Educational Equity and Diversity Programs
Welcome to Penn State Berks! The college is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive campus that celebrates the unique strengths of each and every culture. At Penn State Berks, we embrace diversity as an essential part of building a rich and vibrant community. We believe that diversity and community are mutually dependent, and we strive to create an environment that promotes respect for differences while fostering caring relationships, cross-cultural understanding, and appreciation across the campus.
Resources for Students
International / Multicultural Students
Penn State Berks offer a vibrant, diverse community for international students. Students have come from countries such as Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Ecuador, France, Gambia, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Israel, Mexico, Morocco, Nigeria, Norway, Peru, Philippines, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, Ukraine, United Kingdom, Uzbekistan, Venezuela, and Zimbabwe. The college provides many programs and resources that address the unique needs of international students.
The Office of Diversity and International Programs supports and serves as an advocate for diverse populations within the college community, from helping students to find scholarships, to providing mentoring opportunities, to identifying programs and services that support student success.
LGBTQA Students
Safe Zone is a campus-wide program designed to raise visibility about the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning, and advocate (LGBTQA) population, to understand the issues facing LGBTQA students, and become aware of the various LGBTQA resources at Penn State.
Student Clubs and Organizations
- Black Student Union
- BSCC (Brotherhood and Sisterhood of Scholarship, Cultural Awareness and Community Service)
- Chinese Culture Club
- Christian Student Fellowship
- INK (International Klub)
- Latino Unity Club
- Muslim Students' Association
- Rainbow Alliance
- Student Veteran Coalition
- VIP (Visualize and Interpret My Perception / Very Important People)
Programs and Events
There are a number of activities planned specifically for international students, including trips to major metropolitan areas such as New York City and Washington, D.C., Halloween parties and Thanksgiving dinners. Unity Day provides an opportunity for the entire campus to celebrate the differences in cultures and ideas among the members of our community.
Student Disability Resources
At every Penn State location, there is an office designated to provide services for students with disabilities. Each designated office requests and maintains disability related documents; certifies eligibility for services; determines academic adjustments, auxiliary aids, and/or services; and develops plans for the provision of academic adjustments, auxiliary aids, and/or services as mandated under the Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Amendments Act (ADAAA) of 2008 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
Resources for Reporting Discrimination
The Pennsylvania State University is committed to the policy that all persons shall have equal access to programs, facilities, admission, and employment without regard to personal characteristics not related to ability, performance, or qualifications as determined by University policy or by state or federal authorities. It is the policy of the University to maintain an academic and work environment free of discrimination, including harassment. The Pennsylvania State University prohibits discrimination and harassment against any person because of age, ancestry, color, disability or handicap, national origin, race, religious creed, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status. Discrimination or harassment against faculty, staff, or students will not be tolerated at The Pennsylvania State University.