DUS News - December 16, 2019
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 2020 is Friday, January 10, 2020.
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. Be aware, the "Update Academics" function on LionPATH will be turned off between December 20 and January 7.
- December 16–20
- Final Exams - Good luck! - December 20–January 7
- Update Academics unavailable in LionPATH - January 13 (Mon)
- First Day of Classes Spring 2020
More events at dus.psu.edu/calendar.
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.
Looking for a quiet place to study? The Relaxation Room, in 20 IM Building, is the perfect location! The space is open Monday–Friday from 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. In addition to being a quiet study space, you'll find coloring books, a zen sand garden, puzzles, and a comfortable space to take a break, relax, or study. You can use the biofeedback software programs to learn breathing exercises designed to reduce your stress level. We also have a variety of relaxation, stress reduction, mindfulness, and brain massage audio tracks. From November through March, we have light therapy boxes that you can use in the space.
The staff and students from Health Promotion and Wellness hope to see you there!
Interested in doing research or possibly studying abroad at some point in your academic career? Consider applying for the Spark Program. Spark is a 7-week educational experience discussing funded opportunities for research or study abroad. Participants will develop the skills and knowledge necessary to help them take ownership of their undergraduate career and become competitive applicants, as well as leaders in their fields. Presenters include Penn State’s current and past fellowship recipients and key faculty on campus. Dinner is provided at every session/presentation.
Topics include:
- Undergraduate research and internships
- Leadership and civic engagement
- Working with faculty
- Writing a personal statement
Application deadline for first-year students is January 24, 2020. Learn more at ufo.psu.edu/spark.
A program for second-year students is available during the fall semester.
The Division of Development and Alumni Relations Summer Internship Program is an eleven-week program for students or recent graduates interested in learning more about a career in fundraising and nonprofit work. This experience immerses selected individual in the workings of a development office at Penn State’s University Park campus. It enables participants to learn about the fundraising profession while gaining firsthand experience assisting the operations of a development office. By coupling hands-on work with traditional classroom learning, the internship is designed to prepare students with the knowledge and the skills to embark on a career in higher education development or nonprofit work.
Applications for the 2020 internship are now open! Applications are due January 2, 2020. Apply below to our positions at the University Park and Altoona campuses.
More Information | Apply for the University Park position or Altoona position.
Sponsored by the Division of Development and Alumni Relations.
A couple weeks ago, some Penn State students spent fall break engaged in projects that connect their learning to real life. Are you interested in a unique and meaningful experience over a break? If so, check out Penn State Alternative Breaks. The deadline for applications for spring break programs is January 19, 2020.