DUS News - April 19, 2021

News: 

DUS Students and Graduation

A quarter of all Penn Staters start in DUS, going on to successful academic careers at every college and campus. There are two ways that DUS students beat the averages: 1) DUS students make decisions that stick. Of the students who start in DUS, 97% graduate from the first college they entered after leaving pre-major status. 2) DUS students who meet regularly with an adviser graduate at higher rates than their peers who don’t.

Withdrawal Deadline

If you’re doing poorly in most or all of your classes, talk to an academic adviser as soon as possible about your options. This semester, either withdrawal or alternative grading may be appropriate choices depending on your circumstances. These decisions should be discussed with your adviser as well as family members and Student Aid. If you choose to withdraw, the deadline is Friday, April 30.

Important Dates: 
Resource Spotlight: 

Penn State Learning

Looking for help with your courses? Penn State Learning is offering their tutoring and guided study groups both online via Starfish and Canvas and in person in Sparks Building. Visit Penn State Learning's website for more information. 

Events and Announcements: 

Scholarship Opportunity

All Campuses

The Office of Educational Equity has scholarships for students with disabilities, students with veteran status or military dependents, and students who further the inclusion, diversity, and equity initiatives of the University. To apply for one of these 80 scholarships, submit an application by 5:00 p.m. ET, Monday, May 3, 2021. The application requires several essays.

Social Justice Awareness Events

University Park

Do you have an interest in social justice? Want to learn more about mass incarceration and racial justice? Attend one (or several) events during Justice Education Week (April 19–24): This week-long event features presentations, spoken word, and discussions on the criminal justice system, prison reform, and our collective role in fighting for positive change. The event will be headlined by civil rights activist Angela Davis. For a full list of events and speakers, visit the Justice Education Week website.

Study Smarter Workshops

University Park

How can you better monitor your learning so that you don't waste time and effort on ineffective study strategies? This workshop presents research-based evidence that metacognition (awareness of how you learn and the predictable effects of the related choices you make) can help you successfully transition to the demands of college-level courses as well as the flexibility of setting your own schedule.

For more information or to sign up for a study smarter workshop, visit the Penn State Learning website.

Upcoming Study Smarter Workshop:

  • Monday, April 19, 3:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m.

Academic Peer Mentoring Program (APMP)

University Park

Are you passionate about helping others? Do you want to gain valuable workplace skills? Apply to be an academic peer mentor. Mentors will learn tactics to: 

  • Help mentees with time management, study-skill development, and more
  • Learn and implement active listening and motivational interviewing skills
  • Discover how to build a successful mentoring relationship and make referrals

Interested? Get started in four easy steps:

  1. Complete the APMP application online by April 26.
  2. Earn a B or higher in a one-credit preparatory course.
  3. Attend a mentorship interview.
  4. Begin mentoring students.

For questions about the program or the class, contact spc83@psu.edu.

Be a Professional Attire Closet Intern

University Park

Looking for a way to be involved on campus? Apply to be an intern at the Professional Attire Closet. As an intern, you will assist with the Professional Attire Closet Program by organizing, sorting, and distributing donated professional attire for students in need; helping with career programs by greeting students, employers, and classes; conducting outreach to students about career programs; and providing technical and logistical support for programs. The position is up to twenty hours per week, which may include some evening and weekend hours. Visit the Career Services website to learn more about the Professional Attire Closet. View the full description online, and follow the instructions to apply. Preference will be given to candidates who can start the week of August 23, 2021. Candidates must have a work-study award.

Group Advising Sessions

All Campuses

DUS will be holding group advising sessions throughout the 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, including dates and times, visit the DUS Group Advising website. All sessions will be held via Zoom.

Upcoming Spring 2021 Sessions

Everything you need to know about the NEW alternative grading policy

 

Quick Question Advising

University Park

Have a question that can be resolved in a short 5–10 minute conversation? Join us for quick question advising via Zoom on the dates and times below. Some of these topics include: discussing adding/dropping courses within deadlines; getting a form signed; using LionPATH; reviewing entrance-to-major requirements; learning about general education information not related to schedule planning; and transferring credits. Quick question advising is not intended for in-depth conversations.

For students enrolled in DUS:

  • Click here for quick question advising via Zoom - Please note that a DUS adviser is only available during the times listed below. All times are Eastern Time. 
    Monday 1:00–3:00 p.m.
    Tuesday 9:00–11:00 a.m.
    Wednesday 9:00–11:00 a.m.
    Thursday 1:00–3:00 p.m.
    Friday No Quick Question Advising

For students not enrolled in DUS: