DUS News - January 7, 2019
Welcome back to campus and the start of a new semester. I hope that your break was relaxing and that you are looking forward to a new set of classes that will engage you and allow you to gain valuable perspective on our complex world. As you have time, challenge yourself to reflect on how you anticipate using your Penn State education to solve problems and strengthen communities—whether nearby or at a distance. Academic advisers in the Division of Undergraduate Studies are here to help you discuss your educational goals and to consider what opportunities might best connect with your interests. I truly hope that this will be a very positive semester for you, full of success, happiness, and laughter. I am interested in hearing about your experiences, so please do not hesitate to reach out as the semester progresses.
Sincerely,
David R. Smith
Associate Dean for Advising and
Executive Director
The Division of Undergraduate Studies
You met with your academic adviser, reviewed your Recommended Academic Plans and What-If Reports to plan your schedule, and you registered for courses. Now that those classes have begun, it's time to ask yourself some questions: Is the course content aligned with what you hoped to learn from this course? Is the out of class work balanced among your courses? Do you have three mid-term exams on the same date? All of 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. If you need to alter your schedule, NOW is the time to do it.
If you need to meet with a DUS adviser at University Park during the drop/add period (Monday, January 7 through Friday, January 11), 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 7 (Mon)
- First Day of Classes Spring 2019 - January 7–8
- Spring 2019 Involvement Fair - January 7-13
- Drop/Add Period - January 12 (Sat)
- Regular Drop Deadline (11:59 p.m.) - January 13 (Sun)
- Regular Add Deadline (11:59 p.m.) - January 17 (Thurs)
- Global Health Minor Info Session - January 21 (Mon)
- Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service - No Classes
More events at dus.psu.edu/calendar.
Looking to get involved? Check out the Penn State Index of Student Organizations, or look for information about your campus involvement fair!
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 Wednesday and Thursday, January 7 and 8, from 11–4 p.m. at the Student Involvement Fair in 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.
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
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.
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
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.