The World Campus Student Advisory Board is an extension of Student Affairs whose members work with administrators and faculty to advocate for students and to enrich and improve the World Campus experience.
Applications to participate in the Student Advisory Board are currently closed. Applications typically open at the beginning of the spring semester, with selections made by early February. Details and timing for the next application cycle will be announced when dates are finalized.
Student Advisory Board Structure and Operations
Board Structure, Meetings, and Time Commitment
The board consists of 30–35 students who work under the leadership of Student Affairs staff. While all board and committee meetings are virtual, members may have the opportunity to travel to the University Park campus for special events.
Being a member of the board requires a commitment of approximately five hours a month, which can include:
- monthly board meetings
- committee meetings
- service opportunities
- professional development opportunities
- interactions with senior leadership
Being a board member can help you learn what it takes to become a better leader and communicator, appreciate the diversity of your peers, and identify civil and social responsibilities to develop yourself personally and professionally.
Committees
The board carries out its work via committees. All board members are required to be a member of one of the following committees.
Develops and maintains bylaws of the organization; manages board membership; advises Student Affairs in recruitment, onboarding, and professional development for board members; and serves as liaisons with other student leaders internal and external to Penn State World Campus.
Key Initiatives
- develop membership guidelines
- develop the application for new members
- meet with other student leaders
Plans and implements student engagement opportunities, promotes and develops clubs and organizations, and supports other leadership and service programs.
Key Initiatives
- advise Student Affairs on development, support, and implementation of student engagement programs
Promotes student organizations, activities, and resources with the goal of increasing awareness and participation within World Campus. Attends special events and serves as a World Campus communication ambassador.
Key Initiatives
- manage student advisory board web presence
- recruit writers for the World Campus Blog
- attend prospective student recruitment events
Serves as the voice of students for units and committees working with faculty and academic programs.
Key Initiatives
- work with University Libraries to enhance online resources
- collaborate with academic advisers
Strives to improve the Penn State World Campus experience through its work.
Ongoing Initiatives
- leading and collaborating in teams
- serving on hiring committees for key student service staff
- providing feedback on student engagement
Student Advisory Board Members
Meet the current members of the Student Advisory Board.
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Lauri Accardi
Location: Pennsylvania
Degree and Program: OMBA in Corporate Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Committee: Academic Affairs"It is an opportunity to meet other students, network, meet faculty, and, most importantly, make an impact on current and future students."
"You will have exposure to incredible professors, be able to work with a variety of students in groups, and will meet people from around the globe."
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Olu Ajisafe
Location: Washington, D.C.
Degree and Program: Master of Business Administration [MBA]
Committee: Student Engagement"My favorite moment at Penn State World Campus is the routine engagement in late-night group homework and discussions with my colleagues. Despite being tired from a long day at work, we find the discussions rewarding, and I enjoy the opportunity to interact and brainstorm ideas with my peers."
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Marisa Anuszewski
Location: Maryland
Degree and Program: Bachelor's in Information Sciences and Technology
Committee: Marketing & Communications"What inspired me to become a member of the WCSAB is to be a voice for the students."
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Barry Back
Location: South Carolina
Degree and Program: Bachelor's in Business
Committee: Marketing & Communications"To be a part of something bigger than me and serve the student body, there is no greater way of giving back."
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Cassandra Barr
Location: Pennsylvania
Degree and Program: Bachelor's in Psychology
Committee: Student Engagement"I've met some of my best friends through clubs and organizations!"
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Kymani Campbell
Location: New York
Degree and Program: Master of Public Administration
Committee: Student Engagement"I wanted to better the World Campus, assist students transitioning to the online world, and being a part of something bigger than me."
"It's an adjustment, but you will do great!"
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Hongik Choi
Location: South Korea
Degree and Program: Graduate Certificate in Applied Statistics
Committee: Academic Affairs"Nothing so far except for trying my best in each of the classes, answering forums, and taking part in office hours with sincerity."
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Sam Cinque
Location: Pennsylvania
Degree and Program: Master's in Learning, Design, and Technology
Committee: Marketing & Communications"I wanted to be involved in positively impacting the World Campus experience for existing and future World Campus students."
"I have made a handful of connections with people from prior classes and love to run ideas by them or ask for their advice. Put yourself out there, you won't regret it!"
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Josh Clem
Location: Ohio
Degree and Program: Bachelor's in Cybersecurity Analytics and Operations
Committee: Student Engagement"Many courses will involve group work, which will allow you to form new bonds and friendships and see how truly great each and every student can be."
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Matt DeBlass
Location: New Jersey
Degree and Program: Bachelor's in Strategic Communications
Committee: Marketing & Communications"Be sure to plan some down time. Those breaks are a necessary part of learning, and your academic performance is a lot better when you're well-rested."
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Matthew Duncan
Location: Ohio
Degree and Program: Certificate in Turfgrass Management
Committee: Academic Affairs"Honestly, my most proud moment is being near 50 years old and finally achieving my goal of being a Penn State student!"
"Try to get involved with something on campus, even if you don't ever get to visit. Being part of the Penn State community is being involved in something way bigger than yourself and becoming part of a proud, rich tradition!"
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George Dyche
Location: Ohio
Degree and Program: Master of Finance
Committee: Marketing & Communications"Because this is an online learning platform, discipline and planning are two skills you will develop quickly and that it is OK to feel overwhelmed at first. The effort you put into the course work will dictate the type of experience you will gain."
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Andres Evans
Location: Bahamas
Degree and Program: Bachelor of Science in Information Sciences and Technology
Committee: Academic Affairs"Before it, I had never experienced such a great quality in distance learning. I want to ensure that other student's skepticism of non-traditional methods are met with the excellence of the well-rounded experience I had."
"I always had the impression that virtual learning would be as cold and alienated as many think of it. But I made a great friendship that lasted beyond that group project."
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Brooke Foster
Location: New Jersey
Degree and Program: Bachelor's in Strategic Communication
Committee: Student Engagement"My advice for new Penn State World Campus students is to take a moment to breathe — enjoy the feeling of stepping foot on the virtual campus — and then invest an hour or so creating a due-date schedule."
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Lydia Johnson
Location: Michigan
Degree and Program: Bachelor's in Digital Journalism and Media
Committee: Board Relations & Outreach"Work hard. Keep your vision in mind. Don't go for a good grade, go for the best."
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Nicole Lazaro
Location: Pennsylvania
Degree and Program: Bachelor's in Legal Studies, A.S. in Paralegal Studies
Committee: Board Relations & Outreach"My goal is to be the voice for students as well as create equal opportunities for outreach incentives where both online learners and in-person learners can work together to achieve our common goal."
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Jessica Lowe
Location: Virginia
Degree and Program: Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice
Committee: Board Relations & Outreach"Joining the WCSAB was a choice that would not only impact my life as a student but also set me up to be more willing to give myself a voice in the future and in my career once I graduate."
"I think I would have to say that, so far, my favorite memory was seeing my name on the Dean's List for last semester."
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Narasimman Madhavarao
Location: New Jersey
Degree and Program: MPS in Enterprise Architechture and Business Transformation
Committee: Student Engagement"To work together and develop innovative solutions to complex challenges, ultimately enhancing the overall quality of the online education experience."
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Andrew Marks
Location: Pennsylvania
Degree and Program: Bachelor of Science in Business, focusing on Management and Marketing
Committee: Board Relations & Outreach"Collaboration as a team and being able to make an impact on future generations is vital to ensure Penn State's legacy not only improves but lasts!"
"The best thing to do is to not be afraid to challenge yourself. Go to the ledge, try something new, whether it is a club, society, or just for fun, you put in what you get out. It is up to you to set your journey!"
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Dorothy Pioli
Location: Pennsylvania
Degree and Program: Bachelor's in Information Sciences and Technology
Committee: Academic Affairs"No one is going to take care of you like you take care of you. Take a moment, make a schedule, read ahead, and do your best!"
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Marissa Presser
Location: Pennsylvania
Degree and Program: Master of Business Administration
Committee: Student Engagement"Get involved! Student organizations provide a great opportunity to develop your leadership skills and connect with peers who share similar interests. These initiatives and programs outside of the classroom help students discover their passions and build a robust résumé to be successful in a competitive job market."
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Shawn Reagan
Location: Pennsylvania
Degree and Program: Bachelor's in Energy and Sustainability Policy
Committee: Board Relations & Outreach"Be proud that you were accepted. It's not something that comes easily, and you have the support system to achieve whatever goals you make for yourself."
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Felix Ruiz
Location: California
Degree and Program: Bachelor’s in Organizational Leadership
Committee: Academic Affairs"I wanted to be a part of proactive advocacy efforts within the World Campus community that help to continue shaping a positive online learning experience for all."
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Abygail Smith
Location: Pennsylvania
Degree and Program: Bachelor's in Digital Multimedia Design
Committee: Marketing & Communications"I love that Penn State allows students the option to learn in an online environment, and I want to be able to help bring awareness to the available resources and opportunities for students so they can get the most out of their World Campus experience."
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J.T. Sodano
Location: Pennsylvania
Degree and Program: Bachelor's in Digital Multimedia Design
Committee: Marketing & Communications"Penn State provides comprehensive tools and resources to aid in your success, underpinned by world-class faculty and curriculum in a leading research university. Leverage everything the University has to offer."
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Sean Twomey
Location: Pennsylvania
Degree and Program: Bachelor's in Economics
Committee: Board Relations & Outreach"Get involved! There are more resources for you than you may think."
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Brian K. White
Location: New Jersey
Degree and Program: Master's in Strategic Management and Executive Leadership
Committee: Board Relations & Outreach"Participate in virtual activities and professional development workshops."
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Tyesha Wilson
Location: Pennsylvania
Degree and Program: Bachelor's in Biobehavioral Health and Bachelor's in Psychology
Committee: Student Engagement"Use the resources and tools that are provided to you and don't be afraid to ask questions. Feel free to browse the World Campus website because there are so many things on there that help you further your education."
