Student Affairs collaborates with campus partners, students, and the Student Initiated Fee Board to offer a vibrant social calendar of large-scale events that are open to all students and aim develop a sense of belonging within the Penn State Berks community. These outstanding traditions and events complement the many, equally vibrant activities that occur throughout the year both staff, faculty, and student club led.
Many of the events listed below are made possible in partnership with and support from the students who serve on the Student Initiated Fee (SIF) Board.
Alternative Spring Break
Alternative Spring Break (ASB) is an annual service trip that occurs during the University's spring break. Students travel to other states or territories to invest their time and care in service to others. This week-long experience is intentionally educational so that the students involved better understand the communities they will enter to serve and identify how their service projects will contribute to those communities. ASB participants return to campus and offer a session to share their experience with the rest of the campus community.
All-U Day
All-University (All-U) Day was founded to unite and recognize the students of the Penn State and special mission campuses. Together, we are one University geographically dispersed. Each fall, Penn State Berks organizes and transports students up to State College to enjoy a football game at Beaver Stadium. Be sure to wear your blue and white!
Capital Day
Capital Day is the University's single-largest day of advocacy. Annually, upwards of 250 students travel to Harrisburg from across the commonwealth to meet with state leaders and advocate for increased state funding for Penn State, which helps offset the cost of tuition and the overall Penn State educational experience. Students meet with either their hometown legislators or the legislators who represent Berks County — sometimes both! Capital Day ends with a rally on the steps of the capitol building and, of course, an ice cream social with Penn State Berkey Creamery ice cream. Student Affairs partner, Penn State's Office of Government and Community Relations, takes care of all scheduling, logistics, and food for the day.
Family and Homecoming Weekend
Family and Homecoming Weekend is an annual program that brings together alumni, students, and their families for lunch, photographs, social activities and games, and athletic and recreational events. This is also a great time for families and guests to meet and interact with faculty and staff and take tours of the campus! Join us for a day filled with Penn State fun!
Fightin' Phils Night
Come out to support our local Minor League Baseball Team, the Reading Fightin' Phils! Each fall, Penn State Berks has one night at the ballpark where students are transported to FirstEnergy Stadium to enjoy a baseball game, dinner, and cheer on both our local team and university staff as they make the first-pitch!
Part-Time Jobs Fair
Student Affairs collaborates with Career Services, Human Resources, and the Office of Student Aid to offer a part-time jobs fair for both on-campus and local, off-campus employers. This is an excellent opportunity to learn about work study and payroll positions from the hiring departments and local employers directly. This streamlined effort to consolidate opportunities and support resources provides a chance to talk with staff about how to apply for a position and complete an application in Workday.
Student Leadership Awards Ceremony
Each spring, Penn State Berks recognizes outstanding student leaders in roles across campus who contribute their skills and talents to make this campus a better place for their fellow students. Nominations are solicited from students, faculty, and staff in the spring semester and culminate in a recognition ceremony in late April.
Summer Leadership Conference
In the summer months, each Penn State campus sends student representatives to participate in a three-day leadership conference. Students attend several workshops aimed at enhancing their leadership, citizenship, and networking skills. The Penn State Summer Leadership Conference provides a challenging and motivating experience for participants where they will learn to be empowered, confident leaders, personally and professionally, and will be inspired to lead purposeful lives while upholding the Penn State Values.
Welcome Weekend and Welcome Week
Beginning your college experience is exciting! Friendships often begin through interactions with other new students and peer mentors those first few days on campus. Welcome Weekend and Welcome Week are a continuation of the orientation experience and attendance is critical to student success. You will be introduced to peer mentors, meet fellow students through small group conversations and fun activities, learn about how to live and study with integrity in a community of peers, and become familiar with campus resources that are here to support your academic success, health and wellness, and engagement with the multitude of clubs and organizations to join and get involved!
West Reading Nights
Penn State Berks values its home in Berks County! Neighboring a bustling downtown area in West Reading, PA, Student Affairs partners with local businesses to provide our students with several evenings a year to explore restaurants, activities, and treats in an evening out on the town. Developing a sense of belonging within our local community is important; our students might even stay and work locally after graduation!