DUS News - January 10, 2022
Dear DUS Students and Community Members,
As we look to the start of a new academic semester, along with the new year, I hope that everyone can embrace a sense of optimism and a desire to actively engage in learning. Each of us brings important ideas and perspectives to ongoing efforts to improve our community and our world. I sincerely hope that everyone will contribute to these efforts and participate in the opportunities that abound at Penn State and beyond.
Though we continue to contend with a public health crisis that challenges us in many ways, there are steps we can all take to protect our communities. The University will continue to keep updated information about the pandemic posted online. I encourage everyone to follow the University guidance and to be strong members of a safe community.
Academic advisers and others are here to support student success. Reach out as you have questions or ideas about how you want to shape your education. The more we all talk about our learning interests, challenges, and triumphs at Penn State, the more we can grow toward reaching our academic and professional goals.
Stay safe, and know that you all are valued members of the DUS community.
Sincerely,
David
David R. Smith
Associate Dean for Advising and
Executive Director
The Division of Undergraduate Studies
We hope you had a great break! Make sure you read any emails sent by your academic adviser via Starfish recently. These messages include comments about your academic plans and highlight actions you may need to take. These messages are sent to your Penn State email account.
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.
You met with your academic adviser, reviewed your Suggested Academic Plans and What-If Reports to plan your schedule, and registered for courses. Now that those classes are beginning, it's time to ask yourself some questions: Is the course content aligned with what you hoped to learn from this course? Is the out-of-class work balanced among your courses? Do you have three midterm exams on the same date? All of these can be addressed by looking through your syllabi and talking with your instructors about the semester agenda. Please be an active participant in your educational journey, and reach out for help, if needed. If you need to alter your schedule, NOW is the time to do it.
- January 10 (Mon)
- First Day of Classes Spring Semester
- Student Involvement Fair - January 11 (Tues)
- Student Involvement Fair - January 12 (Wed)
- IST Involvement Fair - January 15 (Sat)
- Regular Drop Deadline - 11:59 p.m. - January 16 (Sun)
- Regular Add Deadline - 11:59 p.m. - January 17 (Mon)
- MLK Jr. Day - No Classes - January 18 (Tues)
- DUS Group Advising Session - First Semester on Campus? Tools You Need To Be a Successful Student
There's a gold mine of information at dus.psu.edu. You can learn how to explore majors and minors, schedule appropriate courses, work with your adviser, and get involved at Penn State!
If you have urgent questions regarding your spring 2022 schedule during the first week of classes, there are three ways you can talk with a DUS adviser at University Park (Note: DUS students at other campuses should check how advising services are being offered where you are):
- 20-minute scheduled appointment with your assigned adviser over Zoom. This option is best if you have bigger questions, such as those about a change of major or campus, building an entire schedule (if you do not already have a schedule), or academic warning. You can make scheduled appointments with your assigned adviser through Starfish.
- Quick question advising with any DUS adviser over Zoom. This option is best if you have a quick question, such as those about adding, dropping, and swapping courses, alternative General Education courses, world language placement, and instructional models. No appointment is needed. Quick question advising will be held Monday, January 10, to Friday, January 14, from 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. You can find the link to the Zoom room on the DUS appointments webpage.
- Email your assigned adviser. If you choose this option, you may have to wait for a response. If you have more urgent questions, please consider using one of the other options listed for talking to a DUS adviser.
After the first week of classes, there are three ways you can talk with a DUS adviser at University Park (Note: DUS students at other campuses should check how advising services are being offered where you are):
- 20-30 minute scheduled appointment with your assigned adviser over Zoom.
- Quick question advising with any DUS adviser over Zoom. No appointment is needed. Quick question advising will be held Mondays and Thursdays from 1:00–3:00 p.m. and Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 9:00–11:00 a.m. You can find the link to the Zoom room on the DUS appointments webpage.
- Email your assigned adviser.
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.
Learning your way around University Park? Get some help and start connecting with others by attending events and activities listed in the spring welcome schedule.
Want to get involved? Check out many of Penn State’s student clubs and organizations at the Student Involvement Fair from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Monday, January 10, and Tuesday, January 11, in Alumni Hall in the HUB-Robeson Center. The Involvement Fair is one of the best opportunities to get involved in campus life at Penn State. Student organizations set up displays and have members on site talk to visitors one-on-one about what their organization does on campus. Involvement in co-curricular experiences is one of the most important parts of having a successful college career! You will make friends, learn all about Penn State, and develop invaluable skills you will use in life beyond Penn State. There are over 1,000 student organizations to choose from. Wondering where to start? Start at the Involvement Fair! Not at University Park? Be sure to check out your campus' student organization office to find out about opportunities available to you.
The Division of Undergraduate Studies is on Instagram! Follow us @PennState_DUS to see student/alumni stories, academic tips, events, announcements, and more. Share your own DUS story with us using #PennStateDUS for the chance to be featured.
Full-time Penn State undergraduate students at any campus are invited to compete for scholarship awards at the 2022 S.T.A.R.T. Conference by submitting a written expression–essay, poetry, or story. Finalists will be recognized and are required to present their submissions at the S.T.A.R.T. Conference on Thursday, March 31 at the HUB on University Park's campus. For full details on the contest, including the essay question, judging criteria and submission information, visit the S.T.A.R.T Conference Essay Contest website.
Deadline to submit your entry is Thursday, January 27.