DUS News - January 17, 2022

News: 

Exploration Series Topic #1: What Do I Need to Know About Myself?

You are back from winter break, reenergized, 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 becoming 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.

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. 

Evaluate Your Education

Hopefully, you met with your academic adviser, reviewed your Suggested Academic Plans and What-If Reports and have attend the first week of class. Now it's time organize your semester. 

  • Document when your assignments are due, and when quizzes and tests are scheduled.
  • Create a plan for the out-of-class work balance you need

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. As always remember to schedule an appointment with your DUS adviser.

Important Dates: 
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: 

DUS Advising this Semester

University Park

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):

  • Scheduled appointment with your assigned adviser over Zoom.
  • Quick question advising with any DUS adviser over Zoom (see next article for more details).
  • Email your assigned adviser.

Quick Question Advising

University Park

In case you missed it, we've made a few small changes to our Quick Question Advising (QQA) process at University Park and want you to know about them.

  • All QQA is now held only via Zoom during the hours listed below. Note that this only applies to University Park. Each campus advising office manages appointments differently.
  • After you check in to the waiting room using the link below, check your Penn State email continuously for an "Adviser is Ready" notification with connection instructions for Zoom. Join the Zoom room immediately upon receiving the email. 

QQA hours for spring 2022:

Monday 1:00–3:00 p.m.
Tuesday 9:00–11:00 a.m.
Wednesday 1:00–3:00 p.m.
Thursday 1:00–3:00 p.m.
Friday No quick question advising.

 

Click here to sign in to QQA waiting room - Please note that a DUS Adviser is only available during the times listed above. All times are Eastern Time. 

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

January 18, 8:00 p.m.: Tools for Success: First Semester on Campus? Tools You Need To Be a Successful Student

Please register in advance for the January 18 session. 

January 25, 8:00 p.m.: How To Start the Semester off on the Right Foot

Please register in advance for the January 25 session.

February 8, 8:00 p.m.: Undergraduate Research 101

Please register in advance for the February 8 session. 

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. 

Entrepreneurship & Innovation Event

All Campuses

Do you want to...

  • meet new people? 
  • get involved in the entrepreneurship scene at Penn State? 
  • learn about Startup Week where you can compete and win $$$ for your enterprise?
  • build your resume? 

Undergraduate Research Jumpstart

University Park

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. 

Diversity Essay Contest

All Campuses

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. 

Erickson Discovery Grant

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 February 13, at 11:59 p.m. For more information about the grant program or to apply, visit https://urfm.psu.edu/research/erickson-discovery-grant

HealthWorks Peer Health Educator

University Park

Passionate about health and wellness? HealthWorks, a peer health education outreach program in Health Promotion and Wellness, is currently recruiting student volunteers to become Peer Health Educators. The deadline for applications is March 4, 2022. Students from all majors are encouraged to apply.

The HealthWorks program offers student volunteers two unique opportunities to share and promote health information on campus. These opportunities include:

  1. One-on-one wellness services for students
  2. Outreach activities and educational workshops

To learn more about the Peer Health Educator position or HealthWorks, visit the HealthWorks website. 

Follow Us on Instagram

All Campuses

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.