Our Mission

The Student Advocacy Office provides Penn State Harrisburg students with the necessary tools and support to make difficult situations more manageable. When made aware of a student going through an unforeseen challenging circumstance, we engage in a good faith review of the information provided for a student who requires support. We believe that managing complex student needs is best accomplished through a coordinated team effort and suggests a course of action that considers the needs of the individual in the context of available resources. Recommendations are guided by an ethic of care and attention to the safety and well-being of individuals and the campus community. Our approach is one of empowerment, encouraging students to maximize their educational experience and prepare for involvement in the larger community and life beyond college.

Our Goals

  • Listen effectively, provide timely and accurate information, and encourage mutual respect throughout the process. 
  • Empower the student while serving as their co-pilot, consultant, and coach. 
  • Build relationships by treating each student as an individual and encouraging others to do the same. 
  • Strive to meet the needs of students by collaborating with other staff and faculty to offer alternatives and resolve issues. 
  • Act in the best interests of students and provide them with information on the university's regulations and policies, which enhances their ability to navigate the university. 
  • Coordinate and respond to crises and offer assistance to all affected family members and students. 

Our Approach

  • Operate under the belief that we can best manage student needs through a collaborative team effort. 
  • Follow an ethic of care that supports the safety and well-being of individuals and the college community. 
  • Support students through challenging situations, at times, calling upon more than one office or department to help a given student. 
  • Suggest a course of action that considers the students' needs in the context of available resources. 
  • Provide students with the tools and support to make difficult situations more manageable. 

When Should I Reach Out? Please contact us if you or someone you know is struggling with any of the following: 

  • academic distress
  • financial insecurity
  • housing/food insecurity
  • transportation difficulties
  • death of an immediate family member
  • family emergency/crisis
  • mental health concern
  • medical emergency and/or hospitalization
  • long-term illness
  • Childcare issues
  • unexpected events or challenges

Some of the ways Student Advocacy can help

  • Foster self-advocacy in students to manage their academic, personal, and fiscal responsibilities
  • Notify faculty when the student is unable to do so
  • Consult with University faculty and staff regarding concerning situations with a student 
  • Navigate health insurance and benefits
  • Connect the best campus and community resources to support the student
  • Assist with transportation insecurities
  • Provide follow up to maintain good health
  • Review Student Emergency Fund opportunities 
  • Maintain follow-up support to address ongoing needs

We believe the earlier a student is connected to our office and brings a willingness to partner with us, results in better outcomes for the student.

Please remember that anyone can make a referral, including parents and other students.

Faculty and Staff Referrals (we need you)!

Faculty and staff have a direct link to students and can contribute to their wellbeing. Declining academic performance and worrisome behaviors are often indicators that a student may be facing struggles in other areas. Faculty and staff are often the first to recognize when a student is distressed, distressing, or just needs additional support.