DUS News - December 12, 2022
Winter break can be the perfect time to explore possible majors and careers in new ways. One way you can do this is by having an informational interview with someone in your field of interest. Informational interviews allow you to get an insider's view on a major or career so that you make an informed choice. You can interview a faculty member or current student in a major you're considering, a family friend with an interesting job, or a new connection on LionLink. Most people love talking about their career paths, and these conversations can be a great chance to find out whether a similar path would be a good fit for you!
Have you already decided on your major? If you meet the entrance-to-major requirements for your intended major (listed in the Bulletin), you can use "Update Academics" in LionPATH to make the change official! "Update Academics" will be turned off between December 16 and January 4, so if you're ready, go ahead and make the change now.
Students who completing their second year at Penn State need to be moving out of DUS—if you're still unsure of where to go from here, meet with an adviser to finalize your plans.
Are you considering taking some time off next semester? If so, you may want to file a leave of absence form, which allows you to return to the University without having to apply for re-enrollment or change your academic program. If this is something you're thinking about, please talk to your academic adviser as soon as possible. There are other things you'll need to consider before deciding to take a leave of absence (e.g., student aid). The deadline to file a leave of absence form for spring 2023 is Friday, January 6, 2023.
Congratulations—you made it to finals week! Looking for a place to study? The University Libraries website contains a lot of useful information on good places for studying, group work, media projects, and other uses. Not at University Park? You can also find library spaces available at your campus by visiting the same link.
- December 12–16
- Finals Week - December 16 (Fri.)
- Update Academics Turned Off - December 18 (Sun.)
- SEN Grant Application Deadline - January 9 (Fri.)
- First Day of Class – Spring Semester - January 14 (Sat.)
- Regular Drop Deadline (11:59 p.m.) - January 15 (Sun.)
- Regular Add Deadline (11:59 p.m.)
Keep checking your Penn State email over winter break. Before every semester begins, your academic adviser sends an "academic review," which contains feedback about your schedule for the upcoming semester. If you have not seen yours yet, it will be arriving over break.
From December 12–16, Quick Question Advising (QQA) will be held at the following times, both in person in Grange Building as well as online via Zoom. Please note that a DUS academic adviser is only available for QQA during the dates and times listed below. All times are Eastern Time.
| Monday | 1:00–3:00 p.m. |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 1:00–3:00 p.m. |
| Wednesday | 1:00–3:00 p.m. |
| Thursday | 1:00–3:00 p.m. |
| Friday | No Quick Question Advising |
Learn more about QQA or making an appointment on the DUS website. DUS students at other campuses or at other colleges at University Park should check how advising services are currently being offered where you are.
The Student Engagement Network (SEN) Grant Program is now accepting applications for spring 2023! The SEN will be awarding grants of up to $2,000 to support student engagement experiences.
Learn more and apply on the SEN Grant Program website. Group grants are also available. Please contact the SEN (mjz120@psu.edu) to discuss any group grant ideas in advance.
The application deadline is December 18th, 2022.
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.