DUS News - January 13, 2020
Welcome back to campus and the start of a new semester. I hope that the winter break provided you time to relax and enjoy a little quality time with family or friends. Not only are we entering a new semester, but also a New Year that promises to provide many opportunities for engaging in constructive conversations about our world. As you have time, challenge yourself to reflect on how you anticipate using your Penn State education to address problems and strengthen communities—whether nearby or at a distance. Academic advisers in the Division of Undergraduate Studies are here to help you discuss your educational goals and to consider what opportunities might best connect with your aspirations. I truly hope that this will be a positive semester for you. I am interested in hearing about your experiences at Penn State, so please do not hesitate to reach out as the semester progresses.
Sincerely,
David R. Smith
Associate Dean for Advising and
Executive Director
The Division of Undergraduate Studies
You met with your academic adviser, reviewed your Suggested Academic Plans and What-If Reports to plan your schedule, and you registered for courses. Now that those classes have begun, 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.
If you need to meet with a DUS adviser at University Park during the drop/add period (Monday, January 13 through Friday, January 17), come to the Grange Building, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m. You will see the first available DUS adviser. There will be no scheduled appointments with advisers during this week—drop-ins only. If you are a DUS student at all other campuses, there may also be drop-in appointments during the first week, but you should check with your Academic Advising Center for more information.
To discuss topics that are not important to resolve during the drop/add week, schedule an appointment with your DUS Adviser (at University Park and at some campus locations) online via Starfish (starfish.psu.edu). If online scheduling is enabled, you will see a link to make an appointment (if not, you can always contact your adviser or your Advising Office directly).
- January 13 (Mon)
- First Day of Classes Spring 2020 - January 13–17 (Mon–Fri)
- Drop/Add Period - January 13–14 (Mon–Tues)
- Spring Involvement Fair - January 18 (Sat)
- Regular Drop Deadline (11:59 p.m.) - January 19 (Sun)
- Regular Add Deadline (11:59 p.m.) - January 20 (Mon)
- Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service - No Classes
More events at dus.psu.edu/calendar.
Looking to get involved? Check out the Penn State Index of Student Organizations, or look for information about your campus involvement fair!
Learning your way around University Park? Get some help and start connecting with others by going to events and activities listed in the Spring Welcome Schedule.
If you’re looking for a great way to gain leadership experience next summer, check out the DUS NSO Peer Adviser position. The DUS NSO Peer Adviser team will play an important role in helping to promote a positive awareness of the exploratory educational experience and well-informed decision making before entering colleges/majors. To learn more about the role, visit https://dus.psu.edu/dus-nso-peer-adviser, or apply via the Penn State jobs website at https://psu.jobs/job/92687.
Questions can be directed to Tanja St. Pierre at txs181@psu.edu or Rebekka Kuhn at rcs5081@psu.edu.
Review of applications will begin on February 4.
Check out many of Penn State’s student clubs and organizations on Monday and Tuesday, January 13 and 14, from 11–4 p.m. at the Student Involvement Fair at the HUB-Robeson Center. This fair is a great way to find some interests outside the classroom, enrich your college experience, and add value to your resume.
Over the past few months, some Penn State students spent fall and winter breaks 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.
Planning to do a research-related project over the summer? Apply for the Erickson Discovery Grant and earn money towards your project! The Rodney A. Erickson Discovery Grant Program supports undergraduate student engagement in original research, scholarship, and creative work under the direct supervision of a faculty member. The grants may be used to cover living expenses and project costs (supplies, materials, books, specialized software, travel for the purpose of data collection, etc.).
The application deadline is January 20 at 11:59 p.m. For more information about the grant program or to apply, visit https://undergradresearch.psu.edu/resources/opportunities/erickson-discovery-grants
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.