DUS News - May 3, 2021

News: 

Best Wishes from the Associate Dean

Dear Students,

As you enter finals week, I hope everyone is well prepared for a successful end to their semester. This year has been like no other, and I imagine everyone has encountered some form of challenge. Though challenges are never what we want, they do often serve as one of the most significant opportunities for learning and personal growth. Once you have completed finals, take a few moments to reflect on the gains you have accomplished this year. My hope is that, no matter what, all of you are growing and developing stronger perspectives on how you want to use your education to improve our world.

If you have not done so yet, I would strongly encourage you to receive a COVID-19 vaccination. The University is making access to them super easy, and we all need to do our part to protect and strengthen our community. I was recently vaccinated as I truly hope to be back on campus along with all the staff from the Division of Undergraduate Studies in the fall. Our hope is to be able to meet many of you in person and to continue building positive relationships that will help you make the most of your educational journey at Penn State.

Please know that academic advisers in the Division of Undergraduate Studies are available over the summer to help you discuss your educational goals and consider what options are best for you.  I also sincerely hope that you can find time this summer to recharge and to reconnect with friends, family, and your community. Relationships are so important, and this is truly a moment in time where we need to work together to build strong, interconnected communities.

Best Wishes,

David

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David R. Smith
Associate Dean for Advising and
  Executive Director
The Division of Undergraduate Studies

Is Alternative Grading Right For You?

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 12. Alternative grades must be chosen and submitted by 11:59 p.m. (ET) on May 21. 

Read more about optional alternative grading for the spring 2021 semester on Penn State News and at remotelearning.psu.edu.

Important Dates: 
  • May 3–7
    - Final Exams
  • May 7 (Fri)
    - Update Academics Shut Down (5:00 p.m.)
  • May 10 (Mon)
    - New Bulletin Year Updated
  • May 12 (Wed)
    - Students Begin Selection of Alternative Grades
  • May 21 (Fri)
    - Students End Selection of Alternative Grades (11:59 p.m.)
  • May 25 (Tues) 
    - Update Academics Turned On
Resource Spotlight: 

DUS Website

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! 

Events and Announcements: 

Alternative Grading Information Workshop

All Campuses

Everything You Need to Know About the NEW Alternative Grading Policy

Have questions about the alternative grading policy for spring 2021? This workshop will help to explain how you can make decisions about opting into alternative grades and how it can affect entrance-to-major requirements, graduation, and other considerations.

 

Scholarship Opportunity

All Campuses

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 5:00 p.m. (ET) Monday, May 3, 2021. The application requires several essays.

New Bulletin Year Updating Soon

All Campuses

The Undergraduate Bulletin updates to the 2021–22 version beginning the week of May 10. 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. 

Quick Question Advising

University Park

Have a question that can be resolved in a short 5–10 minute conversation? Join us for quick question advising via Zoom on the dates and times below. Some of these topics include: discussing adding/dropping courses within deadlines; getting a form signed; using LionPATH; reviewing entrance-to-major requirements; learning about general education information not related to schedule planning; and transferring credits. Quick question advising is not intended for in-depth conversations.

For students enrolled in DUS:

  • Click here for quick question advising via Zoom - Please note that a DUS adviser is only available during the times listed below. All times are Eastern Time. 
    Monday 1:00–3:00 p.m.
    Tuesday 9:00–11:00 a.m.
    Wednesday 9:00–11:00 a.m.
    Thursday 1:00–3:00 p.m.
    Friday No Quick Question Advising

For students not enrolled in DUS: