Know Your People
Connect with this campus personality who can offer valuable support and insights tailored to your current semester needs.
Jennifer Breese, D.Sc.
Dr. Jennifer Breese, a native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, began on her college journey with a major in Political Science for her first degree. As a first-generation college graduate, Dr. Breese immersed herself in the industry while pursuing her Master’s and Doctorate degrees. Outside of her time on campus, she finds joy in playing tennis, weight-lifting, reading, traveling, and caring for her elderly father.
Dr. Breese focuses on instilling two mantras in her students:
- “You can’t get something you don’t ask for.” This message is to communicate and reach out when you need help.
- “The answer is never no; it is how much time you are willing to put into yes.” This is a message of tenacity and drive.
In her role, Dr. Breese teaches Cyber and IT, develops courses, advises students, conducts research, serves as an editor for journals, and contributes to various services for the PSUGA campus. She also represents PSUGA at University Park. Her office is located in Frable Building 201Q, but she is available for Zoom appointments during evenings and weekends, striving to be accessible when her students need assistance.
“ Learning is a life-long journey that requires both determination and will. Professors need to celebrate the diversity of the students’ worldview and build communities of learning among the students. Teachers need to also be mentors who can bring even the most mundane subject matter alive with their own passion for learning, adding a global perspective and the use of current technology to have the best opportunity to engage students. I hope these are things I bring to my classroom experience for my students.”
For students interested in Cybersecurity Analytics and Operations, research, or those uncertain about what their future may hold, Dr. Breese encourages reaching out for a conversation. There may even be funds available for those interested in becoming a paid researcher or tutor.
Additionally, Dr. Breese teaches two classes this semester: Game 140N (Video Game Culture), which counts toward various aspects of your transcript, not limited to Cyber or IST majors; and IST 110 (Introduction to Information, People and Technology), a General Education course for most majors. These courses provide valuable insights into diverse fields and contribute to a well-rounded academic experience.
Erica Willis, Ed.D.
Dr. Erica Lynn Willis is a first-generation college graduate, who earned her Bachelors Degree in Business Administration with concentrations in Finance and Management from Mercyhurst College, her Master of Arts degree in Counseling with an emphasis in Student Personnel Services from Edinboro University and her Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from Duquesne University. She is passionate about helping first-generation college students get to graduation. A fun fact is that she loves nature films and is obsessed with all things shark, especially Great White sharks. Her advice to students is "Carpe Diem" - Seize opportunities available at Penn State wholeheartedly – each one is designed to not only enhance your college journey but to keep you on a steady path toward graduation and gainful employment.
“ I do what I do because as a first-generation college graduate, I deeply understand the journey that many first-generation Greater Allegheny students are on. I feel that my role here is more than just guidance; it's about sharing my journey while connecting students to the wealth of opportunities and programming available at PSUGA that can transform their college and professional experience. I'm committed to helping students discover and engage with the resources and events that can elevate their academic, personal, and professional growth. Whether it's through workshops, leadership opportunities, or supportive networks, I want to open doors for students that I didn't even know existed in my own college days. ”
She is the Director of the Center for Academic and Career Excellence (ACE) - Trio Student Support Services program at Penn State Greater Allegheny. In this position she supports student success for college students who are first-generation, low-income, and/or have a physical or learning disability. Her office is located in the lower level of the Kelly Library next to the Gruskin Learning Center. She is available for walk-in meetings, virtual meetings and meetings by appointment.
The ACE program is funded by the U.S. Department of Education’s Student Support Services division and is available to students who meet federally stipulated eligibility requirements. Students who are interested in participating in the ACE program must complete an application (available online) and must be a citizen of the United States or meet residency requirements and meet one of the following federal guidelines:
- Family income within a specified range
- First generation college student (neither parent has a bachelor’s degree)
- Documented learning or physical disability
- Demonstrate a need for academic support
In addition, the ACE office often collaborates with the Gruskin Learning Center in providing workshops and programming that is made available to all students at Greater Allegheny.
Know Your Dates
Use these timely reminders to stay on track with dates, activities, and other valuable academic information around Penn State Greater Allegheny.
Early EPRs for Spring Begin January 22, 2024
Visit STARFISH (starfish.psu.edu) for details!
Just like in the fall semester, students can receive a written update on how they are progressing in their courses. The Early Progress Report (known as Early EPR) is open for faculty from Monday, January 22nd to Wednesday, January 31st.
Here at PSUGA, students receive these alerts that will allow you to correct your learning behaviors before you encounter a negative impact on your final grades. These reports will also allow members of your support network (like your assigned adviser) time to help you address your instructor’s concerns.
Do not ignore these alerts as they start to come into your Starfish and/or Outlook email account. You can meet with your professors or your assigned academic adviser to discuss the reports. Don’t forget that you have access to free tutoring in the Learning Center and other academic supports with our Student Success Initiative.
Final Exam Week Begins April 29, 2024
Visit registrar.psu.edu for details!
Final Exam week for the Spring 2024 semester is scheduled for Monday, April 29 through Friday, May 3. In the coming weeks, finals will begin to populate in LionPath on the student’s home screen. Final Exams are posted in LionPath prior to the Final exam conflict period opening on Monday, February 12 and closing on Sunday, March 3. Students who have three or more finals on the same day or have a time conflict between more than one of your finals, can discuss options with their instructors during the final exam conflict period to determine which exam can be taken at an alternate time. Stay tuned for more information in the coming weeks about your Finals.
January 25, 2024 Marks 100 Days until Graduation
As we approach the last 100 days to graduation, we've been thinking about the many unique experiences that Penn State and the surrounding Pittsburgh area has to offer, some small and some life-changing. We’ve started a Graduation Bucket List of the top 100 things that you should do before graduation this spring. Each issue of our FYI Newsletter, we will add items to the list.