DUS News - January 8, 2018
Welcome Back
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
Advising During Drop/Add
If you need to meet with a DUS adviser at University Park during the drop/add period (Monday, January 8 through Friday, January 12), 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 schedule an appointment for after the first week of classes (to discuss topics that are not important to resolve during the drop/add week), you can 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 6-13
Welcome Week Activities - January 8
First day of classes - Spring Semester - January 8–9
Involvement Fair - January 8–13
Drop/Add Period - January 13 (11:59 p.m.)
Regular Drop Deadline - January 14 (11:59 p.m.)
Regular Add Deadline - January 15
Martin Luther King Jr. Day (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 2018 Spring Welcome Schedule.
If you are a University Park student, make sure you read the flags, kudos, and messages your adviser sent recently. They include comments and suggestions about your goals, your grades, and your schedule for this semester. Check your Penn State email account for this. It’s important!
Check out many of Penn State’s student clubs and organizations from 11–4 p.m. on Monday, January 8 and Tuesday, January 9, 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.
CommRadio, The Bellisario College of Communications' radio station, will hold new member involvement meetings on Tuesday, January 9 and Wednesday, January 10 at 6:00 p.m. in 258 Willard. Whether interested in play-by-play broadcasting, news, entertainment, talk shows, writing, web content, social media or ad sales, all students are encouraged to attend.
The possibilities are endless at CommRadio with our top-notch broadcasting equipment! CommRadio is the place for students to get their foot in the door — before they've even started taking classes for their major.
Students of all ages and experience are welcome.
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 12, 2018. Learn more at ufo.psu.edu/spark.
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/74237
If you have any questions, direct them to Courtney Karmelita at cec5032@psu.edu.
Interested in helping join the Class of 2022 to Penn State? Join the Orientation Team! We are seeking diverse, dedicated, enthusiastic, resourceful, and motivated students to join our 2018 Orientation Team (OTeam). New Student Orientation (NSO) begins the transition to Penn State and the OTeam makes the difference for new students and their families. Members of the OTeam will serve as group facilitators, resource persons, role models, and ambassadors for Penn State during NSO. You can learn more about the Orientation Team by visiting oteam.psu.edu.