DUS News - August 23, 2021

News: 

Message From the Dean

As we start the fall semester, I want you to know that, across the Division of Undergraduate Studies, academic advisers and others are prepared to support you, to motivate you, and to challenge you to think big about your education. We care about your success and wellbeing at Penn State and are eager to get you the help you need during the first week of classes.

To connect with an academic adviser, please review the information provided on the DUS website. Using the “decision tree” on our website can get you connected to appropriate help. Remember, many others are also asking questions this week. As you reach out to your academic adviser, please know that everyone is trying hard to be prompt in replying, but some delay may happen. If you need help before the end of the add/drop period, planning ahead and scheduling an appointment may be your best route.

Since advising offices typically see a large number of students during the first week of classes, DUS at University Park and some other campuses is encouraging the use of Zoom meetings during this period. This is a way for us all to better ensure the safety of our community while providing a highly effective way to connect with academic advisers. If you have an in-person appointment, please be sure to always wear a face mask properly while indoors, per the current health guidelines, so that everyone is better protected. The wellbeing of the campus community depends on all of us taking responsibility for meeting public health guidelines. Showing respect for others as we all try to safely navigate the pandemic is critical.

Your rich, meaningful, and unique experiences as individuals shape and inform who we are in DUS and at Penn State. We look forward to getting to know you and to the dialogue, opportunities, and community we will start 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

Schedule an Advising Appointment

Have a question or concern about your schedule for the upcoming semester? Schedule an appointment with your adviser. 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 23 (Mon) 
    - First Day of Class
  • August 24 (Tues)
    - Communications Involvement Fair
  • 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.)
  • September 2 (Thurs)
    - DUS Group Advising: First Semester on Campus? Tools You Need to Be a Successful Student
Resource Spotlight: 

Canvas

Penn State Shield

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

Events and Announcements: 

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 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.

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 the fall welcome schedule. 

Follow Us on Instagram

All Campuses

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.

Student Involvement Fair

University Park

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 25, and Thursday, August 26, 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.