DUS News - May 4, 2020

News: 

Best Wishes from the Associate Dean

Without a doubt this semester has presented everyone with new challenges. My sincere hope is that everyone is staying safe and healthy and is making good progress towards completing classes. Advisers in the Division of Undergraduate Studies are here to help you connect with the resources and supports that Penn State can provide. Please stay in touch with your academic advisers. They all have a very strong interest in your success—both at Penn State and beyond. For instance, whether you have questions about alternative grading options or just need to talk about your experiences during this period of remote learning, academic advisers are prepared to help you. These are challenging times, and the impact of this global public health crisis will be profound. As tragic as this is for our world, I do hope you are able to reflect some on what you are observing and experiencing to shape how you will approach your education going forward. The value of higher education is precisely its ability to find solutions to the challenges of our world. You each are in a unique position to be part of this process as you continue your education 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 to 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 support our communities.

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

Estimate Effect of Alternative Grading Choices

Want to know how the alternative grading options will effect your GPA? The LionPATH GPA Calculator provides a convenient tool for you to explore how the decisions you make in selecting alternative grading for individual courses will impact your GPA. You do not have to make your decision final until after grades are posted, but you can explore options ahead of time based on what grades you think you might earn. Decisions about using alternative grading involve more than just your GPA; academic advisers are prepared to discuss the implications with you.

Read more about optional alternative grading for the spring 2020 semester on Penn State News and at remotelearning.psu.edu.

Stay Informed About Policy Changes

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.

Important Dates: 
  • May 4-8
    - Final Exams. Good luck!
  • May 8 (Fri)
    - Update Academics Shutdown
  • May 12 (Tues)
    - Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) Requirement Begins
  • May 20 (Wed)
    - Students Begin Selection of Alternate Grades
  • May 29 (Fri)
    - Students End Selection of Alternate Grades
  • June 5 (Fri)
    - Update Academics Turned On

More events at dus.psu.edu/calendar.

Resource Spotlight: 

Undergraduate Bulletin

The Undergraduate Bulletin is your source for information about programs including suggested academic plans, filtering tools to narrow options based on interest and location, and career information. Check it out! https://bulletins.psu.edu/undergraduate/

Events and Announcements: 

Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) Requirement

All Campuses

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.

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.

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.

Scholarship Opportunity

University Park

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.

Virtual Life Hacks - CAPS

All Campuses

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.

Virtual Fitness Classes

All Campuses

Looking to stay active during this period of remote learning and time away from campus? The Fitness and Wellness staff in Campus Recreation are committed to bringing you opportunities to stay active during the campus shutdown as a result of COVID-19. They are working to build out an extensive library of videos on the Student Affairs YouTube Channel. You can also view live fitness classes through the Penn State Campus Recreation Instagram and Facebook accounts.

Learn more on the Fitness and Wellness website.

Financial Literacy Webinars

All Campuses

The Penn State Sokolov-Miller Family Financial & Life Skills Center is offering free webinars via Zoom. The webinars are held every other Tuesday from 12:00–1:00 p.m. and are open to all students at any location. Learn more about upcoming topics and webinars on their website: https://financialliteracy.psu.edu/webinar-series/.

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. 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.

A full range of virtual services listed at https://studentaffairs.psu.edu/career/virtual