support Office for Students, S-211 Henderson, 863-8000.
See description under HRIM section.
The Kinesiology Club is for undergraduate students enrolled in the Kinesiology major or minor. The purpose of the club is to provide students with a forum of extracurricular opportunities. Such opportunities shall include leadership, hands-on experiences, networking, seminars, certification programs and a voice for Kinesiology students at the department and college level. Also, a goal is to promote the “professional responsibility” of its members with a specific focus on enhancing their employment opportunities. For additional information, please contact the KINES Department, 275 Recreation Building, 863-0442.
The ATC is an educational component of the Athletic Training option. The Club promotes unity among all student trainers and furthers their educational experiences. Activities include films and guest speakers. For more information, contact the KINES Department, 275 Recreation Building, 863-0442.
Sigma Theta Tau, the international honor society of nursing, recognizes superior academic achievement and scholarship. Undergraduate nursing majors who meet the eligibility requirements are invited to join this prestigious nursing honor society. For more information, contact the School of Nursing office at 201 Health and Human Development East, 863-0245.
The Penn State chapter of SNAP is an organization designed to promote communication between students and faculty. SNAP serves as a channel through which nursing majors can be represented on School of Nursing committees. Also, the organization serves to promote awareness of professional nursing issues and political activism. SNAP has a commitment to community service. For more information contact 201 Health and Human Development East, 863-0245.
See description under HRIM section.
The purpose of the SNA is to provide opportunities for personal and professional development to its members. The SNA members are students in nutrition or other nutrition-related majors. Meetings and activities focus on enhanced knowledge of the profession, careers in nutrition, and community service activities. Activities include the American Diabetes Association’s Walktoberfest, the SNA Peer Mentor Program, and monthly meetings where guest speakers are often invited. For more information, please contact Sibylle Krantz, 5 Henderson, 865-2138 or sxk72@psu.edu.
See description under HRIM section.
See description under HRIM section.
This society was created for Recreation, Park and Tourism Management majors pursuing the option in Professional Golf Management. All students in the option are required to be members. PSPGMS invites professionals/guest speakers to meetings, encourages member participation in program, college and community activities, and serves as the conduit for promoting information pertinent to students’ course of study. For more information please contact Mr. Burch Wilkes, 801 Ford Building, 863-8987 or gbw104@psu.edu.
The purpose of the R P T MSS is to provide opportunities for professional development and social interaction for Recreation, Park and Tourism Management majors and other interested students at the University. The society hosts a number of guest speakers and educational sessions, organizes travel to professional conferences and sponsors social events to assist in the professional growth of students. For more information, please contact Patty Kleban, 801 Ford Building, 863-2489, or plk4@psu.edu or Angela Rothrock, 803 Ford Building, 865-9776, or arb184@psu.edu.
The purpose of the TRSS is to provide opportunities for professional development and social interaction for RPTM students in the Therapeutic Recreation option and other interested students at the University. The society hosts a number of guest speakers and educational sessions and sponsors social events to assist in the professional growth of students. For more information, please contact Patty Kleban, 801 Ford Building, 863-2489, or plk4@psu.edu.