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What is Health and Human Development?

Diverse fields of study that share one
common goal: enriching the lives of others.

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Mission

The Office of Undergraduate and Outreach Programs works with academic units in the College of Health and Human Development and others at Penn State and in our student, alumni, academic and professional communities to facilitate collaborative and innovative teaching, learning, advising and co-curricular activities that will develop the next generation of passionate leaders who will improve human well-being across the lifespan.

Critical Functions

  • Academic Affairs (Dennis Shea): Curriculum and Course Proposals; Academic Integrity and Grade Mediation; Teaching and Learning Development; Schreyer Honors Programs; Assessment and Outcomes; Academic Policies and Procedures; Study Abroad; Undergraduate Research; Financial Aid
  • Student Services (Megan Owens): First-Year Engagement, Academic Advising; Student Orientation, Transition and Retention; Student Affairs, Student Organizations and Engagement; Career Development
  • Financial Aid (Niharika Sharma)
  • Student Recruitment (Chris Arbutina)
  • World Campus, Conferences, Domestic Academic Field Trip and Engaged Programs (Susan LeWay)

Frequently Asked Questions

What needs to be in my syllabus? icon-olus-circle

Details on this policy and all Penn State academic policies can be found on the Faculty Senate website. A written (paper or electronic form) syllabus must be distributed to students in each course on or before the first class meeting. Changes to the syllabus shall also be given to the student in written (paper or electronic) form.

What do I do if I think a student has cheated or they are disputing their grade? icon-olus-circle

Penn State policy expects faculty to discuss academic integrity violations or grade disputes with a student. In both cases, a conversation with your program leader, department head or Dennis Shea may be helpful before and after that student meeting. If you conclude a student violated academic integrity, submit an Academic Integrity form, with documentation and a proposed sanction to Heather Zimmerman and Associate Dean Shea by email. All violations, even minor ones, should be reported. Efforts to mediate grade disputes must occur between you, the student, and your PIC or department head. If unresolved, the student can submit a Grade Adjudication petition to Dennis Shea.

I think a student is in trouble. What should I do? icon-olus-circle

Faculty can note a student’s academic struggles in Starfish by sending a note to the student and adviser. Faculty are prompted twice each semester to do this, but can also login and note problems at other times. A student’s personal or wellness challenges might warrant a discussion with their academic adviser and/or a contact with the Office for Student Care and Advocacy (814-863-2020). Assisting a student in connecting with resources from Counseling & Psychological Services at University Health Services may also be appropriate. A great resource for all faculty is the Red Folder.

How can I improve my teaching? icon-olus-circle

Penn State has numerous resources for teaching and learning development. Our Learning Design team in the Outreach Office can be consulted. The Schreyer Institute for Teaching Excellence offers a New Instructor Orientation, individual consultations, as well as numerous workshops for faculty. Other resources include Teaching and Learning with Technology, Penn State World Campus for online pedagogy, and IT Learning and Design which offers programs on Canvas, Kaltura and other teaching tools. Funds for teaching development are available from HHD and these groups, too.

How do I propose a new course or program (e.g., major, minor, certificate) or a change in an existing one? icon-olus-circle

Penn State uses a web portal for all curricular proposals, but is soon implementing a new system. Before proposing courses or curricular changes, a good discussion with the program leader, your department curriculum representative, your department head, and other department faculty is expected.  Your department curriculum representative or Heather Zimmerman can assist you in submitting proposals.

Personnel List

Find

Last Name
Student Recruitment and Engagement Coordinator
Department
  • Administration
Interim Assistant Dean for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion & Student Enrollment Services
Department
  • Administration
Associate Dean for Undergraduate Studies and Outreach,
Professor of Health Policy and Administration

Department
  • Health and Human Development
Records Management Assistant
Department
  • Health and Human Development
Administrative Support Assistant for Associate Dean for Undergraduate Studies
Department
  • Health and Human Development

Find

Last Name
Academic Adviser
Department
  • Student Advising and Engagement
Academic Adviser
Department
  • Student Advising and Engagement
Recruitment Coordinator
Department
  • Student Advising and Engagement
Academic Adviser
Department
  • Student Advising and Engagement
Academic Adviser
Department
  • Student Advising and Engagement
Academic Program Coordinator
Department
  • Student Advising and Engagement
Assistant Dean for Student Services and Engagement
Summary Statement

Megan’s priorities are to create and coordinate efforts and programs that support and engage students in their own unique journey.

Department
  • Undergraduate Education
Academic Adviser
Department
  • Student Advising and Engagement

Find

Last Name
Multimedia Specialist
Department
  • Outreach
Education Program Specialist
Department
  • Outreach
Multimedia Specialist
Department
  • Outreach
Instructional Production Specialist
Department
  • Outreach
Multimedia Specialist
Department
  • Outreach
Instructional Designer
Department
  • Outreach
Instructional Production Specialist
Department
  • Outreach
Director of Outreach
Department
  • Outreach
Administrative Support Assistant
Department
  • Outreach
Education Program Specialist
Department
  • Outreach
Instructional Designer
Department
  • Outreach
Assistant Director of Learning Design
Department
  • Outreach
Instructional Production Specialist
Department
  • Outreach
Instructional Designer
Department
  • Outreach
Associate Dean for Undergraduate Studies and Outreach,
Professor of Health Policy and Administration

Department
  • Health and Human Development
Instructional Designer
Department
  • Outreach

Find

Last Name
Promotion & Tenure Coordinator
Administrative Support Coordinator
Summary Statement

KateLynn serves as the Promotion & Tenure Coordinator for HHD. She also provides admin support for Associate Dean Webster and the Offices of Faculty Affairs and Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (OFADEI).

Department
  • Dean's Office Administrative Staff
Interim Assistant Dean for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion & Student Enrollment Services
Department
  • Administration
Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Professor of Recreation, Park, and Tourism Management
Summary Statement

Nicole Webster, Ph.D., is the Associate Dean for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, and Faculty Affairs in the College of Health and Human Development at Pennsylvania State University.

Department
  • Office for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) Specialist
Summary Statement

As a DEI Specialist in the College of Health and Human Development, Harmony's primary mission is to cultivate an inclusive and nurturing atmosphere for students.

Department
  • Office for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion