Shadow Day at PennWest California is more than just an event, it’s an invitation for prospective students to experience college life firsthand. Organized for high school students from the California Area School District, Shadow Day offers participants the unique opportunity to “shadow” Supplemental Instruction (SI) leaders, attend classes, and explore campus resources.
The event, overseen by Tyton Brunner, Assistant Director of Supplemental Instruction and Learning Strategies, is designed to help students visualize themselves as part of the PennWest community. Brunner, who also mentors SI leaders and directs the Foundation Scholars Foster Youth program, explains, “Shadow Day provides students with a firsthand experience of university life. It allows them to connect with peers, faculty, and campus resources in a way that traditional visits can’t replicate.”
Shadow Day also highlights PennWest’s commitment to academic success through programs like Supplemental Instruction, Peer Mentoring, and The Success Center. By offering prospective students access to these resources, the event strengthens recruitment efforts while promoting a welcoming and supportive environment.
Brunner believes the event’s benefits extend beyond recruitment. “Shadow Day is a promising initiative for PennWest California and has the potential to expand across all three campuses Clarion, Edinboro, and California. It not only showcases our academic programs but also fosters early connections between prospective students and the university.”
Plans are already underway for the next Shadow Day, scheduled for Spring 2025. The event will feature a variety of courses and opportunities for prospective students to engage with their potential peers and mentors. “With growing recognition of its value, I believe Shadow Day has a bright future,” Brunner notes, adding that its expansion could solidify PennWest’s appeal to diverse student populations.
Shadow Day also provides current students, particularly SI leaders, with the chance to take on mentorship roles. By sharing their experiences, these leaders reinforce the university’s dedication to creating a supportive, inclusive community. “Events like this highlight PennWest’s commitment to innovation and connection across higher education,” says Brunner.
As Shadow Day continues to grow, it exemplifies PennWest’s mission to inspire and empower students at every stage of their academic journey. For more on the last Spring 2024 Shadow Day, visit Cal Magazine, pages 4-5.
