Student Affairs to host inaugural Community Health Engagement Fair

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State Student Affairs will hold the inaugural Community Health Engagement Fair (CHEF) from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 13. The fair aims to welcome first-year students and reintroduce returning students to the wide array of services and programs offered by Student Affairs. 

Students can expect various activities — including crafts, food, a bounce house and music — throughout the HUB-Robeson Center, including Alumni Hall, Heritage Hall, the Lion's Lair and the HUB Lawn. Additionally, students will have the opportunity to learn the Alma Mater, participate in mindfulness story time, and attend information sessions and conversations on sexual health.

"We're excited to empower our students with the resources they deserve,” said Carmelita Whitfield, University Health Services associate director of community health. “By bringing these services directly to them, we're taking a proactive approach to their health and well-being." 

First-year students are encouraged to attend as a refresher of the resources introduced at New Student Orientation. For returning students, the fair offers an opportunity to discover new services they may not have been aware of previously. 

Students interested in attending should register for the event online to receive a wristband, which grants access to all activities throughout the day. There will be several raffle opportunities with prizes such as Penn State gear and gift cards. 

This event is a collaborative effort supported by various Student Affairs units and Penn State offices or organizations, including, University Health Services, the Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity, the Gender Equity Center, Health Promotion and Wellness, Campus Recreation, the Paul Robeson Cultural Center, Residence Life, the Office of Graduate Educational Equity Programs, Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing, and the University Park Undergraduate Association. 

The Community Health Engagement Fair is planned as an annual event, providing students a centralized space to engage with Student Affairs and foster connections within the Penn State community.  

For more information or to register for the event, visit the Student Affairs event calendar.