DUS News - March 31, 2020

News: 

Alternative Grading Option for the Spring 2020 Semester

Given the unexpected switch to remote learning this semester, Penn State is offering an alternative grading option for undergraduate students this semester:

  • SAT (Satisfactory). This grade will be available if you earn a C or better in a course. A course with a SAT grade can be used to meet all C or better requirements, including entrance to major and prerequisites.
  • V (Pass). This grade, which will be available if you earn a D in a course, will be considered a passing grade. You will earn credits for the course, and a V grade can be used to meet requirements for which D is an acceptable grade.
  • Z (No Grade). This grade will be available if you earn an F in a course. Z can be used to replace an F grade and will be treated similar to Late Drop (LD).

All three of these alternative grades will have no impact on your GPA calculation, and you will be able to see your final grades before deciding whether or not to take an alternative grade in any or all of your classes for the semester.

There are still good reasons to take a letter grade—i.e., you continue to perform well, you are taking a class for professional licensure, or you are considering going to graduate, law, or medical school in the future. Individual colleges and departments are also still working out how alternative grades will be used for entrance to major and major requirements. Your adviser will be able to help you make decisions about taking an alternative grade, but even after the official announcement, we still do not have all of the answers. You’ll have about a week after final grades have been issued to choose what you’d like to do. Until then, try your best, and reach out to your adviser if you have any questions. We’ll keep you updated as we learn more.

Resources for Remote Classwork

Looking for resources to help you navigate your online courses? Check out Penn State's remote learning website: https://remotelearning.psu.edu/. You can find information on the following topics in the FAQ section of the website:

  • Access to free e-textbooks
  • Advising and course concerns
  • Disability resources
  • Exams, group work, and class participation
  • Internet and connection issues
  • Schedules and course times

Don’t Have an Appointment Before Your Enrollment Date?

It’s OK, you can still schedule your classes on your enrollment date. Use the guidelines and resources on the Choose Your Courses page of the DUS website to make your initial schedule. Schedule an appointment with your assigned adviser, even if that appointment is after your enrollment date. During your appointment, you and your adviser will identify any needed alterations. You have until the end of the drop/add period next semester to fine-tune your schedule.

Choosing a Minor

You know that choosing your major is an important decision in your college career; it will shape your education and experiences during your time at Penn State and beyond. But what about your choice of a college minor? Minors have many benefits and are great way to enhance your education and explore a new subject. When thinking about your minor choice, it is important to reflect on your goals, interests, and how your minor will complement your major coursework. In addition, some majors at Penn State require a minor. To search Penn State minors, take a look at the Undergraduate Bulletin for inspiration, and visit with your adviser to talk about planning a minor!

Important Dates: 

More events at dus.psu.edu/calendar.

Resource Spotlight: 

Offices for Student Diversity

Looking for ways to promote and get involved with equity and inclusivity initiatives at Penn State? Check out the Diversity Resources for Undergraduate Students through the Office of Educational Equity.

Events and Announcements: 

Contact Your Adviser

All Campuses

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.

Remote Tutoring and Guided Study Groups

University Park

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. 

Virtual Career Counseling

University Park

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