DUS News - November 2, 2020

News: 
Diversity Makes Us Smarter and Able to Work Harder

According to the PEW Research Center, Americans are more racially and ethnically diverse than in the past and women’s role in the labor force and leadership positions has grown tremendously. Moreover, Penn State has made a commitment to making Penn State a place that embraces human diversity. How do you benefit from this diversity? Professor Katherine Phillips at Columbia Business School argues that diversity makes us smarter and able to work harder. She also explains how diversity improves creativity and leads to better results. See this article highlighting Phillip’s findings. Even better—engage with others who are unlike you by attending events, connecting with organizations, or joining conversations about diversity.

Are You a Lizard or a Learner?

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.

Alternative Grading Reinstated for Fall 2020

The University Faculty Senate has reinstated alternative grading for Fall 2020. Specific details on this option will be available in advance of the Late Drop Deadline (11/13). Please plan to talk with your academic adviser to ensure you have a good understanding of the pros and cons of using alternative grading. Additionally, students who have received an academic sanction as the result of a violation of academic integrity will not be allowed to select alternative grading for that course.       

Late Drop Deadline Is November 13

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.

Important Dates: 
Resource Spotlight: 
Diversity Events Calendar

Wondering where you can find a comprehensive list of Diversity and Inclusion events going on at Penn State?

Check out the calendar of events on the Office of Educational Equity website!

Events and Announcements: 
First-Generation College Celebration
University Park

Are you a first-generation college student? Join fellow students at Penn State and around the country during a week-long celebration. 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.

Explore the College of Engineering
University Park

Interested in a major in the College of Engineering? There are several ways for you to learn about majors in the college. You can attend a virtual major night, in which you can view a presentation by faculty and current students and learn about the major, typical coursework, and potential career paths. Note that the linked website states that attendance is required. This is only a requirement if you are enrolled in EDSGN 100. These events are open to all students considering an engineering major, not just students enrolled in EDSGN 100. We chose to link to this site to show all available sessions. You can attend one or all sessions. The choice is yours!

Don't have time to visit the virtual major nights? Check out the series of 5-minute videos highlighting each major with current faculty, students, and alum who are working in their respective industries. These are a great resource for students when looking at the difference between majors. 

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; 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:

Study Smarter Workshop
All Campuses

How can you better monitor your learning so that you don't waste time and effort on ineffective study strategies? This workshop presents research-based evidence that metacognition (awareness of how you learn and the predictable effects of the related choices you make) can help you successfully transition to the demands of college-level courses as well as the flexibility of setting your own schedule. All sessions will be held online via Zoom, and all times listed are Eastern Time (ET).

Upcoming Study Smarter Sessions: 

Explore Majors in EMS
All Campuses

Are you considering a major in the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences (EMS)? Join their virtual college information night on Tuesday, November 10 at 6:00 p.m., and learn from current students about majors, minors, global experiences, internships, research, and more!  

Join via Zoom: https://psu.zoom.us/s/94019455831

School of Hospitality Management Info Session
University Park

Interested in learning about the School of Hospitality Management? Come to the virtual info session on Monday, November 9 at 5:30 p.m. The School of Hospitality Management is not just about hotels and restaurants. The hospitality world has so much more to offer. During this virtual information session, presenters will provide information about the Hospitality Management curriculum, answer your questions about the major, and explain the many exciting opportunities afforded to students who choose Hospitality Management 

Please register in advance for this info session.

Be a Parents Program Family Ambassador
University Park

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 2021 Parents Program Family Ambassador team are open through November 11. Spread the word! The application and more information about the Family Ambassador team can be found on the Parents Program Family Ambassador Program website.