DUS News - January 9, 2023

News: 

Message from the Associate Dean

Dear DUS Students and Community Members,

I hope that everyone found good time away from the demands of school over winter break. Visiting family and friends in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan gave me time to reflect on the simple joys that these relationships and the natural world bring me every day. Taking moments like these to step back and remind ourselves that our actions are important can help us to face challenges in our lives and to change the communities that we are connected to—both near and far—for the better. 

Every day, students in the Division of Undergraduate Studies do amazing things—from performing exceptionally on the field of the Rose Bowl to baking focaccia for friends and being all-around great people. I take immense pride in all the ways that DUS students and staff make Penn State a better place. You have already achieved so much, and I am excited for what we will accomplish together in 2023.

My wish for you in this coming semester is that you approach your goals with hope and optimism, allowing the unexpected to challenge you to discover new ideas and directions. When you step back, you might see that your path is not a straight line but something altogether more exciting. We see and value the individuality only you can bring to our program. The entire staff of the Division of Undergraduate Studies is behind you and prepared to help you imagine ways to achieve your goals. 
 

Sincerely,

David R. Smith signature

David R. Smith, Ph.D.
Associate Dean for Advising
  and Executive Director
The Division of Undergraduate Studies

Check Your Email for a Message From Your Adviser

We hope you had a great break! Make sure you read any emails sent by your academic adviser recently. These messages include comments about your academic plans and highlight actions you may need to take and are sent to your Penn State email account. 

Evaluate Your Schedule

You met with your academic adviser, reviewed your Suggested Academic Plans and What-If Reports to plan your schedule, and registered for courses. Now that those classes are beginning, it's time to ask yourself some questions: 

  • Is the course content aligned with what you hoped to learn?
  • Is the out-of-class work balanced among your courses?
  • Do you have three midterm exams on the same date?

All of these questions can be addressed by looking through your syllabi and talking with your instructors about the semester agenda. You can be an active participant in your educational journey by reaching out for help if you need it. If you need to alter your schedule, now is the time to do 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: 
  • January 9 (Fri.)
    - First Day of Class – Spring Semester
  • January 14 (Sat.)
    - Regular Drop Deadline (11:59 p.m.)
  • January 15 (Sun.)
    - Regular Add Deadline (11:59 p.m.)
  • January 16 (Mon.)
    - MLK Jr. Day - No Classes
  • January 17 (Tues.)
    - Tools You Need To Be a Successful Student (DUS Group Advising)
Resource Spotlight: 

DUS Website

There's a gold mine of information at dus.psu.edu. You can learn how to explore majors and minors, schedule appropriate courses, work with your adviser, and get involved at Penn State! 

Events and Announcements: 

DUS Advising Through the First Week of Classes

University Park

If you have urgent questions regarding your spring 2023 schedule during the first week of classes, 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-minute scheduled appointment with your assigned adviser over Zoom or in person. This option is best if you have bigger questions, such as those about a change of major or campus, building an entire schedule (if you do not already have a schedule), or academic warning. You can make scheduled appointments with your assigned adviser through Starfish.
  • Quick question advising with any DUS adviser over Zoom or in person. This option is best if you have a quick question, such as those about adding, dropping, and swapping courses, alternative General Education courses, world language placement, and instructional modes. No appointment is needed. Quick question advising will be held from 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday during the first week of classes. You can stop in to the Grange Building lobby to meet an adviser in person or find the link to the Zoom room on the DUS appointments webpage.
  • Email your assigned adviser. If you choose this option, you may have to wait for a response. If you have more urgent questions, please consider using one of the other options listed for talking to a DUS adviser.

DUS Advising After the First Week of Classes

University Park

After the first week of classes, 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.

Welcome Week

University Park

Learning your way around University Park? Get some help and start connecting with others by attending events and activities listed in the spring welcome schedule. 

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. 

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.