Perhaps the easiest way to relate to your instructors outside of class is to take advantage of your instructors' office hours to ask questions, discuss assignments and lecture material, seek advice, and show a personal interest in the course material.

Sometimes getting to class early and staying after class will give you other chances to talk informally with your instructors. Check with your instructors to be sure they don't mind talking with students before or after class.

Undergraduate Research
Perhaps there is no better way to connect with faculty members than to work with them as a student researcher. By participating in an undergraduate research project, you will learn how to use the knowledge you acquired in the classroom to solve real problems, gain valuable experience applicable in a wide variety of careers, and expand your professional network.

Lunch with your professors
Want to get to know your professors better outside of class? You and some of your classmates might try talking to your professors informally over lunch—and have Penn State pick up the bill—by participating in the Take Your Professor to Lunch program offered by the Schreyer Institute for Teaching Excellence at University Park or similar programs that may be offered by your college's or campus's Dean's office.