UNIVERISTY PARK, Pa. — The Student Engagement Network (SEN) held their annual summit conference on May 14 as part of their continuing effort to strengthen student engagement across all campuses. This year’s summit used a blended conference format, with presenters hosting both in-person in the HUB-Robeson Center at the University Park campus, and in remote sessions, with one hybrid keynote panel discussion.
According to the SEN Summit site, the event aimed to build on the success of the 2023 conference by providing “a dynamic platform for Penn State faculty and staff to delve into crucial conversations surrounding student engagement.” In line with this year’s theme, sessions were crafted to address current presidential priorities such as integration of educational offerings with employment trends, leveraging the alumni network for professional development, facilitating paid internship opportunities and addressing student mental health and financial literacy.
With a remote, opening plenary session; two 50-minute breakout sessions; a networking lunch; and a final keynote panel discussion titled “Connecting Student Engagement to Success,” the conference featured a range of diverse speakers to guide discussions.
Mike Zeman, summit speaker and director of SEN, said the summit provides an opportunity to explore innovative solutions to the current challenges facing higher education and emphasizes the importance of experiential learning.
“The summit speaks to Penn State’s greater engagement culture by promoting a dynamic and multifaceted educational experience and aligning with the Student Engagement Network’s objectives of fostering student development and readiness for life beyond college,” said Zeman. Although it is primarily designed to address faculty and staff, both graduate and undergraduate students are welcome to attend and stand to gain invaluable perspective from their peers and leaders, added Zeman.
Ilona Ballreich, director of the Sustainable Communities Collaborative and a 2024 summit speaker, explained how the summit elevates overall engagement and student experience at Penn State.
“It serves as a reminder of the critical role engagement plays in a student’s education and provides the necessary tools and research to refresh engagement practitioner’s skills,” said Ballreich.
Zeman and his colleagues at SEN noted several key findings from this year’s conference. Central takeaways included the need to use technology to expand engagement across and between campuses, to increase awareness of learning, research and engagement opportunities at each campus and to uplift minority students by highlighting the value of participation. While challenges arose in establishing equitable access and a common culture and community between students at University Park and Commonwealth Campuses, strategies emerged for overcoming them. Faculty primarily recognized the benefits of transparent communication and resources, promotion of student engagement projects among professors and adapting resources to modern technology.
Finally, the conference's focus on “the Presidential Vision and Goals” directed conversations around presidential priorities for student success; diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB); and Penn State’s land-grant impact. Sessions resulted in the recognized significance of sustainable relationship-building, positive affirmation and the need to listen and be vulnerable when in student-faculty communication.
To carry on the success of this year’s summit, Zeman noted several goals for next year. SEN faculty will aim to align summit objectives with Penn State’s new strategic plan, foster cross-collaboration and innovation, empower student voices and leadership, enhance measurement and evaluation practices and promote equity, diversity and inclusion.
For more information on the 2024 Engagement Summit, visit sensummit.psu.edu.
The Student Engagement Network is a joint initiative between Undergraduate Education, Student Affairs and Outreach and Online Education. The mission of the Student Engagement Network is to advance the power of participation by connecting students with experiences that empower them to make a positive impact as citizens and leaders of the world.