Welcome!

The Multicultural Resource Center (MRC) provides professional counseling and educational services for African/Black American, Latino/Hispanic American, Asian/Pacific Islander American, American Indian/Alaskan Native, and all other undergraduate students. MRC's staff is dedicated to helping students succeed and graduate from Penn State.

What does the MRC do for students?

The MRC assists students in meeting the challenges associated with education and attaining a degree at a major research institution. For instance, if you have personal concerns or an issue related to the University—such as academic or financial aid—MRC can help you. More specifically, MRC staff work with students in a variety of areas including:

• University policies, procedures, and regulations;
• Study skills, time management, and test-taking strategies;
• Obtaining free tutorial assistance;
• Interpersonal relationships with peers and family, conflict resolution, and other personal matters;
• Careers, internships, graduate and professional school, education abroad, and job opportunities;
• Assistance with questions on financial aid, scholarships, and money management; Educational programming, including study groups and seminars; and
• Assisting targets of bias motivated incidents so they might find quick resolution and attain their educational goals.

Do you really need MRC's assistance?

The MRC counselors want to meet with every student eligible for its services, regardless of a student's present circumstances. Someday you may face a problem that's too big to handle on your own. The help of a counselor could be very important. Why wait? Get to know your MRC counselor now, so that if you need help in the future, you'll already have someone who knows and understands you.

How do MRC counselors differ from academic advisers?

MRC counselors work with students in many areas; however, they do not provide the primary assistance for making up students' class schedules, as academic advisers do. Although MRC counselors can give additional insight into course selections, their focus is in helping students develop skills and strategies that lead to success in graduation and beyond.

How can students meet their MRC counselor?

Students may stop by 220 Grange Building or call (814) 865-1773 to make an appointment or speak with their counselor. It is important to make contact as early in the semester as possible.

Vision Statement:

The overall purpose of the MRC is to promote and reflect the ethnic richness and diversity of its students within the University community and to advocate for their needs.

MRC staff act as advocates for students in dealing with the complex makeup of a large university. They are eager to meet and talk with students. Thus...

"Any issue important to students
is important to MRC counselors."