Academic Enhancement Projects

OPP engages with specific courses to provide out-of-classroom opportunities that enhance students’ for-credit academic experiences.

Berks' Gaige Building

The Gaige Technology and Business Innovation Building at Penn State Berks has been awarded LEED gold level certification. Among the innovative design elements noted in the LEED award is the collaboration with Penn State students in the advanced business writing class that resulted in a signage program promoting a "Sustainability Awareness" program.

Steam Plant ToursPenn State's steam plant

For almost 10 years, the Office of Physical Plant workers at the West Campus Steam Plant have gotten special visitors throughout the spring semester. The guests are upper-level engineering students getting a first-hand look at a power plant in action. Professor Gita Talmage says the collaboration with OPP is a one-of-a-kind experience for her students and gives them knowledge that can't be found in a textbook. The course is called Mechanical Engineering 402: Power Plants.

Smarter Carpet Initiative

In 2010, MBA students in the Smeal College of Business worked with OPP and Procurement Services to launch an ambitious collaborative effort: to develop a new standard for carpet purchasing, installation, and removal that would reduce the first cost by 3-5% and the total cost of ownership by an estimated 20% and ensure 100% of Penn State carpeting never sees a landfill.