DUS News - August 20, 2019

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 26 through Friday, August 30), 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 any other campus, 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 25 (Sun)
    Dean's Meeting
  • August 26 (Mon)
    First Day of Classes
  • August 28 (Wed)
    Student Involvement Fair
  • August 31 (Sat at 11:59 p.m.)
    Regular course drop deadline
  • September 1 (Sun at 11:59 p.m.)
    Regular course add deadline

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 the Fall Welcome Schedule. 

DUS Dean's Meeting

University Park

Remember to attend the Dean’s Meeting on Sunday, August 25 in Eisenhower Auditorium. We encourage all new students to attend, even those who started in the summer. Meet DUS advisers, hear from DUS students and learn information critical for the fall semester. We look forward to seeing you there!

Involvement Fair

University Park

Check out many of Penn State’s student clubs and organizations on Wednesday, August 28 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. Not at University Park - be sure to check out your campu