DUS News - December 13, 2021
Winter break can be the perfect time to continue to explore various pathways to help in your major and career decision making. One way you can do this is by talking to people within your field of interest through an informational interview. Informational interviews allow you to gather relevant information to help you make an informed career and major choice. Whether it is interviewing a faculty member associated with a major you are considering or a family friend with an interesting job, most people love talking about their career path. Start to gather information about majors, and connect with people of interest today.
Are you considering taking some time off next semester? If so, you may want to think about filing a leave of absence, which allows you to return to the University without having to apply for re-enrollment and without having to change your academic program. If this is something you are pondering, please talk to your academic adviser as soon as possible, as there are still items that need to be considered (i.e. student aid). The deadline to file a leave of absence for spring 2022 is Friday, January 7, 2022.
If you have reached a decision about your choice of major and meet the qualifications to enter that major, you can use “Update Academics” in LionPATH to process a change into your major. Students who are completing their sophomore year need to be moving out of DUS. You can review the qualifications for your intended major by viewing the entrance-to-major requirements on your intended major's page in the Bulletin.
Be aware, the "Update Academics" function on LionPATH will be turned off between December 17 and January 5.
Each year, the Division of Undergraduate Studies awards scholarships to sophomore DUS students who have exemplified thoughtful engagement with their educational decisions.
Congratulations to the 2021-22 DUS Award winners:
- Olivia Bereswill – University Park – Joyce Buck Award
- Emily Arena – University Park
- Jennifer Meegan – Fayette
Olivia, Emily, and Jennifer took advantage of their DUS experience to challenge their assumptions and find their true interests.
- December 13 (Mon)
- De-Stress in Grange - December 13–17
- Final Exams - December 17 (Fri)
- Deadline to Nominate an Excellent Adviser
- Update Academics turned off - January 10 (Mon)
- First Day of Classes Spring Semester - January 15 (Sat)
- Regular Drop Deadline - 11:59 p.m. - January 16 (Sun)
- Regular Add Deadline - 11:59 p.m.
Keep checking your Penn State email. You will receive an academic review from your adviser during winter break, which will contain feedback about your schedule for the spring semester.
Stressed about the end of the semester and finals? Come de-stress with DUS on Monday, December 13 from 10:00–2:00 p.m. Visit the Grange Building Lobby at your convenience during this time and enjoy hot chocolate, cookies, and a free craft!
Looking for a place to relax and study? The University Libraries website contains a lot of useful information on places you can visit 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.
Now through Friday, December 17, students may nominate advisers for the 2022 Penn State Excellence in Academic Advising Award. Sponsored by the University Advising Council and the Office of Undergraduate Education, the award recognizes and rewards advising excellence.
One award is given annually to a faculty member and one to a professional academic adviser. All current full-time University employees with advising responsibilities and two years of advising experience at Penn State are eligible.
Students who wish to honor an adviser who has helped them navigate the University’s academic system, plan a fulfilling program of study, consider co-curricular experiences, and learn to manage their own educational journey at Penn State are welcome to complete a short, online nomination form.
Advisers selected for the 2022 Excellence in Advising Award will be recognized by the University in the spring.
We've made a few small changes to our Quick Question Advising (QQA) process at University Park and want you to know about them.
- All QQA is now held only via Zoom during the hours listed below. Note that this only applies to University Park. Each campus advising office manages appointments differently.
- After you check in to the waiting room using the link below, check your Penn State email continuously for an "Adviser is Ready" notification with connection instructions for Zoom. Join the Zoom room immediately upon receiving the email.
QQA hours for December 13–17:
| Monday | 1:00–3:00 p.m. |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 9:00–11:00 a.m. |
| Wednesday | 9:00–11:00 a.m. |
| Thursday | 1:00–3:00 p.m. |
| Friday | No quick question advising |
Click here to sign in to QQA waiting room - Please note that a DUS Adviser is only available during the times listed above. All times are Eastern Time.
Interested in doing research as an undergraduate student? Not sure where to find opportunities or how to get started? Apply to take part in the Undergraduate Research Jumpstart program for spring 2022.
Accessing an undergraduate research opportunity can be stressful and unclear. This program intends to make the process more transparent and accessible for all students by helping students understand the nature of the research process and how to pursue undergraduate research at Penn State. In this program, students will explore resources and services that will help in identifying their research interests, while also gaining insight into the process of applying for undergraduate research opportunities.
The 5-module program runs from January 24 to April 22, 2022, and students can apply for the program and learn more on the Undergraduate Research Jumpstart Program website.