You are allowed to be in DUS up to the end of your first four semesters. After that, though, you need to be out of DUS and into your major, especially if you’re planning to graduate on time.
If you started at Penn State during summer or fall 2019, this is your last semester of time in DUS, and you will be receiving letters from us about this. You should be working with your adviser to determine your next steps, and use "Update Academics" to declare your major!
If you have reached a decision about your choice of major and meet the qualifications to enter that major, you can use “Update Academics” in LionPATH to process a change into your major. Students who are completing their sophomore year need to be moving out of DUS. You can review the qualifications for your intended major by viewing the entrance-to-major requirements on your intended major's page in the Bulletin.
Helping others, advocating, and conducting research. Are these activities that interest you? Want to be a successful health professional school applicant? Consider contacting the PreHealth Advising Center. Visit their walk-in advising, make an appointment in Starfish, or attend one of their upcoming events for first- and second-year students.
Do you have a passion for working with first-year students? Do you want to promote exploration of all the opportunities Penn State has to offer? If so, consider becoming the Discover House program assistant for the 2021–2022 school year!
Discover House is a special living option sponsored by the Division of Undergraduate Studies (DUS) and the Office of Residence Life. The house is designed for first-year students who are interested in exploring a number of academic majors before choosing one. Exploratory students in any college may participate, though it is expected that most will be enrolled in DUS. A variety of house programs and activities will aim to assist students in the exploration process. For more information about the position, visit the Discover House program assistant position description. Learn more about Discover House by visiting the Discover House website.
Applications are due Friday, April 9, by 11:59 p.m. Submit your application materials using the online application form.
The Student Engagement Network internship program was created to support the advancement of student engagement across the University, providing interns with the opportunity to serve as voices of engagement at Penn State. Applicants must be undergraduate students at Penn State University Park and be in good academic and conduct standing with the University. The internship program is open to students of all educational backgrounds, especially those interested in helping current and future students enhance their out-of-classroom learning.
Applications are open now for both summer 2021 and fall 2021–spring 2022. Learn more on the Student Engagement website.
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:
Interested? Get started in four easy steps:
For questions about the program or the class, contact spc83@psu.edu.
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; assisting 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.
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
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:
| 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:
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 Workshops:
Health Promotion and Wellness is offering free Wellness Services for students. The services are designed to help students increase knowledge and learn new skills that contribute to healthy behaviors and academic success. Services are available for:
Each service includes three 1-hour sessions with trained peer educators and HPW Staff. Schedule an appointment by using the myUHS page.