DUS News - May 11, 2020
Wondering if using alternative grading is a good choice? Visit our Alternative Grading Worksheet for tools and information to help you explore your options. Students can begin choosing alternative grades on May 20. Alternative grades must be chosen and submitted by May 29.
Stay up to date on all of the latest changes to policies, procedures, and anything else related to remote learning. We created a page on our website to give you easy access to the information you need. Visit https://dus.psu.edu/dus-covid-19-information for details.
Starting this summer, Penn State undergraduate students who have retaken a course at Penn State can have an earlier grade “forgiven” from their overall GPA. Grade forgiveness can only be requested after the student has repeated the course and earned a higher grade. After grade forgiveness is applied, the original grade remains on the transcript, but the student’s GPA is calculated without the forgiven grade. Grade forgiveness does not automatically alter prior academic decisions. For more information on the grade forgiveness policy, visit the Administrative Academic Policies and Procedures Manual article on grade forgiveness. Be sure to consult with your adviser with any questions about this new policy.
If you are scheduled for summer courses at Penn State, be aware of the type of course you have scheduled. A mix of asynchronous and synchronous online courses will be offered during Maymester, Summer Session I, and Summer Session II. More details can be found in a recent story published in Penn State News. With this change comes a slight change in how courses are distinguished in your schedule:
COVID-Web (CW) = courses that were scheduled as in-person but are shifting to fully online, asynchronous courses due to COVID-19.
COVID-Remote (CR) = courses that were scheduled as in-person but are shifting to remote synchronous delivery (at least one synchronous meeting per week) due to COVID-19.
- May 11 (Mon)
- Maymester Begins - May 12 (Tues)
- Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) Requirement Begins - May 18 (Mon)
- First Day of Classes (Summer Session 1 and Regular Summer Session) - May 20 (Wed)
- Students Begin Selection of Alternate Grades - May 25 (Mon)
- Memorial Day - No Classes - May 29 (Fri)
- Students End Selection of Alternate Grades - June 5 (Fri)
- Update Academics Turned On
More events at dus.psu.edu/calendar.
There's a gold mine of information at dus.psu.edu. You can learn how to explore majors and minors, schedule appropriate courses, work with your adviser, and get involved at Penn State!
The Undergraduate Bulletin updates to the 2020-21 version beginning the week of May 11. While using this tool to explore colleges, programs, and certificates, be sure you are using the appropriate version for your program year. For previous versions of the Bulletin, including this past academic year, visit the Bulletins Archives.
Beginning May 12, all students at Penn State are required to use Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) to sign in to any website using WebAccess, including LionPATH, Canvas, and Outlook. Read the Penn State News story for more information on how to enroll in 2FA.
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.
Please note: All appointments are scheduled based on Eastern Time (ET). If you live outside of ET, please be aware of the time difference when scheduling your appointment.
The Office of Educational Equity has scholarships for students with disabilities, students with veteran status or military dependents, and students who further the inclusion, diversity, and equity initiatives of the University. To apply for one of these 80 scholarships, submit an application by Monday, June 1, 2020 at 5:00 p.m. ET. The application requires several essays.
Looking for tips on improving your quality of life? Drop in to free Virtual Life Hacks sponsored by Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS). Virtual Life Hacks begin with presentations focused on transitions and the associated stress students may be experiencing. CAPS clinicians will describe coping strategies for reducing distress and increasing wellbeing. This will be followed by small group discussions facilitated by CAPS clinicians.
Open to all enrolled Penn State students. No appointment is necessary.
Sessions are held every week day at 10:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m throughout the spring and summer. For Zoom meeting room links and more information, visit the Life Hacks website at https://studentaffairs.psu.edu/counseling/wellness-services/life-hacks.