DUS News - March 23, 2020
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.
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. You can review the qualifications for your intended major by viewing the Entrance to Major requirements on your intended major's page in the Bulletin.
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.
Looking for resources to help you navigate your online courses? Check out Penn State's remote learning website: https://remotelearning.psu.edu/. While there is a lot of information on that site, we've picked out a few of the most relevant FAQ sections for you below:
Access to free e-textbooks: https://remotelearning.psu.edu/faq/#ebooks
Advising and course concerns: https://remotelearning.psu.edu/faq/#advising
Exams, grades and class participation: https://remotelearning.psu.edu/faq/#exams
Internet and connection issues: https://remotelearning.psu.edu/faq/#internet
- March 25 (Wed)
- CANCELLED - DUS Group Advising Session - Standing Out - March 30 (Mon)
- CANCELLED - DUS Group Advising Session - What Gen Eds Do I Need? - April 10 (Fri)
- Late Drop Deadline
More events at dus.psu.edu/calendar.
Stay up to date on the latest news and information from Penn State about Coronavirus: https://sites.psu.edu/virusinfo/
With information and procedures changing frequently, it is very important for you to communicate with your adviser and ask any questions you may have. We understand you have questions and concerns and want you to know we are here to help you through this transition to remote learning. Your adviser can answer many of your questions about changes in policies around grading options, classes, remote learning, etc. We encourage you to reach out and stay in touch.
Looking for help with your courses? Penn State Learning is offering their tutoring and guided study groups online via Starfish and Canvas.
Guided Study Groups: Access the date, time, and Zoom link for the GSG through Canvas.
Tutoring: Students can get tutoring for math and writing through PSL. Students can reserve a tutoring time through Starfish by clicking on the appropriate service tile under “Your Services.” Language tutoring has been temporarily suspended.
Visit Penn State Learning's website for more information.
The Business Career Center will be operating virtually for the remainder of the spring semester. Students may visit nittanylioncareers.psu.edu to schedule a virtual appointment with a career coach. Once logged into Nittany Lion Careers, click the ‘Counseling Appt’ Button along the left side. Then click the ‘Request New Appointment’ button at the top of the screen. You will be prompted to enter the details, time, and date of the appointment and choose the preferred Smeal career coach.
Topics may include:
· Mock Interviews
· Resume Reviews
· Career Advice
For additional career resources and event updates, visit careerconnections.smeal.psu.edu
If you’re looking for a great way to gain leadership experience this summer, check out the DUS NSO Peer Adviser position. The DUS NSO Peer Adviser 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-nso-peer-adviser, or apply via the Penn State jobs website at https://psu.jobs/job/92687.
Questions can be directed to Tanja St. Pierre at txs181@psu.edu or Rebekka Kuhn at rcs5081@psu.edu.
The Student Engagement Network internship program was created to support the advancement of student engagement across the University, providing interns with the opportunity to serve as voices of engagement at Penn State. Applicants must be undergraduate students at Penn State University Park and be in good academic and conduct standing with the University. The internship program is open to students of all educational backgrounds, especially those interested in helping current and future students enhance their out-of-classroom learning.
Deadline to apply has been extended to March 25. Learn more on the Student Engagement website.