DUS News
DUS News
Welcome to the start of a new academic year! I’m David Smith, the associate dean for advising and executive director of the Division of Undergraduate Studies (DUS). Whether you’re a new or continuing student, I hope that the summer gave you time to renew your passion for being curious about our world and for how you want to approach learning—both in and out of the classroom.
I would encourage everyone to do two things as the academic year begins: challenge yourself and work to strengthen the community. I firmly believe that we learn and grow the most when we are willing to trust others and to step beyond the familiar. And trust is best established when we are part of a connected community that values the uniqueness that everyone brings to that community. Finding opportunities to step outside your comfort zone is important, just as I did when I agreed to rappel down the side of Beaver Stadium in May. Not only did this require considerable trust in others (who secured the harness and controlled the ropes) but it also allowed the Division of Undergraduate Studies to raise monies for our community. Being engaged and connected to your community is an important part of creating positive, vibrant relationships with others who believe in you and are willing to help.
I encourage you to share your unique story with your adviser and to talk about what energized you this summer. DUS academic advisers and staff are ready to support you, to motivate you, and to help you define what you value and think big about your education. Let your adviser challenge you to consider how your summer experiences could shape your educational journey, especially in ways that might take you outside your comfort zone. Advisers in DUS are part of your community. Putting your trust in them is important as you look to grow while at Penn State.
To connect with an academic adviser, visit dus.psu.edu/appointments to find out how you can get the most appropriate and timely support. Please be patient with us this first week back when many other students are reaching out too and consider scheduling an appointment if you have an urgent concern. We care about your success and wellbeing and are eager to get you off to a strong start this semester.
The community that we are all a part of is richer and more meaningful because of the unique experiences that each of you bring to DUS and Penn State. We look forward to getting to know you better and to the community we will build together. Best wishes for a good and successful fall semester.
—David R. Smith
Associate Dean for Advising and Executive Director of the Division of Undergraduate Studies (DUS)
I encourage you to share your unique story with your adviser and to talk about what energized you this summer. DUS academic advisers and staff are ready to support you, to motivate you, and to help you define what you value and think big about your education. Let your adviser challenge you to consider how your summer experiences could shape your educational journey, especially in ways that might take you outside your comfort zone. Advisers in DUS are part of your community. Putting your trust in them is important as you look to grow while at Penn State.
To connect with an academic adviser, visit dus.psu.edu/appointments to find out how you can get the most appropriate and timely support. Please be patient with us this first week back when many other students are reaching out too and consider scheduling an appointment if you have an urgent concern. We care about your success and wellbeing and are eager to get you off to a strong start this semester.
The community that we are all a part of is richer and more meaningful because of the unique experiences that each of you bring to DUS and Penn State. We look forward to getting to know you better and to the community we will build together. Best wishes for a good and successful fall semester.
—David R. Smith
Associate Dean for Advising and Executive Director of the Division of Undergraduate Studies (DUS)
Schedule an Advising Appointment
Have a question or concern about your schedule for the upcoming semester? Schedule an appointment with your adviser. DUS advisers are available for you to help answer your questions and guide you into a new semester at Penn State. You can schedule an appointment with your DUS adviser (at University Park and at some campus locations) online via Starfish (starfish.psu.edu). To do this, log in to Starfish. On the My Success Network homepage, Your Connections shows your assigned adviser, instructors, and others who are directly connected to you, including your DUS assigned academic adviser. If online scheduling is available, you can make an appointment with your adviser by clicking on the three dots next to their name in Your Connections and selecting “Schedule” or by clicking “Schedule Appointment” in your adviser’s profile. (If scheduling is not enabled in Starfish, you can always contact your adviser or your advising office directly.) Please see the Starfish Quick Start Guide for Students for step-by-step instructions and tutorial videos on connecting to people who can help you, making appointments, and staying on track using Starfish.
Important Dates
Mon., August 21 — Classes Begin
Wed., August 23 — Involvement Fair, 1:00–5:00 p.m., HUB-Robeson Center Lawn
Sat., August 26 — Regular Drop Deadline (11:59 p.m.)
Sun., August 27 — Regular Add Deadline (11:59 p.m.)
Thurs., August 31 — DUS Group Advising: Tools You Need to be a Successful Student, 4:00 p.m., Grange Building Lobby
Wed., August 23 — Involvement Fair, 1:00–5:00 p.m., HUB-Robeson Center Lawn
Sat., August 26 — Regular Drop Deadline (11:59 p.m.)
Sun., August 27 — Regular Add Deadline (11:59 p.m.)
Thurs., August 31 — DUS Group Advising: Tools You Need to be a Successful Student, 4:00 p.m., Grange Building Lobby
Resource Spotlight: Canvas
New to using Canvas? For many classes at Penn State, Canvas is where you’ll access course announcements, assignments, syllabi, discussions, readings, and grades. Check out the “Help & Support” button on the Canvas homepage for help getting started!
DUS Advising Through the First Week of Classes
University Park
If you have urgent questions regarding your fall 2023 schedule during the first week of classes, there are three ways you can talk with a DUS adviser at University Park (Note: DUS students at other campuses or at other colleges at University Park should check how advising services are being offered where you are):
- 20-minute scheduled appointment with your assigned adviser over Zoom or in person. This option is best if you have bigger questions, such as those about a change of major or campus, building an entire schedule (if you do not already have a schedule), or academic warning. You can make scheduled appointments with your assigned adviser through Starfish.
- Quick question advising with any DUS adviser over Zoom or in person. This option is best if you have a quick question, such as those about adding, dropping, and swapping courses, alternative General Education courses, world language placement, and instructional modes. No appointment is needed. Quick question advising will be held from 8:00 a.m.—4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday during the first week of classes. You can stop in to the Grange Building lobby to meet an adviser in person or find the link to the Zoom room on the DUS appointments webpage.
- Email your assigned adviser. If you choose this option, you may have to wait for a response. If you have more urgent questions, please consider using one of the other options listed for talking to a DUS adviser.
DUS Advising After the First Week of Classes
University Park
After the first week of classes, there are three ways you can talk with a DUS adviser at University Park (Note: DUS students at other campuses or at other colleges at University Park should check how advising services are being offered where you are):
- 20-30 minute scheduled appointment with your assigned adviser over Zoom or in person.
- Quick question advising with any DUS adviser over Zoom. No appointment is needed. Quick question advising will be held Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 1:00–3:00 p.m. and Tuesdays from 9:00–11:00 a.m. You can find the link to the Zoom room on the DUS appointments webpage.
- Email your assigned adviser.
Involvement Fair
University Park
Want to get involved? Check out many of Penn State’s student clubs and organizations at the Involvement Fair from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 23, on the HUB-Robeson Center Lawn.
The Involvement Fair is one of the best opportunities to get involved in campus life at Penn State. Student organizations set up displays and have members on site talk to visitors one-on-one about what their organization does on campus. Involvement in co-curricular experiences is one of the most important parts of having a successful college career! You will make friends, learn all about Penn State, and develop invaluable skills you will use in life beyond Penn State. There are over 1,000 student organizations to choose from. Wondering where to start? Start at the Involvement Fair!
Not at University Park? Be sure to check out your campus' student organization office to find
The Involvement Fair is one of the best opportunities to get involved in campus life at Penn State. Student organizations set up displays and have members on site talk to visitors one-on-one about what their organization does on campus. Involvement in co-curricular experiences is one of the most important parts of having a successful college career! You will make friends, learn all about Penn State, and develop invaluable skills you will use in life beyond Penn State. There are over 1,000 student organizations to choose from. Wondering where to start? Start at the Involvement Fair!
Not at University Park? Be sure to check out your campus' student organization office to find
Welcome Week
University Park
Learning your way around University Park? Get some help and start connecting with others by attending events and activities listed in the fall welcome schedule.
DUS Group Advising Sessions
University Park
DUS will be holding Group Advising Sessions throughout the fall semester as a way to discuss popular advising topics with groups of students. These sessions are open to all DUS students and will help you to learn more about the topic and to ask questions in a friendly, open environment. For more information on each session visit dus.psu.edu/group-advising.
Tools You Need To Be a Successful Student
Thursday, August 31, 4:00 p.m., Grange Building Lobby
Register in advance for the August 31 session.
How to Get Involved
Wednesday, September 6, 4:00 p.m., via Zoom
Register in advance for the September 6 session.
Undergraduate Research 101
Tuesday, September 26, 4:00 p.m., Grange Building Lobby
Register in advance for the September 26 session.
Interested in Smeal Majors?
Tuesday, October 17, 4:00 p.m., Grange Building Lobby
Register in advance for the October 17 session.
Explore and Find the Right Major for You
Wednesday, October 25, 4:00 p.m., Grange Building Lobby
Register in advance for the October 25 session.
General Education 101
Wednesday, November 1, 4:00 p.m., Grange Building Lobby
Register in advance for the November 1 session.
Tools You Need To Be a Successful Student
Thursday, August 31, 4:00 p.m., Grange Building Lobby
Register in advance for the August 31 session.
How to Get Involved
Wednesday, September 6, 4:00 p.m., via Zoom
Register in advance for the September 6 session.
Undergraduate Research 101
Tuesday, September 26, 4:00 p.m., Grange Building Lobby
Register in advance for the September 26 session.
Interested in Smeal Majors?
Tuesday, October 17, 4:00 p.m., Grange Building Lobby
Register in advance for the October 17 session.
Explore and Find the Right Major for You
Wednesday, October 25, 4:00 p.m., Grange Building Lobby
Register in advance for the October 25 session.
General Education 101
Wednesday, November 1, 4:00 p.m., Grange Building Lobby
Register in advance for the November 1 session.
Follow Us on Instagram
All Campuses
The Division of Undergraduate Studies is on Instagram! Follow us @PennState_DUS to see student/alumni stories, academic tips, events, announcements, and more. Share your own DUS story with us using #PennStateDUS for the chance to be featured.