DUS News - March 19, 2018
Are you a Lizard or a Learner?
Now is a time of year when you might come up against some academic challenges. How you handle those challenges matters a lot! Will you let your brain default into lizard mode, or will you harness that challenge to learn something new? The amygdala – or lizard brain—is the part of the brain that controls basic survival instincts. External stress (like being hunted by a lion, or facing exam grades and entrance to major requirements) triggers that lizard brain into doing things that might not be your best options. The best learners let their lizard brain fears indicate when there is an opportunity for growth and harness that primal fear to take smart, human action. Your academic adviser can help you think through these challenges, and look for the learning opportunities they present.
Late Drop Deadline is April 6th
You should consult with an academic adviser if you’re considering late dropping a course to fully consider the ramifications for your degree progress, financial arrangements, and potential opportunities. The Late-Drop Checklist can help you think through the potential consequences of dropping a course prior to your advising conversation. Be sure to read up on Late Course Drop policies.
- 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.
Have you had an alcohol violation on or off-campus? A visit to the ER for alcohol or other drugs? Are you concerned about a friend's behaviors? Penn State's BASICS program and ScreenU tool are resources for current students. The BASICS program uses a harm-reduction and non-judgmental approach to help you explore your alcohol use. The BASICS program consists of two one-hour sessions with a Health Promotion and Wellness staff member.
ScreenU is a free, anonymous online screening tool to help students who are struggling with the misuse of alcohol, marijuana or prescription drugs. ScreenU is brief and provides personalized, non-judgmental feedback as well as a list of helpful campus, community and national resources for prevention, support, treatment and recovery. ScreenU also provides participants with tips to keep themselves and their friends safe.
If you have questions or would like more information, please contact Health Promotion and Wellness at (814) 863-0461 or via email at promotinghealth@psu.edu.
*Students who do not have an alcohol violation can take the BASICS program for free. Mandated students are required to pay the $250.00 program fee.
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.
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 20: First-Year Schedule Planning
At Stand for State, we know that even though many people have experienced bias and discrimination, it's still hard to know what you can do when you see it unfolding in front of you.
In that context, we developed a training that allows people to share their personal connections to the issue, explore the things that make it difficult to take action, and practice interrupting using scenarios.
Our next training for students will be held on March 27th
Register for any training at https://goo.gl/R57ggx
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.
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.