DUS News - January 14, 2019

News: 

Exploration Series Topic #1: What do I need to know about myself?

You are back from winter break re-energized and ready to start a new semester. What have you learned about yourself since you started college? Self-exploration is an important activity on your path to choosing an area of study. Evaluating and prioritizing your interests, values, and goals are initial steps toward helping you become a more self-assured and confident decision maker. 

To Do: Do one or both of the activities linked above. Then, make an appointment with your academic adviser.  Be sure to bring the results with you and discuss them with your adviser.

Next week’s topic: How do I connect my interests to Penn State majors?

DUS Award Winners

Each year, the Division of Undergraduate Studies awards scholarships to sophomore DUS students who have exemplified thoughtful engagement with their educational decisions. The award recipients for 2018 are Samantha Gramc at Penn State Behrend, and Kiran Pandey and Molly Holmes at the University Park campus. 

Samantha, Kiran and Molly took advantage of their DUS experience to challenge their assumptions and find their true interests. 

"Part of growing as a person is being able to gain perspective and see things through a new lens. This is especially important for psychology majors, which is a major I am leaning toward due to my exploratory process." - Samantha

"In the past year and a half, the greatest gift DUS has given me is the ability to explore not just what I want to do, but why I want to do it. By allowing me to enter my education with an open mind, DUS has permitted me to explore all possible pathways without the looming fear of an immediate, binding choice. Because of this, I have been able to rationalize each academic choice, rather than rushing headfirst into a cavalcade of classes with nagging uncertainty lingering behind every decision." - Kiran

"It has been great getting to explore before I got a clear idea of what I wanted to major in and you have all been such a help." - Molly

 

Important Dates: 

More events at dus.psu.edu/calendar.

Resource Spotlight: 

Student Disability Resources

Student Disability Resources provides reasonable accommodations and services for students with disabilities. You can learn more about applying for these services via the SDR website.  Each campus has a contact person or office, you can find yours on the Campus Contacts list.

Events and Announcements: 

Be a DUS Peer Mentor

University Park

If you’re looking for a great way to gain leadership experience next summer, check-out the DUS Peer Mentor position. The DUS Peer Mentor 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-peer-mentor or apply via the PSU jobs website at https://psu.jobs/job/84409

If you have any questions, direct them to Courtney Karmelita at cec5032@psu.edu..

Review of applications will begin on February 4.

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 are held in the Grange Building Lobby, unless otherwise listed on the website.

Topics include:

  • Improve Your Study Skills (multiple dates/sessions)
  • DUS Students and Study Abroad
  • Exploration Workshop (multiple dates/sessions)
  • Marketing Your Skills to Get a Job (multiple dates/sessions)
  • Major and Career Planning
  • Smeal Entrance to Major (multiple dates/sessions)
  • Standing Out: Choosing Minors and Involvement Opportunities 
  • Schedule Planning
  • What Gen Eds Do I Need? (multiple dates/sessions)
  • Afraid of Choosing the Wrong Major?

Masters of Accounting Program Application Deadline

All Campuses

Attention Sophomores: The deadline to apply to the Integrated Masters of Accounting Program is Friday, January 18 at 11:59 p.m.  There will be an information session held on Thursday, January 10 from 6–7 p.m. in 110 Business Building. More information can be found at https://www.smeal.psu.edu/macc/integrated/admissions

Erickson Discovery Grant Application Deadline

All Campuses

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 21 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

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 is January 18, 2019. Learn more at ufo.psu.edu/spark.

MLK Jr. Day of Service

University Park

Join your fellow Penn Staters for the MLK, Jr. Day of Service on January 21 from 9:00–3:00 p.m. Meet in the HUB Alumni Hall and disperse to various locations on campus and throughout the State College community to do service for the day. Be sure to wear warm clothes in case you are outside! T-shirt and food provided! More information available at: https://studentaffairs.psu.edu/involvement-student-life/get-involved/martin-luther-king-jr-commemoration 

Free Wellness Services Available

University Park

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:

  • 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.