Liberal Arts Enrichment Office
Want an internship but don’t know where to start? Not sure how you’ll pay for a study abroad trip? Interested in doing or getting funding for research? The answers to all of these questions await you right on the first floor of Sparks. The Enrichment Office, which opened in late November in 102 Sparks, was created “to give students a centralized location to learn about enrichment opportunities”, according to Ashley Talbert, Undergraduate Enrichment Coordinator.
In the Liberal Arts College, the majors are not narrow; in many cases they do not have specific career paths attached to them. For example, a Communications Arts and Sciences major might enter the field of law, heath communication, academia, editing, public relations, business, information service technology, etc. For CAS majors, and students pursuing similar wide-open degrees, as well as double majors and students with minors, the Enrichment office is a vital resource. Instead of traveling to several different departments to decide which study abroad program to attend, or to determine whether an internship will count towards credit hours, students can come to one place to start: 102 Sparks. The Enrichment office compiles information about internship opportunities and study abroad programs across the University for Liberal Arts students. Ashley Talbert says, “We’re the ‘information center’”. Though the office does provide some advising, Talbert urges students to use the Enrichment Office as a first step – to get all of their information and be directed on what to do or where to go next to make their plans a reality.
For students looking to study abroad, Dr. Sylvia Neely, an advisor for history majors, works part time in the office as Academic Director, helping students decide between several programs, and personally taking them through the process. Students with double majors or minors deciding which department to on study abroad trip with, or torn between multiple programs can come to Dr. Neely to discuss their options.
Ashley Talbert is the one to go to with questions about internships. For students with questions on where and how to look for one, funding, or acquiring credit hours through internship programs, she is there to help. “We are here for students who might be uncomfortable going to Career Services and want a more personal interaction, or aren’t sure what department to go through”, says Talbert. Talbert is also the information source regarding undergraduate research. “We have information available (in the Enrichment Office) about university-wide research competitions, undergraduate research experience, earning credits from doing research, and funding for research”, Talbert states.
The Enrichment Office just recently started an enrichment funds process that will help students get the financial aid they need to study abroad, complete research projects, or some internship expenses. Students can apply for scholarships and financial sponsorship by alumni. “The Alumni office gathers information and donations from alumni that are intended to go towards Liberal Arts students. We get all of that information from there, and centralize it in the Enrichment Office”, says Talbert. “We want to help students be able to do these activities despite financial difficulties”.
More information about the Enrichment Office and the Co-curricular activities available through the College of Liberal Arts, just click on the “Co-curricular opportunities” link on the Liberal Arts website (www.la.psu.edu). Forms, pamphlets, and flyers about internships, study abroad programs, research opportunities, and funding applications can be found on the boards outside and inside the Enrichment Office. Or, stop in to 102 Sparks! Walk-ins are encouraged, but for more in-depth meetings, students can email Ashley Talbert (aet143@psu.edu), Dr. Sylvia Neely (sxn13@psu.edu), or staff assistant Kathy Swanger (kam55@psu.edu).