DUS News - April 6, 2020

News: 
Late Drop Deadline Is This Friday

If you’re thinking about late dropping a course, you should consult with an academic adviser to fully consider the ramifications for your degree progress, financial arrangements, and potential opportunities. The Late-Drop Checklist can help you think through the potential consequences of dropping a course prior to your advising conversation. Be sure to read up on Late Course Drop policies.

Alternative Grading Option for the Spring 2020 Semester

Given the unexpected switch to remote learning this semester, Penn State is offering an alternative grading option for undergraduate students this semester:

  • SAT (Satisfactory). This grade will be available if you earn a C or better in a course. A course with a SAT grade can be used to meet all C or better requirements, including entrance to major and prerequisites.
  • V (Pass). This grade, which will be available if you earn a D in a course, will be considered a passing grade. You will earn credits for the course, and a V grade can be used to meet requirements for which D is an acceptable grade. The V grade cannot be used to meet C or better requirements.
  • Z (No Grade). This grade will be available if you earn an F in a course. Z can be used to replace an F grade and will be treated similar to Late Drop (LD).

All three of these alternative grades will have no impact on your GPA calculation, and you will be able to see your final grades before deciding whether or not to take an alternative grade in any or all of your classes for the semester.

There are still good reasons to take a letter grade—i.e., you continue to perform well, you are taking a class for professional licensure, or you are considering going to graduate, law, or medical school in the future. Individual colleges and departments are also still working out how alternative grades will be used for entrance to major and major requirements. Your adviser will be able to help you make decisions about taking an alternative grade, but even after the official announcement, we still do not have all of the answers. You’ll have about a week after final grades have been issued to choose what you’d like to do. Until then, try your best, and reach out to your adviser if you have any questions. We’ll keep you updated as we learn more.

Resources for Remote Classwork

Looking for resources to help you navigate your online courses? Check out Penn State's remote learning website: https://remotelearning.psu.edu/. You can find information on the following topics in the FAQ section of the website:

  • Access to free e-textbooks
  • Advising and course concerns
  • Disability resources
  • Exams, group work, and class participation
  • Internet and connection issues
  • Schedules and course times
Important Dates: 
  • April 10 (Fri)
    - Late Drop Deadline
  • April 22 (Wed)
    CANCELLED - DUS Group Advising Session - DUS Students and Study Abroad
  • May 1 (Fri)
    - Last Day of Classes
    - WIthdrawal Deadline

More events at dus.psu.edu/calendar.

Resource Spotlight: 
Student Aid

If you are thinking about late dropping a class (or have already dropped one) talk to a Student Aid Representative about the potential effect of a late drop on your future financial aid.

Events and Announcements: 
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.

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