DUS News - August 17, 2021

News: 

Special Edition of DUS News

We look forward to welcoming you for the start of the fall 2021 semester. The first week of classes can be a busy and exciting time for everybody. Read this special edition of DUS News to learn about the best ways to get in touch with a DUS adviser during the first week of classes and beyond. In the meantime, you can also consult resources like the Keep Learning and Virus Info websites for big-picture questions about returning to campus. See you soon!

Schedule an Advising Appointment

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 in to Starfish. On the My Success Network homepage, Your Connections shows your assigned adviser, instructors, and others who are directly connected to you, including your assigned DUS academic adviser. If online scheduling is available, you can make an appointment with your adviser by clicking on the three dots next to their name in Your Connections and selecting “Schedule” or by clicking “Schedule Appointment” in your adviser’s profile. (If scheduling is not enabled in Starfish, you can always contact your adviser or your advising office directly.) Please see the step-by-step instructions if you need more help getting started with appointment scheduling in Starfish.

Important Dates: 
  • August 22 (Sun)
    - DUS Dean's Welcome
  • August 23 (Mon) 
    - First Day of Class
  • August 25–26 
    - Student Involvement Fair
  • August 28 (Sat)
    - Regular Drop Deadline (11:59 p.m.)
  • August 29 (Sun)
    - Regular Add Deadline (11:59 p.m.)
Resource Spotlight: 

DUS Website

Penn State Shield

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: 

DUS Dean's Welcome

University Park

We invite you to join us on Sunday, August 22, at 3:00 p.m. (EDT) for our annual DUS Dean's Welcome. 

We will be meeting in Eisenhower Auditorium and providing you with important information about deadlines, opportunities, and resources. You will also meet some of our staff and have an opportunity to learn more about how we can help you have a successful college experience.

When: Sunday, August 22, at 3:00 p.m.
Where: Eisenhower Auditorium, University Park

DUS Advising Through the First Week of Classes

University Park

If you have urgent questions regarding your fall 2021 schedule during the first week of classes, there are three ways you can talk with a DUS adviser at University Park (Note: DUS students at other campuses should check how advising services are being offered where you are):

  • 20-minute scheduled appointment with your assigned adviser over Zoom. This option is best if you have bigger questions, such as those about a change of major or campus, building an entire schedule (if you do not already have a schedule), or academic warning..You can make scheduled appointments with your assigned adviser through Starfish.
  • Quick question advising with any DUS Adviser over Zoom. This option is best if you have a quick question, such as those about adding, dropping, and swapping courses, alternative General Education courses, world language placement, and instructional models. No appointment is needed. Quick question advising will be held Tuesday, August 17, to Friday, August 20, and Monday, August 23, to Friday, August 27, from 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. You can find the link to the Zoom room on the DUS appointments webpage.
  • Email your assigned adviser. If you choose this option, you may have to wait for a response. If you have more urgent questions, please consider using one of the other options listed for talking to a DUS adviser.

DUS Advising After the First Week of Classes

University Park

After the first week of classes, there are three ways you can talk with a DUS adviser at University Park (Note: DUS students at other campuses should check how advising services are being offered where you are):

  • 20-30 minute scheduled appointment with your assigned adviser over Zoom.
  • Quick question advising with any DUS adviser over Zoom. No appointment is needed. Quick question advising will be held Mondays and Thursdays from 1:00–3:00 p.m. and Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 9:00–11:00 a.m. You can find the link to the Zoom room on the DUS appointments webpage.
  • Email your assigned adviser.