DUS News - January 17, 2023

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. Looking back at the interests, values, and goals that have gotten you to where you are today is a good first step 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?

Organize Your Semester

You've met with your academic adviser, reviewed your Suggested Academic Plans and What-If Reports, and attended the first week of class. Now, it's time get organized for the new semester with some homework... for your homework:

  • Record when your assignments are due and when quizzes and tests are scheduled
  • Compare due dates against other classes and your personal commitments and busy times
  • Create a plan to manage out-of-class work while keeping the balance you need in your life

You can ace these tasks by looking through your syllabi. If you already see some challenges ahead, talk with your instructors early to figure out how you can best prioritize your coursework.

Need more tools to get started? You can find time management and study tips on the DUSuccess website. As always, reach out to your adviser for help when you need it!

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 2022–23 DUS Award winners:

  • Emily Jenkins – University Park – Joyce Buck Award 
  • Thea Piskorski – Berks 
  • McKenna Loney – Brandywine

Emily, Thea, and McKenna took advantage of their DUS experience to challenge their assumptions and find their true interests. 

Important Dates: 
Resource Spotlight: 

Student Disability Resources

Student Disability Resources (SDR) 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 Disability Coordinators 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 or at other colleges at University Park should check how advising services are being offered where you are):

  • 20-30 minute scheduled appointment with your assigned adviser over Zoom or in person.
  • Quick question advising with any DUS adviser over Zoom or in person. No appointment is needed. Quick question advising will be held Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 1:00–3:00 p.m. and Tuesdays 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.

Group Advising Sessions

University Park

DUS will be holding group advising sessions throughout the spring 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 visit https://dus.psu.edu/group-advising. All sessions are held in the Grange Building Lobby, unless otherwise listed on the website.

Spring 2023 Sessions

All sessions are at 4:00 p.m. ET and held in the Grange Building Lobby.

January 17: Tools You Need To Be a Successful Student

Please register in advance for the January 17 session.

January 30: How to Get Involved

Please register in advance for the January 30 session.

February 16: Undergraduate Research 101

Please register in advance for the February 16 session. 

February 28: Interested in Smeal? 

Please register in advance for the February 28 session. 

March 14: Explore and Find the Right Major for You

Please register in advance for the March 14 session. 

March 21: General Education 101

Please register in advance for the March 21 session. 

March 28: Course Enrollment 101

Please register in advance for the March 28 session. 

Erickson Discovery Grant

All Campuses

Planning to do a research project over the summer? Apply for the Erickson Discovery Grant, and earn funding for 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 Penn State faculty member. The grants may be used to cover living expenses and project costs (e.g., supplies, materials, books, specialized software, travel for the purpose of data collection, etc.). The application deadline is Sunday, February 12.

Follow Us on Instagram

University Park

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.