Penn State Erie announces merger of advising and career services

Penn State Erie has announced its decision to merge the Division of Undergraduate Studies (DUS) with the Center for Career Development (CDC). Mary Beth McCarthy has been appointed to the newly created position of director of Career Development and Academic Advising, and will oversee DUS and the CDC.

"Throughout the years, the Division of Undergraduate Studies and the Center for Career Development often have operated hand-in-hand to ensure that our students receive ample opportunities to explore their interests, capitalize on their strengths and learn how to use both to develop successful, meaningful careers," said Jack Burke, chancellor. "This merger is the natural progression of years' worth of collaboration and is in the best interests of our students.

"Mary Beth's many years of experience will help to ensure this restructuring is as seamless as possible," Burke added.

In her new role, McCarthy will serve dual roles as the head of DUS and director of the CDC, and will handle the responsibilities for both positions accordingly.

At Penn State Erie, academic advising and career development are integrated services. Students are taught to view themselves in a holistic way by learning about their interests, abilities and values. This combined approach allows students to begin course selection based on self knowledge. As courses are completed, students can begin to focus attention on selecting their major through individual academic advising and career counseling sessions.

The Career Development Center offers a full slate of services to help students research, interview and connect with organizations to secure internships, co-ops and full-time jobs or admission into graduate school. Students are encouraged to utilize the CDC beginning in their first year; the merger with DUS will help to promote these benefits.

The Division of Undergraduate Studies is responsible for the college's first-year testing, counseling and advising program (FTCAP), a requirement for all incoming students. The division handles academic advising for those Penn State Erie students who are undecided about which degree they would like to pursue and also serves as a resource for any student with an advising question.

McCarthy has been director of the CDC for 25 years and with Penn State Erie since November 1980. She has held various positions, including assistant to the dean of student affairs for placement and financial aid.

McCarthy earned a master of arts in counseling from Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania and a bachelor arts in psychology from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania.

Before the merger, Michael Chiteman served as head of DUS for more than 20 years. Chiteman retired in April after 37 years with the college.