DUS News - December 9, 2019

News: 
Places to Study

With finals week just around the corner, you may be ready to put in some extra time to prepare for the last exams, projects, and papers of the semester. But where is the best place to do this? One of the first study spots to consider is the library. In addition to group study rooms, the library also provides quiet study and lounge areas. There are also many other study spots around campus. No matter where you study though, make sure to practice good study habits as well! 

Withdrawal Deadline Friday

If you’re doing poorly in most or all of your classes, talk to an academic adviser as soon as possible about your options. Withdrawal from fall semester might be appropriate for you, but it’s a serious decision and should be discussed with family members as well as Student Aid and your adviser. The deadline to withdraw is this Friday, December 13. 

You also have the option to take a Leave of Absence for future semesters. Next week’s DUS News will have more information on this. 

Important Dates: 
  • December 13 (Fri)
    - Last Day of Classes
    - Withdrawal Deadline
  • December 16–20
    - Final Exams
  • 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.

Resource Spotlight: 
Stress Relief Resources

Are your upcoming Final Exams/Projects stressing you out? Check out some of the following resources from the DUSuccess site that might help:

Events and Announcements: 
Try Out the Relaxation Room
University Park

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!

Spark Program
University Park

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. 

Development and Alumni Relations Summer Internship
University Park and Altoona

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.

Alternative Breaks
All Campuses

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.

Join the New Student Orientation OTeam
University Park

Interested in helping the Class of 2024 to join Penn State? Join the Orientation Team! We are seeking diverse, dedicated, enthusiastic, resourceful, and motivated students to join our 2020 Orientation Team (OTeam). New Student Orientation (NSO) begins the transition to Penn State, and the OTeam makes the difference for new students and their families. Members of the OTeam will serve as group facilitators, resource persons, role models, and ambassadors for Penn State during NSO. You can learn more about the Orientation Team by visiting oteam.psu.edu.