DUS News - January 6, 2020
Make sure you read any emails sent by your academic adviser via Starfish recently. These messages include comments about your academic plans and highlight actions you may need to take. These messages are sent to your Penn State email account.
Are you considering taking some time off next semester? If so, you may want to think about filing for a Leave of Absence, which allows you to return to the University without having to apply for re-enrollment and without having to change your academic program. If this is something you are pondering, please talk to your academic adviser as soon as possible, as there are still items that need to be considered (e.g., Student Aid). The deadline to file a Leave of Absence for spring 2020 is Friday, January 10, 2020.
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—walk-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
- 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.
New to using Canvas to access class announcements, assignments, syllabi, discussions, files, and grades? Check out the Help and Support button on the Canvas home page!
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.
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.
Learning your way around University Park? Get some help and start connecting with others by going to events and activities listed in Spring Welcome Schedule.
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.