DUS News - February 14, 2022

News: 

Exploration Series Topic #5: How Can Gen Ed Courses Enhance My Education?

A third of the courses you’ll take to earn your degree at Penn State are General Education courses. This is because Gen Ed is a cornerstone of your university education, which is intended to prepare you to think, work, and contribute to a diverse and changing world. Gen Ed courses give you the opportunity to develop an important breadth of thinking skills, a well-rounded educational experience, and time to explore areas of potential interest. One of the most important things you can do is connect what you learn in Gen Ed courses to your life experiences, your interests, and your larger goals. 

To Do: Reflect on how you’ve used the opportunity Gen Ed provides you and connected those experiences to other aspects of your life. Use the instructions on the Gen Ed website to identify what you’ve taken so far, and discuss with your adviser how you can best use the remaining courses to enhance your learning. 

Last week's topic: How Do I Make Decisions?

 

Do You Have Three Finals in a Row?

If you have three final exams on one day OR three exams in consecutive periods you can file an Overload Conflict Exam Request Form if you are at University Park, Harrisburg, or Behrend campus. If you are at another campus, please contact your campus registrar. The University Registrar explains the final exam conflict procedure.

Important Dates: 
Resource Spotlight: 

Update Academics

Ready to declare your major (and possibly add on a minor)? You can do this through the “Update Academics” page on LionPATH. Visit the LionPATH Help page for step-by-step instructions on how to change/update/declare a major, minor, or certificate.

 

Events and Announcements: 

Presidential Leadership Academy

University Park

Are you a first-year Scholar looking for opportunities to gain valuable leadership skills?

The Presidential Leadership Academy (PLA) is a three-year leadership development opportunity for a select group of students. As Academy participants, students develop leadership fundamentals to thrive in an environment in which multiple dimensions of issues are explored, diverse viewpoints are welcomed and heard, and a fully informed and respectful discourse ensues. A highlight of the Academy is a two-credit introductory seminar led by Penn State's President.

This is a great opportunity to learn more about the PLA (including the application process) and meet current students and the director of the Academy. Deadline to apply is February 25, 2022.
 

Apply for the DUS Leadership Council

University Park

Do you want to develop leadership skills while helping other exploratory students find their niche in college? Do you want to give back to the DUS community while gaining professional communication skills? You may want to learn more about the DUS Leadership Council. To be invited to apply for the Leadership Council, you must be nominated by your academic adviser no later than March 1, 2022. Make an appointment with your adviser before this date to learn more about the opportunity and to ask to be formally nominated.

Eligibility requirements and more information can be found on the DUS Leadership Council website.

Become a Smeal Student Mentor

University Park

Smeal Student Mentors is an organization dedicated to assisting first-year students in Smeal with their transition to college. If you are a current sophomore with a 3.2 GPA or above and have a conditional or permanent offer to a Smeal major, consider applying to become a Smeal Student Mentor! In this role, you will help answer first-year students' questions about academics, getting involved, and taking advantage of Penn State's many opportunities and events. For more information and to apply to be a mentor, visit the Smeal Student Mentor website. Application deadline: February 28, 2022 at 5:00 p.m. EST.

Tip: This application requires an instructor or adviser recommendation. Set up an appointment with your intended reference, and give them at least two weeks prior to the application deadline to complete the endorsement form. 

Group Advising Sessions

University Park

DUS will be holding group advising sessions throughout the 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, including dates and times, visit https://dus.psu.edu/group-advising. All sessions will be held via Zoom.

Upcoming Spring 2022 Sessions

March 1, 8:00 p.m.: Interested in Smeal?

Please register in advance for the March 1 session. 

March 29, 8:00 p.m.: Explore and Find the Right Major for You

Please register in advance for the March 29 session. 

City Semester Pittsburgh

All Campuses

Looking for a summer or fall internship and interested in sustainability? City Semester Pittsburgh applications are open for summer and fall 2022!

Enroll in this unique and immersive experience to earn credits while:

  • Interning with a community partner in a field of your interest
  • Learning alongside peers during the EARTH 412 Urban Sustainability course, including guest speakers, field trips, and engaging discussions on current issues
  • Making valuable connections with Pittsburgh leaders and potential employers

Learn more and apply now on the Penn State Center Pittsburgh’s City Semester website. Application deadline for summer enrollment is March 18.