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.
News:
DUS Students and Graduation
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 might 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 this Friday, May 1.
Stay Informed About Policy Changes
Stay up to date on all of the latest changes to policies, procedures, and anything else related to remote learning. We created a page on our website to give you easy access to the information you need. Visit https://dus.psu.edu/dus-covid-19-information for details.
Important Dates:
- May 1 (Fri)
- Last Day of Classes
- Withdrawal Deadline - May 8 (Fri)
- Update Academics Shutdown - May 20 (Wed)
- Students Begin Selection of Alternate Grades - May 29 (Fri)
- Students End Selection of Alternate Grades - June 5 (Fri)
- Update Academics Turned On
More events at dus.psu.edu/calendar.
Resource Spotlight:
Penn State Learning
Looking for help with your courses? Penn State Learning is offering their tutoring and guided study groups online via Starfish and Canvas. Visit Penn State Learning's website for more information.
Events and Announcements:
Scholarship Opportunity
University Park
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, June 1, 2020. The application requires several essays.
Remote Innovations Grant
All Campuses
Undergraduate students from all Penn State campuses are invited to apply for the new Remote Innovation Grants to support their virtual summer engagement experiences. The deadline to complete the online application is 11:59 p.m. on May 3. Students who receive funding will receive $2,000 to complete their experience over the summer and are required to participate in the SEN Online Canvas course (no tuition cost, non-credit bearing), centered on the student engagement journey. Each student will also be assigned a Penn State Engagement Coach to help them complete their virtual/remote experience. All experiences must be completed on or before Aug. 14, 2020. A total of 50 grants will be awarded in 2020. For more information on this and other engagement opportunities, visit the Student Engagement Network website.
Virtual Life Hacks - CAPS
All Campuses
Looking for tips on improving your quality of life? Drop in to free Virtual Life Hacks sponsored by Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS). Virtual Life Hacks begin with presentations focused on transitions and the associated stress students may be experiencing. CAPS clinicians will describe coping strategies for reducing distress and increasing wellbeing. This will be followed by small group discussions facilitated by CAPS clinicians.
Open to all enrolled Penn State students. No appointment is necessary.
Sessions are held every week day at 10:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. For Zoom meeting room links and more information, visit the Life Hacks website at https://studentaffairs.psu.edu/counseling/wellness-services/life-hacks.
Contact Your Adviser
All Campuses
With information and procedures changing frequently, it is very important for you to communicate with your adviser and ask any questions you may have. We understand you have questions and concerns and want you to know we are here to help you through this transition to remote learning. Your adviser can answer many of your questions about changes in policies around grading options, classes, remote learning, etc. We encourage you to reach out and stay in touch.
Please note: All appointments are scheduled based on Eastern Time (ET). If you live outside of ET, please be aware of the time difference when scheduling your appointment.
Virtual Fitness Classes
All Campuses
Looking to stay active during this period of remote learning and time away from campus? The Fitness and Wellness staff in Campus Recreation are committed to bringing you opportunities to stay active during the campus shutdown as a result of COVID-19. They are working to build out an extensive library of videos on the Student Affairs YouTube Channel. You can also view live fitness classes through the Penn State Campus Recreation Instagram and Facebook accounts.
Learn more on the Fitness and Wellness website.
Financial Literacy Webinars
All Campuses
The Penn State Sokolov-Miller Family Financial & Life Skills Center is offering free webinars via Zoom. The webinars are held every other Tuesday from 12:00–1:00 p.m. and are open to all students at any location. Learn more about upcoming topics and webinars on their website: https://financialliteracy.psu.edu/webinar-series/.
Remote Tutoring and Guided Study Groups
University Park
Looking for help with your courses? Penn State Learning is offering their tutoring and guided study groups online via Starfish and Canvas.
Guided Study Groups: Access the date, time, and Zoom link for the GSG through Canvas.
Tutoring: Students can get tutoring for math and writing through PSL. Students can reserve a tutoring time through Starfish by clicking on the appropriate service tile under “Your Services.” Language tutoring has been temporarily suspended.
Visit Penn State Learning's website for more information.
Virtual Career Counseling
University Park
The Business Career Center will be operating virtually for the remainder of the spring semester. Students may visit nittanylioncareers.psu.edu to schedule a virtual appointment with a career coach. Once logged into Nittany Lion Careers, click the "Counseling Appt" Button along the left side. Then click the ‘Request New Appointment’ button at the top of the screen. You will be prompted to enter the details, time, and date of the appointment and choose the preferred Smeal career coach.
Topics may include:
- Mock Interviews
- Resume Reviews
- Career Advice
For additional career resources and event updates, visit careerconnections.smeal.psu.edu