DUS News - February 26, 2018
Asking for Letters of Recommendation
If you’re applying to a study abroad program, internship, or other institution, you’ll need letters of recommendation as part of your application packet. Recommendation letters should personalize your application by allowing reviewers to get a sense of who you really are, so it’s important for the writer to know you well enough to speak about you in specific ways. Hopefully you’ve been cultivating relationships with instructors and advisers, and have a few people who know you well enough to write a letter that speaks about something special about you. If you’re unsure how to start developing relationships with instructors, be sure to make an appointment with your academic adviser for tips!
Some basic etiquette:
- Make an effort to allow potential reference writers to get to know you.
- Ask permission before putting someone’s name down as a reference.
- Allow ample time for the writer to complete the letter—good letters take time to compose.
- Share information about what you’re applying to, and what you hope to achieve through it, so your recommender can tailor their letter.
- Fill out a confidentiality form, releasing your recommender to talk about your academic record.
DUS Max Time
You are allowed to be in DUS for two semesters after your first full year at Penn State. As you reach the end of your Maximum time in DUS you will need to move to a major. This is especially important for graduating on time.
If you started at Penn State during summer or fall 2016, this is your last semester of time in DUS, and you will be receiving letters from us about this. You should be working with your adviser to determine your next steps, and use Update Academics to declare your major!
DUS wants to hear from you!
The Division of Undergraduate Studies (DUS) wants to hear your preferences on receiving advising information. You can give us your anonymous feedback via this quick two-minute survey*. We really value your feedback and hope that you will take the time to share it with us!
*If the hyperlink above is not working, please copy and paste the survey URL into your browser's address bar: https://tinyurl.com/DUSCommunicationsPreferences.
- February 12–March 4
Final Exam Conflict Filing Period - February 26 (Mon)
DUS Group Advising Session - Study Abroad - March 5–9
Spring Break (No Classes) - March 14 (Wed)
DUS Group Advising Session - Sophomore Planning - March 20 (Tues)
DUS Group Advising Session - First-Year Schedule Planning - March 21 (Wed)
Study Smarter, Not Harder
More events at dus.psu.edu/calendar.
It’s easier to keep up than catch up! Keep your grades up though tutoring at any Penn State campus learning center.
University Park: https://pennstatelearning.psu.edu/
Other Penn State Campuses: https://pennstatelearning.psu.edu/campus-learning-centers-other-penn-state-campuses
The Student Engagement Network is offering grants to those interested in expanding their undergraduate experience through engagement experiences. Awards are contingent upon the availability of funds and the number of applications received; however, there’s a maximum of allotment of $3,000 per applicant. The SEN Grant Program application process opens March 2 and closes March 16. Learn more at http://www.engage.psu.edu/students/grants/
Students will find out by March 31 whether or not they are selected so that they can still make arrangements.
DUS will be holding Group Advising Sessions throughout the fall 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. All sessions are held in the Grange Building Lobby.
February 26: DUS Students and Study Abroad
March 14: Sophomore Schedule Planning
March 20: First-Year Schedule Planning
Health Promotion and Wellness is now offering free Wellness Services for students. The services are designed to help students increase knowledge and learn new skills that contribute to healthy behaviors and academic success. Services are available for:
- Financial Wellness
- Healthy Relationships and Sexual Health
- Nutrition/Healthy Eating
- Physical Activity
- Sleep
- Stress (Relaxation and Time Management)
Each service includes three 1-hour sessions and are held in the Wellness Suite, Room 20 IM Building. Trained peer educators deliver the services. Schedule an appointment by calling 814.863.0461 or by using the myUHS page. For students who are unable to make it to University Park, call in appointments as well as Skype/Zoom appointments are available.
Looking for a fun part-time job for the summer? The Welcome Crew will assist with NSO Check-In and the planning and execution of Fall Welcome Week events, including LateNight, Information Stations, and community events, during the summer of 2018. There are eight positions available. Staff will average 15 hours/ week and must be available from 11:30 a.m.–2:00 p.m. Sunday-Thursday for NSO Check-In. The balance of the weekly schedule will be based on individual availability.
Students who are interested in applying for the position can apply using this link: https://psu.jobs/job/76724. We will conduct interviews before spring break.
Further details about the position, including information about compensation and important dates, can be found here: http://oteam.psu.edu/become-an-oteamer/welcomecrew/
Education abroad is an invaluable experience offering personal growth and intercultural development, cultivating strong global citizenship, leadership, and perspective. If you are interested in studying abroad, Penn State's Office of Global Programs is a great place to start. They offer a set of Steps to Study Abroad, which includes information about Study Abroad 101 Sessions, and a Program Search. If you are serious about study abroad, please note that Application Deadlines are approaching quickly! Make an appointment with your Academic Adviser to learn more today.
Exploring a major/career in art and design? Consider attending the College of Arts and Architecture's Spring 2018 Arts and Design Career Symposium. This event takes place on Tuesday, March 20, from 1:30-5:30 p.m. at the Penn State Pittsburgh Center (1435 Bedford Avenue, Suite A, Pittsburgh, PA 15219). The symposium presents career path options and entrepreneurship/management possibilities for arts and design students; as well as the chance to network and to connect with industry professionals and alumni who are willing to serve as mentors. Industry representatives at the event will come from: Music, Dance, Theatre, Film/TV, Visual arts & Design, Architecture, Landscape Architecture, and Museum/Galleries.
The College of Arts and Architecture will provide transportation for 30 students coming from the University Park campus on a first come basis. Other university students are welcomed to attend but will have to make their own traveling arrangements. The program runs from 1:30-5:30, but with travel time, this will be an all-day event.
Registration is required by March 2. Contact Angela Smith, ajf7@psu.edu
PA Prep sessions introduce first-year and sophomore students to the coursework, experiences, and skills needed for a career as a physician assistant. The session also introduces the coursework, experiences, and skills needed to successfully apply to physician assistant programs.
Spring 2018 PA Prep session:
- Wednesday, March 21, 6–7 p.m., 216 Thomas.