When freshman Jenny Haag attended last semester's Student Involvement Fair, she just wanted to meet people and hopefully reduce her apprehension about the size of the University.

But as Haag (freshman-business) browsed around the tables set up for the Student Involvement Fair yesterday in the HUB fishbowl, she had a definite motive in mind -- to become involved with activities that she can integrate with her coursework.

She had picked up materials from the Business Student Council and talked with its representatives before moving on in search of a table dealing with marketing.

"I had to keep track of what's going on and I can do that here," Haag said. "It's a good way to get involved."

Over 120 organizations, including local community organizations and University departments, participated in the fair, said Richard Funk, assistant director of the Center for Student Involvement and Leadership. Although about seven groups scheduled for table space did not show, Funk said, other groups that missed the "first come, first serve" cut-off limit imposed last December readily filled the empty space.

The fair helps all students -- not just freshmen -- become aware of available activities, Funk said. Upperclassmen who have participated in a few organizations during their beginning semesters at the University might then decide they want to change their area of involvement, he said.

Although currently involved in the Nittany Lion Raquetball Club, Kevin Bittle (junior-wildlife science) came to the fair to look into other organizations. Bittle wandered through aisles noisy with discussion of activities ranging from A to Y while carrying information he had received from the Student Union Board and Intramural Sports.

While Funk estimated that about 2,000 people attended yesterday's fair, he said more people typically participate in the fall when the fair lasts two days and "there's a higher demand."

"I think (the fair) serves its purpose and we try to get a lot of people out and involved in what's going on," Funk said.

Funk, who has organized five previous fairs, said the HUB Fishbowl provides an ideal location because students will pass by, notice the commotion inside, and enter and browse. The only fair held in the HUB Ballroom did not work as well because of its less visible location, he said.

Community organizations -- including the State College School District -- participated in the fair for only the second time, Funk said. Local groups made their first appearance at last fall's fair.

Mary Beth Bartholomew, coordinator of State College's Volunteers in Public Schools Program, talked with students in an effort to recruit volunteers as math and reading tutors. The volunteers would work with elementary school students either one-on-one or in small groups.

"It's a fun experience for most people if you like kids," Bartholomew said. "There are many options (for volunteering) based on a student's talents, interests, and depending on need."

An electronic survey board set up by the Campus Libertarians attracted much attention. Students filled out a form of 20 questions, flicked an equal number of switches on the board and then saw a flashing red light in the area designated with one of four political affiliations.

Matt Black, a Campus Libertarian member, said the board was built in California and "bumped around from various Libertarian groups across the country."

Funk said a successful fair comes from careful planning, particularly in the assignment of table positions.

"I wouldn't want to put the College Democrats next to the College Republicans," Funk said, adding that he and his staff "have got the preparation down to a science."