DUS News - August, 13, 2018

News: 
Welcome Back

Welcome back to campus and the start of a new year.  I hope that your summer was relaxing and that you are looking forward to a new set of classes that will engage you and allow you to gain valuable perspective on our complex world.  As you have time, challenge yourself to reflect on how you anticipate using your Penn State education to solve problems and strengthen communities—whether nearby or at a distance.  Academic advisers in the Division of Undergraduate Studies are here to help you discuss your educational goals and to consider what opportunities might best connect with your interests.  I truly hope that this will be a very positive semester for you, full of success, happiness, and laughter.  I am interested in hearing about your experiences, so please do not hesitate to reach out as the semester progresses.

Sincerely,
David R. Smith
Associate Dean for Advising and
  Executive Director
The Division of Undergraduate Studies

Advising during Drop/Add

If you need to meet with a DUS adviser at University Park during the drop/add period (Monday, August 20 through Friday, August 24), come to the Grange Building between, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m. You will see the first available DUS adviser. There will be no scheduled appointments with advisers during this week—walk-ins only. If you are a DUS student at all other campuses, there may also be drop in appointments during the first week, but you should check with your Academic Advising Center for more information.

To discuss topics that are not important to resolve during the drop/add week, schedule an appointment with your DUS Adviser (at University Park and at some Campus Locations) online via Starfish (starfish.psu.edu).  If online scheduling is enabled, you will see a link to make an appointment (If not, you can always contact your adviser or your Advising Office directly).

Important Dates: 
  • August 19 (Sun)
    Dean's Meeting
  • August 20 (Mon)
    First Day of Classes
  • August 22 (Wed)
    Student Involvement Fair
  • August 25 (Sat at 11:59 p.m.)
    Regular course drop deadline
  • August 26 (Sun at 11:59 p.m.)
    Regular course add deadline
  • August 27–31
    Meet Your Adviser Week

More events at dus.psu.edu/calendar.

Resource Spotlight: 
DUS Website
Screenshot of the DUS website.

There's a gold mine of information at dus.psu.edu. You can learn how to explore majors and minors, schedule appropriate courses, work with your adviser, and get involved at Penn State!   

Events and Announcements: 
Welcome Week
University Park

Learning your way around University Park? Get some help and start connecting with others by going to events and activities listed in Fall Welcome Schedule

DUS Dean's Meeting
University Park

Remember to attend the Dean’s Meeting on Sunday, August 19, in Alumni Hall in the HUB. There are two meetings offered, so attend the time based on your last name: A-L is at 2:00 pm and M-Z is at 4:00 pm. Meet DUS advisers, hear from DUS students, and learn information critical for the fall semester. Summer admits need not attend this meeting. We look forward to seeing you there!

Meet Your Adviser
University Park

Come meet your adviser in an informal setting in the Grange Lobby from 3:30–4:30 p.m. every day during the second week of classes. Below is the schedule for the advisers available each day.

Monday, August 27: Liz Agler, Alyssa Bumbaugh, Jeff Gugino, Tanja St. Pierre, Junhow Wei

Tuesday, August 28: Heather Atkinson, Brittany Baker, Hilleary Himes, Terrance Hudson, Terry Musser, Janet Schulenberg

Wednesday, August 29: Michelle Covert, Carolyn Jensen, Courtney Karmelita, Brian Petrosky, Jeff Warner

Thursday, August 30: Shana Clarke, Kathy Garren, Irma Giannetti, Kellie Scofield

Friday, August 31: Lauren Granese, Rebekka Kuhn, Joan Miller, Del Schwab

Involvement Fair
University Park

Check out many of Penn State’s student clubs and organizations on Wednesday, August 22 from 11 - 4 p.m. at the Student Involvement Fair in the HUB-Robeson Center. This fair is a great way to find some interests outside the classroom, enrich your college experience, and add value to your resume.

Med Prep & PA Prep Group Advising
University Park

Interested in entering the health professions field? Beginning Fall 2018, all first-year students interested in meeting one-on-one with a health professions adviser are required to attend a large-group advising session (Med Prep or PA Prep) prior to scheduling the advising appointment. All other students are encouraged to attend these sessions as well, as they contain valuable information about how to get started (e.g., prerequisite coursework, extracurricular experiences, etc.). 

FA18 Med Prep & PA Prep Group-Advising Schedule (all sessions are the same - attend one):

Med PrepCoursework, skills & experiences needed for medical/dental/podiatry programs

  • Aug. 30, 6:30 - 7:30 pm, 102 Thomas
  • Sept. 19, 6 - 7 pm, 62 Willard
  • Oct. 16, 6 - 7 pm, 104 Thomas
  • Nov. 12, 6 - 7 pm, 201 Thomas

PA PrepCoursework, skills & experiences needed for Physician Assistant programs

  • Aug. 27, 6:30 - 7:30 pm, 112 Buckhout
  • Sept. 25, 6 - 7 pm, 104 Thomas
  • Oct. 17, 6 - 7 pm, 201 Thomas
  • Nov. 29, 6 - 7 pm, 201 Thomas

Additional information about health professions advising is available on our website: http://science.psu.edu/premed/advising