Weekly Practicum Insights

Weekly Highlights

Documenting skills learned and projects undertaken during my practicum.

Week 1

During the first week of my practicum, I focused on laying the groundwork for collaboration and project development within the student affairs division. One of my primary tasks involved compiling a comprehensive contact list of student affairs professionals across PennWest University, with a particular focus on those based at the Clarion campus. This included gathering email addresses and departmental affiliations for individuals whose expertise could support my learning throughout the semester. I also began reaching out to several of these professionals to explore opportunities for collaboration.

Week 2

During the second week of my practicum, I gained valuable hands-on experience in event coordination, professional development, and cross-departmental collaboration. I served as the event coordinator for PennWest Clarion’s Martin Luther King Jr. Community Breakfast, where I introduced speakers, managed event timing, and ensured a smooth program flow. I also dedicated time to refining my professional materials—including my résumé, cover letter, and LinkedIn profile—before applying for a student affairs position, with guidance from Dr. Fulton.

Throughout the week, I met with various university staff and administrators to discuss student affairs operations. This included participating in a feedback session with AVI Food Services, where we reviewed student survey data and outlined plans for future collaboration on dining service improvements. I also began developing opportunities to shadow and create projects with professionals across admissions, student engagement, sorority affairs, event services, and student conduct.

In collaboration with Dr. Shawn Hoke, I helped shape the scope of my internship projects, which will focus on areas such as DEI initiatives, student life, housing, and the campus food pantry.

Week 3

In the third week of my practicum, I continued to build practical experience in student affairs through hands-on involvement in event planning, organizational leadership, and campus engagement initiatives. I collaborated with Megan Boozer, Director of the Clarion Student Association, to address challenges faced by student organizations, including clarifying policies for event planning and discussing structural differences among student governments across the PennWest campuses.

I also assisted Rob Hoover, event services technical director, with event setup for an athletic banquet.. Additionally, I contributed to ongoing student engagement efforts by analyzing feedback from a recent campus poll and identifying ways to enhance event participation. A key focus of my week was supporting preparations for Clarion’s upcoming concert, known as "CampusFest." I began coordinating hospitality logistics for performing artists and initiated plans to meet with campus security to ensure a safe and well-organized event.

Later in the week, I led a Clarion House of Representatives meeting, which I organized as a platform for student organizations to collaborate and share updates. During this meeting, we discussed strategies to boost student involvement, including halftime events at athletic games and new campus traditions. I also spoke with Melissa Dunn, director of student development, to restart the Eagle Ambassadors program on the Clarion campus.

Week 4

In the fourth week of my practicum, I had a strong focus on outreach, communication, and professional development. I began the week by engaging with the TRiO office, where I explored job opportunities and collaborated with the Career Center regarding the Internship Coordinator position I had applied for. I also participated in advocacy efforts by writing a letter to a Pennsylvania state senator on the importance of the TRiO program. In support of this initiative, I recorded a video message and took part in an interview reflecting on the program’s personal and campus-wide impact.

Later in the week, I met with Dr. Shawn Hoke to discuss a range of new responsibilities aligned with my internship. These included supporting student leadership and engagement efforts with Melissa Dunn, specifically around the development of the Eagle Ambassadors program and a unified social media platform for PennWest student affairs. I was also introduced to projects related to a 5-year CAS (Coordinated Assessment System) self-study for College Unions with Nancy Skobel, assessment coordinator, and grant-writing collaboration with Meredith Karg, assistant director of wellness. I initiated contact with these professionals and began organizing meetings and tasks to support their ongoing work.

In addition, I followed up on responsibilities from the recent House of Representatives meeting, creating sign-up forms for upcoming events and designing a brochure template for student organizations. This resource will help groups promote themselves during admitted student days and open houses, enhancing student engagement and outreach efforts.

Week 5

I began the fifth week of my practicum by meeting with Meredith Karg to deepen my understanding of grant writing strategies, reviewing previous proposals, and exploring tools for identifying new funding opportunities. I also collaborated with Rachel Kister, PennWest Clarion Alumni and previous Clarion Student Trustee, to develop a presentation for the Mary Walter Leadership Conference, focusing on “Effective Leadership & a Sound Mind,” which we later presented in multiple breakout sessions to Clarion students.

Midweek, I contributed to outreach and programming efforts in the Admissions office. I created surveys to increase student organization involvement in upcoming events such as Chillin & Grillin and halftime programming. I also launched a Student Spotlight initiative to recognize outstanding student stories, intended for use by Admissions, Advancement, and Marketing. In addition, I worked with Brian Hoover, assistant director of student engagement, on planning both the Chillin & Grillin celebration and CampusFest, coordinating logistics related to vendor outreach, artist hospitality, and security planning.

I also met with Melissa Dunn and Darrek Harshberger to discussion a shared PennWest social media page. I was designated as the Clarion content coordinator for the PennWest Student Affairs Instagram page. I also met with Dr. Lacey Fulton, associate professor of communication, to reflect on my ongoing responsibilities and career goals. The week concluded with preparing the campus for Honors Admitted Student Day and participating in a virtual conversation with Interim Chancellor Chris Fiorentino and other PASSHE student leaders to share perspectives on tuition policy and student priorities.

Week 6

I began the sixth week of my practicum by supporting the Honors Admitted Students Day, where I assisted with check-in, answered questions from students and families, participated in a student panel, and provided one-on-one guidance about campus life and resources at PennWest Clarion.

Throughout the week, I took on multiple leadership roles, including hosting roundtable sessions for student organizations about the 2025–2026 budget request process. I helped deliver presentations, field questions, and manage attendance records. I also worked on multimedia content creation in the Admissions office, filming and editing a student-led video project highlighting favorite campus spots. This content was sent to PennWest’s Social Media Manager to support online engagement efforts.

Midweek, I attended a CSA board meeting, where I actively contributed to discussions on student activity fee allocations, inter-campus club participation, and student representation. That same evening, I met with local community leaders, including Eric Funk and Commissioner Braxton White, to explore opportunities for student-community collaboration and political engagement in the Clarion area.

The week concluded with planning discussions for PennWest Clarion social media content, including creating Reels in partnership with Hannah Bennett, and working at Admitted Students Day. During the event, I guided families, answered questions, and participated in a student panel.

Week 7

In Week 7 of my practicum, I focused on professional development, student leadership, and collaborative planning across multiple areas of student affairs. Early in the week, I engaged in two significant interviews—one for a staff position as Internship Coordinator at PennWest Clarion, and another for admission into the Master’s in Counseling program at PennWest University. These experiences gave me valuable insight into the preparation and reflection process involved in advancing both my career and academic goals.

I also served on the Edinboro Student Trustee Search Committee, participating in three candidate interviews and contributing to the final selection discussion later in the week. This experience deepened my understanding of governance and student representation across the PennWest system.

Additional responsibilities included participating in a joint PennWest Campus Life Pillar meeting focused on evaluating and enhancing the student experience across campuses. I also represented the Clarion campus as a student panelist during a virtual Admitted Student Day, where I shared insights and answered questions from prospective students unable to attend in person.

Midweek, I contributed to the development of a “Living, Leading, Learning Community” in Clarion’s residential suites, offering student-focused ideas during a brainstorming session with key student affairs staff. On Thursday, I hosted the House of Representatives meeting, where we partnered with Admissions to write postcards welcoming newly admitted students. The week concluded with a content creator team meeting, where we discussed new strategies to empower students in shaping the university’s digital storytelling.

Week 8

Week eight of my practicum centered on student representation, institutional planning, and behind-the-scenes coordination for ongoing student affairs initiatives. Early in the week, I participated in two significant virtual meetings. The first involved a collaborative review of proposed designs for unified PennWest signage across all campuses. Alongside students, faculty, and staff, I contributed feedback on the design concepts, leading to a group consensus to delay final decisions until additional design revisions could be considered.

Later, I joined a strategic conversation with PennWest’s new Chief Financial Officer, Teresa Smith, and Dr. Susanne Fenske, Vice President for Institutional Effectiveness and Student Affairs. We discussed the implications of a potential lift on the state tuition freeze. Our dialogue focused on how financial decisions at the state and university level could impact student experiences and accessibility.

The remainder of the week was dedicated to student affairs project coordination. I spent considerable time managing communications, scheduling meetings, and supporting planning efforts for upcoming events. I also contributed to a review of student surveys, particularly those related to dining services and campus life, helping to ensure student voices continue to inform service improvements.

Week 9

Week nine of my practicum was heavily focused on university accreditation, cross-campus collaboration, and event coordination in support of student engagement and academic enrichment.

At the beginning of the week, I participated in a series of meetings tied to the Middle States Accreditation Process. On Monday, I attended a student-focused open forum where PennWest students from all campuses were invited to share their experiences and perspectives on the university’s integration process. I also followed up on several student-submitted questions to help ensure their voices were acknowledged in the review.

On Tuesday, I traveled to the PennWest California campus to participate in three key Middle States sessions, including meetings on shared governance, strategic planning, and a student leadership roundtable. Between sessions, I engaged with student affairs and academic professionals from across the system to exchange ideas about student engagement and to explore future opportunities in higher education leadership.

Later in the week, I collaborated with fellow student, Hannah Bennett, to plan upcoming social media content, brainstorming and scheduling weekly Instagram Reels that promote student life and involvement on campus.

On Saturday, I served as the Score Master for the regional Science Olympiad hosted at PennWest Clarion. In this role, I coordinated the verification and final submission of scores for various STEM-based competitions, ensuring accuracy and efficiency in the scoring process. This event highlighted the university’s commitment to community outreach and academic excellence for future college students.

Week 10

Early in the tenth week of my practicum, I facilitated a dialogue between the Clarion Student Senate and AVI, the university’s dining services provider. I invited AVI representatives to attend our weekly senate meeting to engage directly with student leaders. The session provided a space for senators to share concerns, give feedback, and ask questions about dining services, contributing to increased transparency and student input in campus operations.

Midweek, I met with Nancy Skobel to review my involvement in PennWest’s five-year program assessment focused on Student Unions across all campuses. During our Zoom meeting, we discussed the evaluation process, key goals, and my role in analyzing data and contributing the student perspective alongside other committee members. That same day, I participated in the campus Grad Fair, networking with peers and staff involved in end-of-year planning.

On Thursday, my efforts shifted to event coordination as I worked with multiple professionals, including representatives from Residence Life and Student Engagement, to plan logistics for Chillin & Grillin week—a campus-wide celebration slated for the end of April. I ordered supplies, confirmed event scheduling, and contacted outside vendors to support programming throughout the week.

To close out the week, I co-hosted the annual Allies Drag Show, where I performed and emceed the evening’s lineup. Following the event, I assisted with room turnover, helping set up the MPR for the next morning’s Admitted Student Day. This combination of event hosting and operational support reflected my hands-on involvement in student life, inclusion efforts, and university-wide recruitment events.

Week 11

The eleventh week of my practicum began with a focused campus improvement meeting, where I collaborated with Clarion’s Student Trustee, Timothy John, to identify key student concerns and brainstorm actionable solutions. This dialogue demonstrated the importance of peer-to-peer collaboration and student-driven problem solving.

On Tuesday, I participated in the club and organization budget review process as part of my role on the CSA board. I carefully evaluated budget submissions, ensuring accuracy and making necessary adjustments to align requests with university standards. Later that day, I helped facilitate author R.L. Stine’s visit to campus, coordinating his transportation, managing event logistics, and capturing content for PennWest Clarion’s social media channels.

Midweek, I interviewed for the Clarion Bookstore Manager position with Follett and collaborated with Hannah Bennett to develop and produce our weekly social media reel. I also attended “Dine with the Directors,” where students engaged directly with AVI dining leaders, offering feedback and ideas to improve campus dining services.

On Thursday, I led the final House of Representatives meeting of the semester, encouraging campus organizations to finish the academic year strong and prepare for the fall. The rest of the day was filled with a range of responsibilities: continuing budget reviews, designing and distributing CampusFest marketing materials, and participating in a short video promoting the university’s annual gift-giving campaign. I also held several planning meetings with students and staff for upcoming April events, maintaining my active leadership role in ongoing campus programming.

Week 12

Week 12 of my practicum highlighted my continued leadership in student engagement and event coordination, with a focus on administrative collaboration and large-scale campus programming.

I participated in a student leadership meeting with President Anderson, joined by Clarion’s Student Trustee, Timothy John, and CSA board chair, Brady McGiffin. This discussion, which also included Dr. Fenske and Mr. Jim McGee, Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs and Institutional Effectiveness, centered on the student experience across PennWest, including course modality options and campus involvement. I contributed insights based on my own leadership experiences, helping shape administrative understanding of student needs and priorities.

Later in the week, I worked a full day supporting Clarion’s CampusFest, a major campus event. My responsibilities included preparing and securing the Gemmell building ahead of the concert, ensuring that volunteers and special guests received proper credentials, and coordinating refreshments. Once the event began, I supported the security team by enforcing venue policies and assisting with crowd management. Throughout the evening, I maintained active communication with volunteers and staff to ensure a smooth and safe experience for all attendees.

Week 13

Week 13 of my practicum showcased a balance of professional development, campus activism, and academic rigor, reflecting my multifaceted role as a student leader and scholar.

Early in the week, I prepared for and completed a job interview with the University of Pittsburgh for the position of Animal Care Technician I. The process included an in-depth interview, as well as a detailed video explaining the responsibilities of the role, which centers around animal care in their twelve research facilities.

I then participated in a strategic meeting with campus staff, including Matt Shaffer, Dean of Students, and Amy Salsgiver, Executive Director of Equity and Title IX, to discuss the potential renaming of the Equity Awards Dinner. Given recent national policy conversations, we considered how external factors might influence inclusive event branding while still honoring its original mission.

Later, I took part in the Walk a Mile in Their Shoes event, a powerful campus initiative to raise awareness for survivors of sexual assault. Wearing red heels and carrying signs, I joined a record number of volunteers in a campus-wide walk, helping amplify the conversation about this critical issue.

I also engaged in a student leader meeting with Dr. Fenske, where leaders across PennWest came together to discuss ongoing campus concerns and celebrate recent successes. This meeting further demonstrated the value of shared governance and active student input in institutional decision-making.

In addition to leadership and advocacy, I dedicated time to my Honors thesis project, working on both the research paper and presentation required for completion. I also met with event organizers to finalize the schedule and logistics for Chillin & Grillin week, ensuring that all event spaces and timelines were clearly set.

Week 14

Week 14 of my practicum was a meaningful combination of celebration, recognition, academic achievement, and event preparation.

The week began with my attendance at the TRiO Graduate Dinner, a special gathering honoring graduating seniors at PennWest Clarion. The event was a time of reflection and community, where we shared stories and experiences from our time at the university.

Later in the week, I attended a CSA board meeting, where we reviewed budget allocations for various student clubs and discussed other key campus matters. That same evening, I assisted with preparations for the Reinhard Awards Ceremony and was honored to receive multiple awards, including the Most Valuable Ally Award and the James Gemmell Student Leader Award, in recognition of my leadership and involvement across campus.

Following the awards, I presented my Honors Thesis at the university’s formal presentation event. This marked the culmination of several years of research and academic dedication. After delivering my presentation, I engaged in meaningful discussions with faculty and peers about our various projects and findings.

The week also included a science outreach session, where I supported Dr. Helen Hampikian in leading a gram staining seminar for visiting high school students—helping to introduce them to lab techniques and spark interest in science.

Throughout the remainder of the week, I focused heavily on finalizing preparations for the upcoming Chillin & Grillin Week. This included polishing the event schedule, confirming details with participating organizations and vendors, and ensuring that all necessary contracts and logistics were in place.

Week 15

Week 15 of my practicum focused on wrapping up key leadership responsibilities and supporting major student engagement events to close out the academic year.

I began the week by attending the DEI Leadership Awards Dinner, where I was honored with an Outstanding Leadership Award. It was a meaningful recognition of my involvement on campus, and I was joined by my parents for the occasion.

Throughout the week, I played a leading role in coordinating multiple events. I hosted an Activities Fair, allowing student clubs and organizations to offer recruitment for new members and connect with attendees. I also organized and hosted my final Wingo event through Student Senate, handling event logistics, setup, and teardown, while also interacting with students throughout the night.

I continued my work with the University Activities Board (UAB) by organizing a Paint & Sip event. Despite a last-minute supply issue, I successfully managed the situation with an emergency supply run and still ensured the event ran smoothly from start to finish.

The week ended with the main Chillin & Grillin event, a large-scale campus celebration that I co-coordinated. I assisted with vendor management, student engagement, entertainment, and hospitality for visiting students and families. The event featured a range of interactive activities and was a successful capstone to our planning efforts.

This week highlighted my ability to adapt under pressure, manage multiple events simultaneously, and deliver engaging experiences for the campus community—all while demonstrating leadership, communication, and organization.