DUS News - August 27, 2022
There is a remarkable correlation between certain student actions and success in college. Some of those are obvious (go to every class, check your Penn State email daily, turn in your assignments on time), but some are not. A lot of resources are available to you here at Penn State, but there are also a lot of pitfalls you may not see coming without some help. Your help-seeking initiative can make a really big difference in your success. Take some advice from a college professor about how to anticipate and navigate your transition (back) to college.
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.
More than 10,000 cases of monkeypox have been reported in the United States since May, triggering the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to declare the outbreak a public-health emergency. As the fall semester begins, many are wondering if they should be concerned about monkeypox. Suresh Kuchipudi, the Huck Chair in Emerging Infectious Diseases at Penn State and an expert on emerging and zoonotic viruses, explains what is known about monkeypox and how to protect yourself. For the most up-to-date University information on monkeypox and what to do if you develop symptoms, see the Penn State Student Affairs Monkeypox Information webpage.
- August 30 (Tues)
- DUS Group Advising: First Semester on Campus? Tools You Need to Be a Successful Student
- Transportation Fair - August 31 (Wed)
- Campus Food Systems Kick-Off - September 5 (Mon)
- Labor Day - No Classes - September 6 (Tues)
- Study Smarter Session - September 7 (Wed)
- Libraries Open House - September 8 (Thurs)
- AI For Good Expo
- LION Bash
Starfish facilitates communication among academic advisers, instructors, students, and others who are here to support student learning. Starfish provides students with a central location to connect to the people and services that can help them engage with their educations.
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.
Have a question that can be resolved in a short 5–10 minute conversation? Join us for quick question advising in person or via Zoom on the dates and times below. Some of these topics include: discussing adding/dropping courses within deadlines; getting a form signed; using LionPATH; reviewing entrance-to-major requirements; learning about general education information not related to schedule planning; and transferring credits. Quick Question Advising is not intended for in-depth conversations.
For students enrolled in DUS:
- Email your assigned adviser. Use your Penn State email.
- Come to the Grange Building lobby or click here for Quick Question Advising via Zoom - Please note that a DUS adviser is only available during the times listed below. All times are Eastern Time.
Monday 1:00–3:00 p.m. Tuesday 9:00–11:00 a.m. Wednesday 1:00–3:00 p.m. Thursday 1:00–3:00 p.m. Friday No Quick Question Advising.
For students not enrolled in DUS:
- use our online form to submit a question. Use your Penn State email.
Come to the HUB lawn on Wednesday, August 31, from noon to 3 p.m. to learn more about transportation programs and services available to students, including campus and community transit, bike resources and bike sharing, parking, and late-night services. Full event details available at the Transportation Services website.
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 Campus Food Systems Kick-off gives new and returning students a chance to see what kind of food system engagement opportunities await them on campus. There will be a meet and greet with several student orgs, tours of the Student Farm, and farm-fresh food. If you’re interested in food system topics like food waste, nutrition, sustainable agriculture, food justice, or food insecurity, be sure to stop by! The event is on Wednesday, August 31 and busses will run between campus and the Student Farm from 5:00 and 7:00 p.m. Board blue buses at the Curtin Road bus pull-off by Berkey Creamery.
LION (Living In One Neighborhood) Bash is the annual block party that strives to create a community for both long-term and short-term residents in the Borough of State College. This event, held downtown at the at the Allen Street Gates, provides an educational opportunity for new and returning Penn State students along with current Borough residents. There will be food, music, and fun for residents of all ages! LION Bash takes place on Wednesday, August 31, from 5:00–8:00 p.m.
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.