Diversity Enhancement Programs engagement space elevates student experience

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — When Zeina Delgado, Penn State Smeal College of Business junior and risk management major, was elected president of NABA: The Organization for Black Business Students, she knew she would need a place to meet, collaborate and seek advice in order to lead effectively.

Just two years ago, Delgado would have needed to seek out whatever shared space was available in the Business Building. Once the pandemic permitted, Penn State Smeal Office of Diversity Enhancement Programs transitioned from a collection of adjacent offices they occupied within the Undergraduate Education suite, to a newly renovated space in 204 Business Building.

More than just new office spaces, DEP views its new home as an engagement hub where undergraduate and graduate students, as well as faculty and staff are welcome.

“With spaces like this, it helps students learn about the opportunities to get involved in organizations that will benefit them, but also the opportunities to help them further their careers, all while being an open and supportive space for Black and POC students,” Delgado said

That sense of belonging was intentional, starting with the planning and design of the space. DEP collaborated with Smeal’s Research Instruction and Information Technology Group to strategically design and build a welcoming engagement space.

Jamie Campbell, assistant dean of Diversity Enhancement Programs, plays an integral part in what makes this space so purposeful.

“DEP partnered with the RIIT Group very closely to ensure that this space would be inclusive to all persons entering the building,” said Campbell. “From making suggestions on colors to making sure that the office space was ergonomically correct, it was a great undertaking to ensure this space could be seen as a home away from home.”

Building Community

Campbell also helped to organically build a community in the new space. In the new location, he’s better able to support his students and give them a more meaningful Smeal experience.

“I think it's that idea of community in practice. That idea of being able to say, 'You know, we talk about having a place for students to be in, a place for students to go,' but we now really have a space where they can come and they can sit and talk and just be,” he said.

Campbell explained how the new space offers a new way of collaborating. It’s more welcoming to be in and it prioritizes Smeal’s commitment to diversity.

“The MBA students and faculty didn't necessarily come to our offices before because they felt they were only for undergraduates to use,” Campbell said. “But this space changes the perception to a degree because you'll see a graduate student in here, you'll see a faculty member and you'll see an administrative person. It all blossoms.”

With the addition of this new collaborative space, new avenues for students have emerged. Company recruiters are in and out of the DEP engagement space talking to students and giving them the chance to explore career opportunities. It’s also easier to disseminate information about scholarships.

Campbell explained that the space has fostered new connections among students, and it provides a place for them to go without judgment, concern or fear.

Elevating the Student Experience

Delgado highlighted how this space elevated her Smeal experience. From learning business etiquette, planning events, scholarship opportunities and more, she said Smeal's opening of this space has offered prospects for students they had not realized before.

“I can get assistance with events, specifically for NABA. For example, with my new role as president, there are many logistics that come with event planning for the organization, and they have helped tremendously for each event we have had,” Delgado said.

“From our dining etiquette and networking event to our annual fashion show event, they have supported us every step of the way.”

Ayesha Patel, a graduating senior management major and president of Assistance in Transition to University Park, a multicultural student organization that helps Penn State 2+2 students transition from Commonwealth Campuses to University Park, sings the praises of Campbell and Olivia Lewis, director for Diversity Enhancement Programs.

“I'm always able to talk to Olivia and Jamie personally, and they're just always there for us,” she said. “It's nice to know I have some advisers and staff that's willing to help me.”

Delgado, too, emphasized the welcoming environment the new space provides, and that Campbell and Lewis engender.

“This space makes me feel welcome and supported,” she said. “Jamie and Olivia have helped me in numerous ways and have become important figures in my life and my Smeal journey as a whole.”