FAQ

Have a question? You can look below on our FAQ for the answer!  If you can’t find the answer your seek, just email an executive board member.  We’re all happy to help!


Who Are We?

The Penn State Anime Organization is devoted to promoting the understanding and enjoyment of the Japanese art forms of anime, manga, and associated video games.

How Often Do You Meet?

The Penn State Anime Organization meets three times a week regularly.  In addition to our weekly meetings, we try to arrange other club activities several times a month, such as providing Anime Movie Nights in the HUB, food nights downtown, and seasonal dances.  Check out the schedule page for exact meeting times during the semester.

How Many Members Do You Have?

The Penn State Anime Organization normally boasts and overall membership of over 200 current students (as indicated through our Listserv).  Active attendance tends to vary throughout the year.  There can be as many as 60, and as few as 20, of our members present at any given meeting.

How Do I Become An Active Member?

To become an active member of the Penn State Anime Organization, simply come to a minimum of three meetings per semester.  Active members must be currently registered students attending the Pennsylvania State University – University Park.

If I’m Not An Officer, Can I Still Come To The Weekly Administrative Meetings?

A long as the Administrative Meetings is not specified as closed, yes, you can!  Always remember that the PSAO is not the officers’ club – it is a club for any Penn State students interested in anime and manga.  The officers simply maintain club operations, ensuring that the club can continue to exist.  If you have an issue that you would like to bring to the officers’ attention, a regular Administrative Meeting is a great place to bring that issue up because instant discussion should commence.  Remember, we love feedback!  And if you just want to come to the meetings to meet us and see how the club is run, you can do that too!

How Much Does It Cost To Become A Member?

The Penn State Anime Organization prides itself on being an accessible outlet for Japanese Pop Culture at Penn State.  We do NOT charge membership dues… watching anime, playing games, or reading manga at all PSAO meetings is completely FREE!  We love donations, though – they help us afford anime and manga for the club’s library.

I Don’t Know All That Much About Anime Or Manga – Is That A Problem?

Not at all!  Our members come from all different levels of familiarity with anime and manga.  Some have only seen what’s been released on Cartoon Network, while others have seen everything ever done… you’ll be right at home!  If you’ve had absolutely no exposure to anime or manga, please feel free to go to our Anime/Manga 101 page and learn more!

Anime Is Japanese – Do You Show It In English?

With very few exceptions, the Penn State Anime Organization shows all of our anime subbed, or subtitled in English.  On some occasions (like many of our Anime Movie Nights) we show anime dubbed, or the original Japanese track has been duplicated in English and replaced so that it can be watched without the use of subtitles.  We care deeply about Japanese culture and watching anime in its original form is one great way to immerse ourselves in the culture.

How Does The Club Decide What To Watch?

A few times during the semester, Viewings planning meetings are held to decide what to watch each semester.  However, if there is a show or a movie that you are dying to see, tell our Viewings Director – we’ll do our best to get it on the schedule, especially if a lot of people want to see it.

What About Anime Conventions?

We do go to a few anime cons throughout the year.  We have made trips to Otakon, Katsucon, and Tekko, just to name a few.  We also host our own anime convention, Setsucon, each January!  If you’d like more information on Setsucon, visit its page; if you’d like to volunteer to help in its planning or help at con, email our Con Chair.

Diversity…?

The Penn State Anime Organization prides itself in having both a diverse member body and administrative board.  The club is proud to uphold its constitutional promise of not disciminating against anyone due to race, gender, ethnicity, sexual preference, religion, etc.