DUS News - January 25, 2021

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. The award recipients for 2021 are:

  • Madeleine Tenny (Joyce Buck Award)
  • Victoria Amato
  • Viktoriya Loshkarova
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: 
Virtual Involvement Fair
All Campuses

Check out many of Penn State’s student clubs and organizations on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, January 26–28, from 11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m at the Student Involvement Fair. This fair is a great way to find some interests outside the classroom, enrich your college experience, and add value to your resume.

Group Advising Sessions
All Campuses

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 2021 Sessions

January 26, 8:00 p.m.: Tools for Success: How to be a Successful Online Student

Register and attend online: https://psu.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJEucuquqjMsGNwByRjcf8SzVSZ0UKKTje8K

January 28, 4:00 p.m.: DUS Success Series: Student Loans 101 (note a correction to the time)

Register and attend online: https://psu.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJMrceGrrj8oGddkxq7jGdQgKw6Jpua1EQtx

February 2, 8:00 p.m.: How to Get Involved: Get Engaged from the Start

Register and attend online: https://psu.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJYlf-CspzovE9QCzPze2X-NcOT1OV35V2nY

February 4, 4:00 p.m.: DUS Success Series: Searching for and Applying for Scholarships (note a correction to the time)

Register and attend online: https://psu.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJMrceGrrj8oGddkxq7jGdQgKw6Jpua1EQtx

Earth and Mineral Sciences Alumni Panel
All Campuses

Please join the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences (EMS) for a Zoom panel on January 28 from 7:30–8:30 p.m. featuring their Graduates of the Last Decade (GOLD). Alumni from EMS will share their experiences since graduation. Hear from alumni working at companies such as Exxon Mobil, Mapbox, Shell, and Walt Disney Company. There will also be two alumni who are currently attending graduate school at Texas A&M and UC Santa Barbara. This will be a great opportunity to hear about life after EMS and network with EMS graduates. Students will also have an opportunity to ask questions. If you have any questions, please contact Stacy Davidson (sjp123@psu.edu). 

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

Learn more at https://urfm.psu.edu/fellowships/spark-program.

A program for second-year students is available during the fall semester. 

Apply to Become a Resident Assistant
University Park

Interested in becoming a resident assistant (RA) at University Park? The Office of Residence Life is opening the application process for new RAs. To qualify for the program, students must have completed 12 Penn State credits upon application (does NOT include advanced placement, transfer or current semester credits). In addition, the candidate must demonstrate good academic standing with at least a 2.40 cumulative GPA. 

To apply to be a part of the spring 2021 process, you must attend one of the RA information sessions via Zoom webinar. Session dates and additional information can be found on the Resident Assistant website.

Quick Question Advising
University Park

Have a question that can be resolved in a short 5–10 minute conversation? Join us for quick question advising via Zoom on the dates and times below. Some of these topics include: discussing adding/dropping courses within deadlines; getting a form signed; using LionPATH; reviewing entrance-to-major requirements; learning about general education information not related to schedule planning; and transferring credits. Quick question advising is not intended for in-depth conversations.

For students enrolled in DUS:

  • Click here for quick question advising via Zoom - Please note that a DUS adviser is only available during the times listed below. All times are Eastern Time. 
    Monday 1:00–3:00 p.m.
    Tuesday 9:00–11:00 a.m.
    Wednesday 9:00–11:00 a.m.
    Thursday 1:00–3:00 p.m.
    Friday No Quick Question Advising

For students not enrolled in DUS:

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 for the 2021–22 academic year. The deadline for applications is March 5, 2021. 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.