DUS News - March 11, 2019

News: 
Take action if you received a warning from an instructor

Instructors have been asked to utilize Starfish to provide you with feedback about your progress in their courses. If you receive positive feedback in the form of a “kudos,” keep up the good work! If you receive a warning in the form of a “flag,” please take action! In that case, your instructor has noticed that you are not doing something they expect for success in their course and has taken the time to draw your attention to this concern. Making a change right now will give you the chance to recover your grade before the end of the semester. If you’re not sure what you need to do differently in order to be successful, talk to your instructor, TA, or academic adviser as soon as possible.  Not sure how to take the first step? See our article about office hours below.

Why go to office hours, and how to do it

Now is the time to start visiting your instructors during their office hours. What if you don’t know what to say? Here are some ideas. What if you’re not having a problem in the class? Even better reason to go! Don’t be afraid to just introduce yourself, show you care, and make a connection.  What’s the etiquette? Here are some tips, and here’s some advice for navigating the “hidden rules” of office hours. Remember, instructors are people too, and their office hours are times specifically set aside for YOU to support your learning.

Declaring Your Major...also known as ...Update Academics

If you have reached a decision about your choice of major and meet the qualifications to enter that major, you can use “Update Academics” in LionPATH to process a change into your major. Students who are completing their sophomore year need to be moving out of DUS.

Important Dates: 

More events at dus.psu.edu/calendar.

Resource Spotlight: 
Student Legal Services
Students talking with an attorney.

Do you need assistance? Penn State's Student Legal Services offers referrals, consultations, or representation. Want an appointment? You can complete an intake form online or call (814) 867-4388 for more information. Services are free and confidential. Student Legal Services is only a short walk from campus, their video can help you locate their office.

Events and Announcements: 
Need Resume Help?
University Park

A representative from the Business Career Center will hold drop-in hours in the Grange Building every Wednesday from 12:30–2:30 p.m. Stop by for tips on resumes, cover letters, career events, and resources. They will also be in the HUB on Mondays from 12:30–2:30 p.m. These opportunities will start on March 13 and go through April 24. No Appointment needed. For assistance at other campuses, visit your campus career center

Student Engagement Network Grant Program
University Park

The Student Engagement Network is offering grants to those interested in expanding their undergraduate experience through engagement experiences. Awards are contingent upon the availability of funds and the number of applications received; however, there’s a maximum of allotment of $3,000 per applicant. The SEN Grant Program application process for summer opens February 22  and closes March 15. Learn more at http://www.engage.psu.edu/students/grants/

Students will find out by March 29 whether or not they are selected so that they can still make arrangements.

Penn State Leadership Institute - Apply Now
University Park

Interested in developing transferable skills and a personal practice rooted in commitment to creating positive community change? Apply to be involved in the Penn State Leadership Institute. The Leadership Institute is an innovative leadership retreat designed for undergraduate students at University Park to build meaningful connections with their peers. 

This six-day leadership development experience fosters a collaborative and engaging environment for students to grow as an individual, a professional, and a community member. The Leadership Institute views leadership as a process, not a position, so students of any level of experience are encouraged to apply. 

Applications are being collected through March 18. The program is scheduled for the week May 6–11, 2019

If you would like more information, visit the Penn State Leadership Institute website. Questions can be directed to leadership@psu.edu

Major Fair
University Park

Still exploring majors? Come to the annual Major Fair on Tuesday, March 26 from 4–6:30 p.m. in Findlay Commons, East Halls. The annual Major Fair gives students an opportunity to learn about majors, minors, and certificate programs at University Park. Open to all undergraduates, the fair features information tables, free material and giveaways, a chance to connect with representatives of different majors and ask questions, and the opportunity to find out where and how to meet with academic advisers in all colleges. The Major Fair is a great way for students to learn about ways to relate their interests to academic options at Penn State. For additional details, contact Brittany Rossi, DUS Academic Adviser, at bkb21@psu.edu or 814 865-7576.

Registration is not required, but if you are interested in attending, we would appreciate it if you could please complete the sign up form.

Study Abroad Applications
All campuses

Education abroad is an invaluable experience offering personal growth and intercultural development, cultivating strong global citizenship, leadership, and perspective. If you are interested in studying abroad, Penn State's Office of Global Programs is a great place to start. They offer a set of Steps to Study Abroad, which includes information about Study Abroad 101 Sessions, and a Program Search.  If you are serious about study abroad, please note that Application Deadlines are approaching quickly! Make an appointment with your Academic Adviser to learn more today.

Group Advising Sessions
University Park

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 are held in the Grange Building Lobby, unless otherwise listed on the website.

Topics include:

  • Improve Your Study Skills (multiple dates/sessions)
  • DUS Students and Study Abroad
  • Exploration Workshop (multiple dates/sessions)
  • Marketing Your Skills to Get a Job (multiple dates/sessions)
  • Major and Career Planning
  • Smeal Entrance to Major (multiple dates/sessions)
  • Standing Out: Choosing Minors and Involvement Opportunities 
  • Schedule Planning
  • What Gen Eds Do I Need? (multiple dates/sessions)
  • Afraid of Choosing the Wrong Major?
Undergraduate Research
All Campuses

Interested in doing undergraduate research but not sure where to start? Students looking to learn more about how to become involved in research as undergraduates are encouraged to attend workshops organized by University Libraries and the University Fellowships Office.

The workshops cover everything undergraduate students need to know, including how to define research and discover opportunities, research ethics and emotional intelligence, designing an effective research poster, and preparing to present at the Undergraduate Exhibition.

Research opportunities are available for undergraduates in all fields of study. While inquiry in the social sciences may look different from the arts, which look different from engineering, the process of discovery and asking questions is similar across the disciplines. Previous experience with research is not required to participate in the workshops.

For a full list of workshops, please see the news article: https://news.psu.edu/story/555960/2019/01/25/academics/workshops-available-help-undergrads-get-research

For a full list of research and fellowship opportunities, visit https://ufo.psu.edu/calendar/list

Free Wellness Services Available
University Park

Health Promotion and Wellness is now offering free Wellness Services for students. The services are designed to help students increase knowledge and learn new skills that contribute to healthy behaviors and academic success.  Services are available for:

  • Healthy Relationships and Sexual Health
  • Nutrition/Healthy Eating
  • Physical Activity
  • Sleep
  • Stress (Relaxation and Time Management)

Each service includes three 1-hour sessions and are held in the Wellness Suite, Room 20 IM Building. Trained peer educators deliver the services. Schedule an appointment by calling 814.863.0461 or by using the myUHS page. For students who are unable to make it to University Park, call in appointments as well as Skype/Zoom appointments are available. 

HDFS Career Panel
University Park

Interested in a major in Human Development & Family Studies? Come hear from several alumni of the program and see where their degree has taken them! Reception with cookies and time to talk to the panelists after the event. 

Tuesday, March 26
22 BBH Building, Pike Auditorium
7:00–8:30 p.m.

HackPSU
University Park

This March 16 - 17th,  join over 800 students from across the nation for 24 hours of creation, innovation, & fun. From seasoned coding veterans to first-time hackers from any major or field, all are welcome to join. Discover your ability to create change by developing technology to solve real-world problems, working with industry leaders, and collaborating with your peers.

There will also be free food, swag, prizes, and much more for your enjoyment!

Learn more and register at hackPSU.org.