Instructors have been asked to provide you with feedback about your progress in their courses. If you receive positive feedback, keep up the good work! If you receive a warning, 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. You need to make some change to what you are doing in response to this warning. If you’re not sure what you need to do differently, talk to your instructor, TA, or academic adviser as soon as possible, so you have a chance to recover your grade before you’re in too deep. Not sure how to take the first step? Read the article below about how and why to go to office hours.
News:
Take action if you received a warning from an instructor
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.
Important Dates:
- March 14 (Wed)
DUS Group Advising Session - Sophomore Planning - March 20 (Tues)
DUS Group Advising Session - First-Year Schedule Planning - March 21 (Wed)
Study Smarter, Not Harder - March 28 (Wed)
Major Fair - April 6 (Fri)
Late Drop Deadline
More events at dus.psu.edu/calendar.
Resource Spotlight:
Student Legal Services
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:
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 closes March 16. Learn more at http://www.engage.psu.edu/students/grants/
Students will find out by March 31 whether or not they are selected so that they can still make arrangements.
Major Fair
University Park
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 Baker, Academic Adviser/Program Coordinator, at bkb21@psu.edu or 814-865-7576.
Group Advising Sessions
University Park
DUS will be holding Group Advising Sessions throughout the fall 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. All sessions are held in the Grange Building Lobby.
March 14: Sophomore Schedule Planning
March 20: First-Year Schedule Planning
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:
- Financial Wellness
- 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.
Physicians Assistant Prep Session
University Park
PA Prep sessions introduce first-year and sophomore students to the coursework, experiences, and skills needed for a career as a physician assistant. The session also introduces the coursework, experiences, and skills needed to successfully apply to physician assistant programs.
Spring 2018 PA Prep session:
- Wednesday, March 21, 6–7 p.m., 216 Thomas.