Distribution of a new student handbook began Sunday at the orientation event held for Commonwealth Campus transfer students, student body president Christian Ragland said.
“The ‘S’ Book” — initiated by former University Park Undergraduate Association (UPUA) President Gavin Keirans — is a glossy, 92-page handbook for all new students, Ragland (senior-political science) said.
The tradition of distributing student handbooks at the university dates back to the 1890s, but the books fell out of print in the late 1990s, UPUA Assembly Chairwoman Jessica Pelliciotta said.
Pelliciotta (senior-political science), along with Lion Ambassadors President David Frankenfield, spearheaded the book’s production over the summer.
Frankenfield (senior-economics) said he was glad distribution of the handbook has begun.
“Just seeing the work that so many people put into it and we gave it to them and 30 seconds later people are reading it and hopefully learning from it [was rewarding],” he said. “I just hope it helps.”
About 800 copies of the handbook were handed out at Sunday’s orientation, and details for distribution to first-year students are still being nailed down, Pelliciotta said.
“We’ll definitely have everything done within the second week of school,” she said. “We’re looking at the different options we have and making sure each student gets one in their hands, so [the book] is not just sitting on a table and making them come to us. It’s us coming to them.”
Along with the history and traditions section, the book will also include letters from the president of the university, the student body president and the handbook committee, Pelliciotta said.
There are also sections on academics, on- and off-campus housing, campus landmarks and buildings, student involvement, student services and fight songs, she said.
Though the exact handbook production cost has not been determined, Pelliciotta said it will be under $15,000 for about 10,000 copies.
Ragland said he has heard “a lot of positive feedback” from those who have already received the book.
“A lot of students really like the idea that pretty much every aspect of student life is touched on, and they like the tradition of it, too,” he said.
Ragland said publishing the book is a “growing process.”