UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The Office of Enrollment, Engagement and Belonging (OEEB) is the new name of a collaborative unit in the Penn State College of Information Sciences and Technology (IST), effective June 1. The OEEB umbrella includes three IST offices: inclusion and diversity engagement, undergraduate recruiting and student engagement.
“The goal of OEEB is to create a welcoming and inclusive community for recruiting, retaining and engaging undergraduate and graduate students,” said Jocelyn Bennett Garraway, assistant dean of diversity, equity and inclusion for IST. “The new name reflects the strong relationship among our units and promotes a stronger message of belonging and support for all current and prospective students.”
The college combined the three offices on April 1, 2022, to support the overlapping recruiting efforts offered by each area on behalf of Penn State and IST.
“The work done by our inclusion and diversity, recruitment and student engagement units is highly connected,” said Andrew Sears, dean of the college. “Bringing them together into one strategic and synergistic team will strengthen our ability to provide enriching opportunities to students from all walks of life.”
Diversity, equity and inclusion should not be done apart from recruiting and engagement, according to Bennett Garraway.
“OEEB provides centralized support for these three complementary and important units,” she said.
Office of Inclusion and Diversity Engagement
The Office of Inclusion and Diversity Engagement (OIDE) helps the college maintain a diverse and equitable climate within the IST community. OIDE develops strategies that recruit, engage and retain students, faculty and staff, including people of color, women, first-generation students, people with disabilities and members of the LGBTQ+ community.
“There are significant gender and diversity gaps in the technology industry,” said Madhavi Kari, assistant director of OIDE. “Our goal is to support these students in their academic and professional endeavors and pave the way for future success in their chosen STEM fields.”
Office of Undergraduate Recruiting
The Office of Undergraduate Recruiting helps students navigate the University and college admissions process. Prospective students and their families can explore IST’s academic programs and connect with current students and faculty.
“Collaborating with OIDE and student engagement enables us to facilitate on-campus and virtual visit opportunities that speak to the uniqueness of every potential student,” said Angela Miller, director of undergraduate recruiting for the college.
Office of Student Engagement
The Office of Student Engagement helps students take advantage of opportunities that can enhance their academic, professional and social experiences in IST.
“We encourage co-curricular activities that enhance classroom learning,” said Tyler Estright, IST’s student engagement coordinator. “Our students are involved in college organizations, ambassador programs and other engagement programs aimed to develop academic and leadership skills.”
Bennett Garraway said she believes diversity makes the college stronger.
“The college is enhanced by the uniqueness of each and every student,” she said. “We want students to feel free to be themselves. In return, we will do our part to help them become the next generation of successful IST professionals.”