Student Engagement
Snapshot
19
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How do you make the most of your time at IST? Ask any student, and you’ll likely get the same response: Get involved! Success in the College of IST is about more than the classes you take. It’s about embracing opportunities to find out what matters to you. It’s about stepping out of your comfort zone to become a more well-rounded and versatile person. It’s about exploring your curiosities, interests, and passions to discover what you want to come next. Whether you want to engage with your peers through a student organization, conduct research alongside IST faculty, or make progress toward your degree in another country, IST and Penn State have what you need. By getting involved, you can find your community, enhance your time on campus, and achieve your goals. Regardless of your background or interests, we have endless ways to help you blaze your own trail in and out of the classroom.
IST-Specific Student Clubs
2
Annual IST Involvement Fairs
47
IST Research Faculty
1,000+
Penn State Student Clubs
300+
Penn State Education Abroad Programs
Student Organizations The College of IST hosts a variety of student organizations, covering everything from academics and community building to professional and identity development. Don’t see a club you want? Start your own! • Association for Women in Computing
• IST Benefiting THON
• Nittany Entrepreneurship Society
• Competitive Cyber Security Organization
• IST Consulting Group
• Order of the Sword & Shield
• IST Living Learning Community
• Red Cell Analytics Lab
• IST Undergraduate Student Council
• User Experience Professionals Association
• Cyber Certifications Club • Fundamentals of Computing Association
• National Security Club
• Gamma Tau Phi
• Nittany AI Student Society
• Google Developer Student Club
• Nittany Data Labs
• Women in IST • Women, International, Racial, and Ethnic Diversity and Intercultural Network (WIRED IN)
Prospective IST Students: futurestudents@ist.psu.edu | Current Penn State Students: advising@ist.psu.edu | Toll-free: 866-225-8707
Tyler Estright ’13
IST Student Engagement Coordinator
IST Diplomats IST Diplomats serve an important role as the college’s student ambassadors. They are a prepared and diverse group of students who bring their unique backgrounds and experiences to support the college’s recruiting and engagement initiatives. As a Diplomat, you can develop self-awareness, improve communication skills, and enhance your careerreadiness by writing a leadership philosophy statement and building leadership capacity. You’ll put those skills to work by facilitating student panels, meeting with prospective students, supporting in-person events, connecting with employers, engaging with alumni and donors, and guiding guests on tours of the college.
Education Abroad Studying, interning, or doing research internationally can expand your perspectives, enhance your educational experiences, and help you become more competitive in the global economy. In IST, you can work with faculty and academic advisers to select one of Penn State’s education abroad programs—including educational programs in Dubrovnik, Croatia, and Seoul, South Korea—that align with some of the College of IST’s majors. While immersing yourself in different cultures, you can make progress toward your degree and drive global impact in an unforgettable experience.
“It can be overwhelming to navigate the wealth of resources Penn State offers. That’s where IST’s Office of Student Engagement comes in. Whether you’re a new student looking to discover your passions or a senior seeking to maximize your experiences before graduation, we have the tools and resources to assist you.”
Undergraduate Research The College of IST is home to accomplished and industry-experienced scholars who drive discovery across four research areas: data sciences and artificial intelligence, humancomputer interaction, privacy and security, and social and organizational informatics. You can work alongside them to build your resume and extend learning outside the classroom, enabling you to publish and present findings in academic journals and at professional conferences. You can partner with IST faculty and student researchers to advance innovation and understanding, all while benefiting from Penn State’s extensive resources and preparing for graduate school or your career.
Penn State is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. U.Ed. IST 24-14.
Grace Liou Class of 2026
“The best thing about IST is the community. There are lots of clubs you can join, and there are always events happening throughout the building. Any opportunity can be a good opportunity, so take advantage of them!”
@ISTatPennState