DUS News - August 17, 2020

News: 

Message From the Dean

Dear DUS students,

As you prepare for the start of Fall classes, I want to take a minute to reassure you that academic advisers in the Division of Undergraduate Studies are ready to help you think about ways to make the most of your experiences this semester. We recognize that many of you will be learning remotely while others will be on campus. Given the need to help minimize the numbers of people on campus and our strong desire to ensure that all students can access DUS, advising in the Fall will remain remote via Zoom. Please review the information on the DUS website to see details for connecting with an academic adviser. We care much about your success at Penn State. As you reach out to your academic adviser, please know that many others also are asking questions and everyone is trying hard to be prompt in replying, but some delay may happen. Planning ahead and scheduling an appointment may be the best route. Again, we have developed a “decision tree” on our website to help you get connected appropriately with the help you need during the first week of classes.

We face numerous challenges in our world right now. Whether on campus or from a distance, I truly hope you will seize this as an opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogue about these challenges. I am convinced that higher education provides you an opportunity to actively be part of finding solutions that will make our world better.

Best wishes for a good and successful Fall semester.

Sincerely,

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

Advising During the First Week of Classes

If you have any questions related to the fall semester or need help adjusting your schedule, academic advisers in DUS will be available for 20-minutes appointments (check Starfish for times) and for Quick Question Advising during the first week of class (August 24 –28, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.). Your academic adviser will send information later this week regarding how to connect with them.   

Remember, you can still adjust your class schedule through next week.  Students can drop full semester courses through 11:59 p.m. on August 29th and add full semester courses through 11:59 p.m. on August 30th. You can make changes to your class schedule via LionPATH.   

Leave of Absence - Deadline Friday

Are you considering taking some time off next semester? If so, you may want to think about filing for a Leave of Absence, which allows you to return to the University without having to apply for re-enrollment and without having to change your academic program. If this is something you are pondering, please talk to your academic adviser as soon as possible, as there are still items that need to be considered (e.g., Student Aid). The deadline to file a Leave of Absence for Fall 2020 is Friday, August 21, 2020.

Important Dates: 
Resource Spotlight: 

Canvas

New to using Canvas to access class announcements, assignments, syllabi, discussions, files, and grades? Check out the Help and Support button on the Canvas home page!  

Events and Announcements: 

Dean's Welcome

All Campuses

We know this may not be how you expected to start your Penn State journey, but we are here for you. Our academic advisers and staff are dedicated to helping you make informed decisions about your education at Penn State, starting this fall and beyond.

Please join us on Sunday, August 23 at 2:00 p.m. (EDT) for a virtual Dean's Welcome.

Use this link to join the meeting: https://rebrand.ly/fa20dus. You may be asked to log in using your Penn State Access ID (abc123) and password.

We will provide you with important deadlines and inform you of opportunities and resources. You also will meet some of our staff and have an opportunity to learn more about how we can help you have a successful college experience.

In-Person Class Preview Video

All Campuses

Are you curious about what in-person instruction will look like this fall? Watch this short video to see a realistic preview of the guidance on the use of masks and personal protective equipment (PPE) in the classroom and on campus will be implemented. The video site also includes some helpful tips for teaching in a physically-distanced classroom and additional information on university policy and teaching strategies.

Schedule an Advising Appointment

All Campuses

Have a question or concern about your schedule for the upcoming semester? Schedule an appointment with your adviser. DUS advisers are available for you even before the semester begins to help answer your questions and guide you into a new semester at Penn State. You can schedule an appointment with your DUS Adviser (at University Park and at some Campus Locations) online via Starfish (starfish.psu.edu). To do this, log into Starfish and click the "My Success Network" icon on your Home page to display your personalized network. This channel lists the people and resources that are available to assist you, including your assigned DUS Academic Adviser. 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). For more information or step-by-step instructions, please visit: http://sites.psu.edu/starfishinfo/user-roles/student-users/#appointment.

Welcome Week

University Park

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

Coronavirus Compact

All Campuses

As part of a series of pre-arrival requirements for returning to campus and communities this fall semester, students are required to agree to the Penn State Coronavirus Compact, which is now available in LionPATH. The compact — which all undergraduate and graduate students at every campus location must confirm that they have read before returning to Penn State or beginning classes — outlines health and safety expectations and requirements for the upcoming semester. You must sign the compact before gaining access to any features in LionPATH.