Undergraduate

Information on services offered by the Office of Diversity Enhancement Programs for current undergraduate students at Smeal and for prospective students.

The Office of Diversity Enhancement Programs at the Penn State Smeal College of Business provides students with a tight-knit academic community where they can flourish. For both prospective and current undergraduate students, we offer a number of ways to get acclimated to life at Smeal and opportunities to develop leadership skills and get involved.

Diversity Enhancement Programs Support

Through the Office of Diversity Enhancement Programs, students can benefit from the following:

  • Personalized Academic Planning: Our office offers you a comfortable space in which to discuss classes, majors, and career opportunities. Navigate your academic path, monitor your progress, and ensure you receive guidance when needed.
  • Student Organizations: Smeal sponsors more than 40 student organizations offering a variety of leadership and professional development opportunities, including several diversity-focused student organizations.
  • Corporate Networking Opportunities: Events such as the annual START Conference, numerous career fairs, recruiting activities, and leadership seminars will connect you to internship and full-time placement opportunities with top companies.

START Conference
The Striving Toward Awareness and Respect for Tomorrow (START) Conference is an annual event run by students that focuses on business initiatives in diversity. This one-day conference gathers corporate, academic, and community members together to network, discuss issues regarding diversity, and gain insight into the corporate climates of presenting companies.

For Prospective Students

If you are a high school junior, the following may be of interest to you as you explore the possibilities at Smeal:

  • Business Opportunities Summer Session (BOSS): This two-week summer program is for rising high school seniors. Held the last two weeks in June, students will live in the residence halls on Penn State’s University Park campus and attend workshops on business courses, college admissions process, and company visits.
  • Financial Aid and Scholarships: Learn more about financial aid and scholarship opportunities available through Penn State and the Smeal College of Business.
  • Prospective Student Info Sessions: High school students and their families can arrange a visit to Smeal. Visits may include meeting with a Smeal academic adviser, tour of the Business Building, and a meeting with the Office of the Diversity Enhancement Programs. Most visits are conducted on Fridays, with virtual opportunities on Wednesdays. You can schedule visits with Smeal and with Undergraduate Admissions online.

       *If you have questions, contact the Smeal Undergraduate Education Office at 814-863-1947.