WYOMISSING, Pa. — Penn State Berks is reaching out to the local community in a new way — through "LionSide Chats," a modern interpretation of former U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Depression-era “Fireside Chats.” These webinars provide current and timely talks from college faculty and staff experts on a variety of topics and disciplines.
The one-hour webinars are free and open to the public. All LionSide Chats will be delivered via Zoom webinars. A complete schedule of talks and recordings of past LionSide Chats are available on the LionSide Chats website.
“The LionSide Chat series is a classic example of great ideas blossoming through communication and collaboration,” stated Dawn Pfeifer Reitz, assistant teaching professor of communication arts and sciences and one of the co-founders of the program.
Berks Resourceful Roundtable Schedule
The Berks Resourceful Roundtable Discussions is a new series for Spring 2021. It is a LionSide Chat collaboration with the Quality of Life (QOL) committee at Penn State Berks. This series will highlight Berks campus resources outside academic programs. Staff and faculty panelists will be given questions to answer, and students will have the opportunity to ask questions towards the end of the discussion.
- Mar. 8, 12:15–1:15 p.m. — Berks Resourceful Roundtable Part 2: Financial Aid and Finance Office
- Mar. 12, 12:15–1:15 p.m. — Berks Resourceful Roundtable Part 3: Advising, Learning Center, Writing Center, Support Services and Counseling Services
General LionSide Chat Schedule
- Mar. 19, 11-12 p.m.– Spring Into Freelance Writing: Tips for Beginners New to the Field
Presented by Tara Beecham, lecturer in writing, Penn State Berks, this chat will explore ways students considering work as a freelance writer can get started while they are still an undergraduate student. Students will learn steps writers can take now to submit their work for publication and learn to network and make professional connections. They will also build a portfolio to use when seeking employment.
Majorly Prepared LionSide Chat Schedule
In this new series of LionSide Chats titled “Majorly prepared: Penn State Berks degrees and opportunities,” current and prospective students will learn about the degrees they can complete at Penn State Berks.
Why and how do we study human movement? A chat about the kinesiology degree
March 1, 12:15–1:15 p.m.
This webinar will discuss the study of movement, the college’s degree programs related to this field of study and what students can do with a kinesiology degree. Penn State Berks offers a bachelor of science degree in kinesiology and an associate degree in occupational therapy. Both degrees open the door to a world of possibilities.
Engaging possibilities
March 9, 12:15-1:15 p.m.
Penn State Berks offers many ways to engage with the community — from social justice to sustainability. In this webinar, students will discuss their personal experience with community engagement. Attendees will learn how these projects can complement degree programs. College opportunities include the Center for Academic and Community Engagement, the Penn State Educational Partnership Program, the Sustainability Committee, and the Social Justice Collaborative.
Undergraduate research and outreach in the sciences: Learn about community outreach and research opportunities
March 15, 12:15-1:15 p.m.
This webinar will discuss research opportunities and outreach programs in the sciences at the Penn State Berks. Participants will hear from science professors and researchers about the exciting projects for students. Degree programs at Penn State Berks include biology, biochemistry and molecular biology, science (with options in life science and general science), and kinesiology.
IST and cybersecurity at Penn State Berks: Applying technology to solve problems
March 24, 12:15 -1:15p.m.
This webinar will provide an overview of degrees in information sciences and technology, including cybersecurity and risk analysis. Students and alumni will discuss their experiences in the program and in the workforce. These majors address the demand for highly skilled professionals ready to apply technology to solve problems across any area of business and government. Degrees include information sciences and technology, security and risk analysis, and cybersecurity analytics and operations.
For more information and to view the complete LionSide Chats schedule, visit the website or email BerksLSChats@psu.edu.