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.
Are You a Lizard or a Learner?
Late Drop Deadline Is November 12
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.
- November 1 (Mon)
- Fall Education Career Fair - November 2 (Tues)
- Election Day - November 3 (Wed)
- Education Abroad 101 Info Session - November 7 (Sun) at 2:00 a.m.
- Daylight Savings Time Ends (Turn clocks back 1 hour!) - November 8–10
- First-Generation Celebration - November 8 (Mon)
- IST Scheduling Workshop - November 9 (Tues)
- Peace Corps Prep Program Info Session - November 12 (Fri)
- Late Drop Deadline
Lion's Pantry
The Lion’s Pantry was created to address the issue of food insecurity at Penn State University and is available to students with a valid Penn State ID. Similar programs may be available at other campus locations.
Feeding Pennsylvania has a search tool for food banks in other parts of the Commonwealth.
Be a Parents Program Family Ambassador
Are you a student looking for a way to stay engaged with the campus community while supporting the Penn State family connection? Applications for the 2022 Parents Program Family Ambassador team are open through November 12. Spread the word! The application and more information about the Family Ambassador team can be found on the Parents Program Family Ambassador Program website.
Quick Question Advising
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:
- Email your assigned adviser. Use your Penn State email.
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.
QQA times for November 1–12
| Monday - Friday | 9:00–11:00 a.m. & 1:00–3:00 p.m. |
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For students not enrolled in DUS:
- Use our online form to submit a question. Use your Penn State email.
Academic Peer Mentoring Program (APMP)
Are you passionate about helping others? Do you want to gain valuable workplace skills? Apply to be an academic peer mentor. Mentors will learn tactics to:
- Help mentees with time management, study-skill development, and more
- Learn and implement active listening and motivational interviewing skills
- Discover how to build a successful mentoring relationship and make referrals
Interested? Get started in four easy steps:
- Complete the APMP application online by December 3. (If you’re interested in APMP, save Mondays and Wednesdays, 2:30 p.m. – 3:45 p.m. on your spring 2022 class.)
- Earn a B or higher in a one-credit preparatory course.
- Attend a mentorship interview.
- Begin mentoring students.
For questions about the program or the class, contact spc83@psu.edu.
First-Generation College Celebration
Are you a first-generation college student? Join fellow students at Penn State and around the country during a week-long celebration from November 8–10. Read, listen, and share stories of first-generation students at Penn State; join in on a national event celebrating first-generation students; or attend a virtual event specific to Penn State's first-generation students.
For a list of all events and more information, visit the First-Gen Advocates website.
Free Professional Headshots
Want a professional photo of yourself for your social media pages, LinkedIn account, or just to show your parents? Stop by the Bank of America Career Services Building any Tuesday or Friday during the fall semester for a free professional headshot!
Tuesdays: 3:30–4:30 p.m. ET
Fridays: 2:00–3:00 p.m. ET