S.T.A.R.T.

The office sponsors a diversity conference known as the S.T.A.R.T. Conference. The S.T.A.R.T. (Striving Toward Awareness and Respect for Tomorrow) Conference is a one-day conference, organized by Smeal students, held each spring on Penn State’s University Park campus and provides participants with insights into various issues of diversity in the workplace. The conference provides a forum for a diverse multicultural group to share ideas and discuss diversity issues, which in turn opens channels of communication. Guest speakers, open forums, and workshops present the skills necessary to succeed in the workplace and understand the demands of a rapidly changing world. At S.T.A.R.T., corporate representatives have the opportunity to hear the issues and concerns of students and brainstorm with them about ways to enhance their company's diversity initiatives. Workshops such as "The Importance of Diversity in Organization Management" by Philip Morris and "Generational Differences in the Workplace" by Boeing were highlighted at the 2007 conference.