DUS News - August 22, 2022
Welcome! It’s the start of a new academic year, and academic advisers and others across the Division of Undergraduate Studies (DUS) are ready to support you, to motivate you, and to challenge you to think big about your education. Whether you are a new or continuing student, I hope that the summer gave you time to renew your passion for learning and an opportunity to consider the kinds of experiences you want to have this year, both in and out of the classroom.
Academic advisers are here to answer your questions and to challenge you so that you can better define and shape your educational journey. To connect with an academic adviser, please use the “decision tree” on our website to find out how you can get the most appropriate and timely support. We care about your success and wellbeing and are eager to get you off to a strong start this semester.
As you reach out to your academic adviser, remember that many other students also are asking questions this week. Please know that everyone is trying hard to be prompt in replying but there may be some delay. If you think you will need help before the end of the add/drop period this week, scheduling an appointment may be your best route.
Your rich and meaningful experiences as individuals affect who we are together in DUS and at Penn State. We look forward to getting to know you and the community we will build together.
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
Have a question or concern about your schedule for the upcoming semester? Schedule an appointment with your adviser. DUS advisers are available for you 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 DUS assigned 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 Starfish Quick Start Guide for Students for step-by-step instructions and tutorial videos on connecting to people who can help you, making appointments, and staying on track using Starfish.
- August 22 (Mon)
- First Day of Class - August 23
- Student Involvement Fair - August 27 (Sat)
- Regular Drop Deadline (11:59 p.m.) - August 28 (Sun)
- Regular Add Deadline (11:59 p.m.) - August 30 (Tues)
- DUS Group Advising: First Semester on Campus? Tools You Need to Be a Successful Student
New to using Canvas? For many classes at Penn State, Canvas is where you’ll access course announcements, assignments, syllabi, discussions, readings, and grades. Check out the Help & Support button on the Canvas homepage for help getting started!”
If you have urgent questions regarding your fall 2022 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 or at other colleges at University Park should check how advising services are being offered where you are):
- 20-minute scheduled appointment with your assigned adviser over Zoom or in person. 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 or in person. 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 modes. No appointment is needed. Quick question advising will be held from 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday during the first week of classes. You can stop in to the Grange Building lobby to meet an adviser in person or 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.
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 or at other colleges at University Park should check how advising services are being offered where you are):
- 20-30 minute scheduled appointment with your assigned adviser over Zoom or in person.
- Quick question advising with any DUS adviser over Zoom. No appointment is needed. Quick question advising will be held Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 1:00–3:00 p.m. and Tuesdays 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.
Want to get involved? Check out many of Penn State’s student clubs and organizations at the Student Involvement Fair from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 24, on the HUB lawn. The Involvement Fair is one of the best opportunities to get involved in campus life at Penn State. Student organizations set up displays and have members on site talk to visitors one-on-one about what their organization does on campus. Involvement in co-curricular experiences is one of the most important parts of having a successful college career! You will make friends, learn all about Penn State, and develop invaluable skills you will use in life beyond Penn State. There are over 1,000 student organizations to choose from. Wondering where to start? Start at the Involvement Fair! Not at University Park? Be sure to check out your campus' student organization office to find out about opportunities available to you.
Learning your way around University Park? Get some help and start connecting with others by attending events and activities listed in the fall welcome schedule.
DUS will be holding Group Advising Sessions throughout the fall semester as a way to discuss popular advising topics with groups of students. These sessions are open to all DUS students and will help you to learn more about the topic and to ask questions in a friendly, open environment. For more information on each session visit https://dus.psu.edu/group-advising. All sessions are held in the Grange Building Lobby, unless otherwise listed on the website.
Fall 2022 Sessions
All sessions are at 4:00 p.m. ET and held in the Grange Building Lobby.
August 30: First Semester on Campus? Tools You Need To Be a Successful Student
Please register in advance for the August 30 session.
September 13: How to Start the Semester Off on the Right Foot
Please register in advance for the September 13 session.
September 20: Undergraduate Research 101
Please register in advance for the September 20 session.
October 4: Interested in Smeal?
Please register in advance for the October 4 session.
November 1: Explore and Find the Right Major for You
The Division of Undergraduate Studies is on Instagram! Follow us @PennState_DUS to see student/alumni stories, academic tips, events, announcements, and more. Share your own DUS story with us using #PennStateDUS for the chance to be featured.