Getting Help

In addition to the support and guidance provided by our office, be sure to consider to the following resources. 

Please visit the following pages for information on campus-specific grants and events, such as research exhibitions and fairs.

The University Libraries are here to support you throughout your entire research process. For those just starting undergraduate research experiences, the Libraries can assist you in developing the skills needed for this work. Additionally, once you have entered an undergraduate research experience, the Libraries can help supplement and enhance your experience with workshops geared toward building research skills. The Libraries can also provide guidance and training, in addition to your mentors, in your undergraduate research experience. There are many places to look for help!

Based on your library need, you might want to consider:

Not sure where to start? Feel free to reach out to Danica E. White, Student Engagement Librarian, at dew5422@psu.edu, for help with identifying who to contact.

The Council of Undergraduate Research (CUR) is the preeminent organization centered around strengthening undergraduate research and creativity activity. As a Penn State student, you are eligible to take advantage of the University’s enhanced institutional membership and register for an individual membership at no cost. Membership benefits include listings of undergraduate research and presentation opportunities, access to CUR Quarterly, CUR’s online archive of Webinar Recordings and materials, and more.

There are a number of spaces at Penn State that exist to support intellectual curiosity, academic studies, and career advancement.

Disclaimer: The links below will direct you to the resources available at University Park. Individuals outside of University Park should refer to the websites for their specific campuses and for additional campus-specific resources when appropriate.

Resource Description
Career Resource Center Penn State’s Career Resource Center helps undergraduates discover their interests and prepare for a career path. Here, students can receive help applying for an internship or job, preparing for an interview, or even applying for graduate or professional school.
Global Programs Global Programs provides support and oversight for all of Penn State’s international engagements. The office manages education abroad programs and hosts international students and schools.
Nittany Lion Careers Nittany Lion Careers is Penn State’s official platform for pairing current students and job-seeking alumni with internships and career opportunities.
Office of Graduate Fellowships and Awards Administration The Office of Graduate Fellowships and Awards Administration promotes internal funding opportunities available to graduate students, as well as coordinates all of the funding programs and awards for the Graduate School, including certain external awards such as the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship, Ford Foundation, Smithsonian, Corning, and others. In addition, the office acts as the administrative policy home for graduate assistantships, fellowships, and traineeships.
Office of Student Aid The Office of Student Aid helps undergraduate and graduate students find the financial resources they need to meet their educational goals. They provide accurate information about types of financial aid available to support a Penn State education.
Penn State Learning Penn State Learning offers peer-led, undergraduate learning communities in math, natural sciences, writing, languages, economics and statistics through tutoring, workshops, and guided study groups.
Student Disability Resources Student Disability Resources provides reasonable accommodations and services to students with disabilities enrolled across the commonwealth.
Student Engagement Network The Student Engagement Network is a comprehensive initiative across twenty-four campuses that connects students with curricular and co-curricular opportunities such as research, student organization involvement, community leadership, study abroad, internships, arts and performances, and more. Read more about the SEN Grant for undergraduates.
Undergraduate Research Undergraduate Research provides students and mentors with opportunities to engage undergraduates in research and creative inquiry. Read more about Erickson Discovery Grant and the Undergraduate Exhibition for undergraduates. Use the database to find Penn State mentors looking to fill open undergraduate positions.
University Libraries As a top 10 research library in North America, the University Libraries has the resources students need for their academic and personal pursuits at Penn State. Resources are available online and in-person at libraries across the Commonwealth. Acknowledging that having many resources can make it overwhelming, the Libraries encourage students to connect with their subject and/or campus librarian for help getting started.

Throughout the school year, URFM routinely offers information sessions on fellowship opportunities. During these presentations, we also cover topics like how to develop into a competitive applicant and how to begin an application. If you would like a copy of a presentation that was given in the past, please email us at urfm@psu.edu.

Resource Description
Undergraduate Writing Tutors Undergraduate writing tutors offer feedback and support on undergraduate writing from angle of collaboration and creation rather than remediation. This is a great resource for undergraduates looking to discuss whether and how their application materials, such as personal statements, are connecting to the prompts.
English for Professional Purposes Intercultural Center (EPPIC) EPPIC offers advising, workshops, speaking groups, and more to help international students boost skills and confidence in advanced genres of academic and professional English.
Graduate Writing Center The Graduate Writing Center assists graduate students in writing proposals and chapters, conference abstracts and talks, teaching philosophies, and more. Individual consultations and group writing workshops are offered.

In addition to these offices, consider utilizing the following online resources.