Welcome to Penn State Berks!
We Are … thrilled to welcome you to campus! Thank you for starting or continuing your educational journey at Penn State Berks – we hope your path of learning and self-discovery leads you to realize your dreams.
Penn State Berks provides all the rich opportunities of a world-class research university in a small, diverse, close-knit college community, where students, faculty, and staff of all cultures are valued and appreciated. You belong here, and we will help you find your circle of friends with whom you feel your best. Penn State Berks offers a warm welcome to all members of our community and proudly supports diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging.
As a student, you have access to all the academic advantages the University has to offer. While you can complete the first two years of one of Penn State’s 275+ majors before transferring to another campus, many fall in love with Berks and decide to complete one of the 24 baccalaureate or associate degrees offered right here at the college.
At Penn State Berks, faculty and staff will know you by name. Our talented and award-winning faculty pride themselves on their commitment to students and the teaching of their discipline. Berks faculty are also dedicated researchers, and many students conduct their own undergraduate research – an opportunity usually reserved for graduate students – working one-on-one with faculty members. In fact, students have traveled to national conferences to present their research alongside their faculty mentors.
More importantly, the faculty and staff will become like a second family to you. If you have any concerns – about your classes, being away from home, or anything else – please reach out. Our staff and faculty are here to help and support you so that you are successful.
Take advantage of all the college has to offer. Students enjoy a rich student life, whether they live on campus or in the surrounding community. Outside the classroom, you can hone your leadership skills in one of the 50+ student organizations, refine your artistic and creative talents, and participate in our many campus activities. For student athletes, the college offers 12 NCAA Division III teams, intramural teams, and club sports.
At Penn State Berks, you are part of not only the college community, but also the greater local community, and service is an important part of the Penn State Berks experience. Students, faculty, and staff volunteer with many community organizations, from revitalizing the Schuylkill River Trail, to cooking and serving meals at Opportunity House, to raising funds for children with cancer through THON, the largest student-run philanthropy in the world, just to name a few.
I encourage you to check out this diverse and supportive college community that, for more than half a century, has prided itself on being part of Penn State University, one of the finest universities in the world.
Thank you for choosing Penn State Berks, and have a wonderful semester!
We are...Penn State!
Sincerely,
Radha Pyati
Chancellor of Penn State Berks