Advising Syllabus

A guide for student-led and adviser-supported exploration of interests, values, and abilities toward the goal of developing thoughtful decision making and a meaningful educational experience.

 
 
 
 
Acclimate
  • Connect with instructors and your adviser
  • Recognize important dates and deadlines
  • Utilize campus resources
  • Identify your interests
  • Investigate campus activities and clubs
  • Develop time-management strategies
  • Understand academic integrity and student conduct expectations
Explore
  • Use exploration tools and resources
  • Become familiar with University curriculum including entrance-to-major and General Education requirements
  • Attend programs and information sessions for majors and colleges of interest
  • Research academic and career goals
Plan
  • Articulate academic interests
  • Assess interests, values, strengths, and challenges
  • Plan academic options with adviser
  • Create short- and long-term goals
  • Understand an Academic Plan
  • Run and interpret a "What If Report"
Act
  • Connect with faculty
  • Participate in engagement opportunities on and off campus
  • Ask for assistance when needed
Decide
  • Enter a college or major
  • Add a minor or certificate
  • Utilize resources in college of choice

Schedule an Advising Appointment

Login to StarfishOnline
starfish.psu.edu
Find your assigned adviser in your Success Network
Call or Visit
814-865-7576
101 Grange Building: Speak with our staff assistant at the front desk

Appointment Types

Scheduled Advising

30 minute appointments
After Drop/Add Week

For issues such as:
  • major exploration
  • academic difficulty
  • study abroad
  • course planning

Quick-Question Advising

5–10 minutes with adviser
After Drop/Add Week
First come, first served

For issues such as:
  • policy clarification
  • referrals
  • urgent concerns

Drop/Add Advising

During Drop/Add Week
First come, first served

For schedule adjustments for current semester.

Adviser Responsibilities
  • Listen to concerns while respecting individual values and choices
  • Promote the meaning and value of highereducation
  • Assist students in defining academic, career, and personal goals while creating a supportive educational plan
  • Answer questions and interpret curriculum and degree requirements, as well as University policies and procedures
  • Help identify campus resources and make referrals when appropriate
  • Collaborate with others on campus to facilitate comprehensive student support
  • Adhere to the highest principles of ethical behavior and maintain confidentiality
  • Keep notes from advising meetings
Student Responsibilities
  • Become knowledgeable about University policies and procedures
  • Understand entrance-to-major and other degree requirements
  • Attend advising appointments regularly 
  • Come prepared to each appointment with questions 
  • Use tools and resources to assist with exploration of self, fields of study, and career paths
  • Ask questions when you do not understand
  • Be open to advice from advisers
  • Use Penn State email and read DUS News
  • Make informed decisions 
  • Accept responsibility for decisions and actions (or inactions) that affect educational progress

Resources

Tools

Important dates

  • Drop/Add Period*
  • Late Drop
  • Withdrawal

*Summer sessions have shorter drop/add periods