DUS News - November 4, 2019

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.

Late Drop Deadline is November 15

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: 

More events at dus.psu.edu/calendar.

Resource Spotlight: 
All In Calendar

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

Check out the All In Calendar!

Get even more from the All In Website!

Events and Announcements: 
DUS Scholarship Deadline is Friday!
All Campuses

The DUS Scholarship recognizes and awards $1,000 to outstanding DUS sophomores who have engaged meaningfully in exploring their academic options. If you are a DUS sophomore (at any campus) with a GPA of 3.50 or above, we encourage you to apply. Visit the DUS Scholarships page on our website for application information.

Application deadline is this Friday, November 8.

Exercise Your Right to Vote
All Campuses

Election day is coming on Tuesday, November 5. Exercising your right to vote is a fundamental privilege and responsibility as a citizen. We encourage you to get out and vote and take part in the process of electing our public officials. Polls are open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on election day. Polling locations may be busy, so please plan accordingly so that you can vote but still attend to your academic obligations.

If you are not sure of your voter registration status, polling location or district, you can look it up at votespa.com.

Peer Advising Office Hours
University Park

Have a LionPATH question or need help getting started with spring semester planning? Drop in to Grange Building and speak with a DUS Leadership Council student during their office hours between now and November 15. DUS Leadership Council office hours serve students on a first-come, first-served basis and are intended for 10-15 minute quick questions on any of the following topics:

For an academic progress check, entrance-to-major evaluation, and/or long-term degree planning, make an appointment with your assigned DUS adviser. For urgent and sensitive issues, including late dropping coursework, meet with the first available DUS adviser during Quick Question Advising.

Peer Advising availability this week in Grange Lobby. Please sign in at the clipboard at the front desk.

Monday, November 4: 
- 1:15–5:00 p.m.

Tuesday, November 5: 
- 1:30–2:30 p.m.
- 3:30–4:30 p.m.

Wednesday, November 6: 
- 2:30–3:30 p.m.
- 4:00–5:00 p.m.

Thursday, November 7: 
- 10:30–11:30 a.m.
- 1:30–2:30 p.m.
- 3:30–4:30 p.m.

Friday, November 8: 
- 1:15–2:15 p.m.

Study Smarter, Not Harder
University Park

Would you like to learn how to study more effectively in less time? Study Smarter, Not Harder is an interactive workshop that 99% of students who previously attended would recommend to a friend. Study Smarter, Not Harder will be held Thursday, November 7, at 6:00 p.m. in 254 Health and Human Development Building.

You’ll learn:

  • how to create good learning habits
  • effective strategies for processing information
  • how to break down course material into manageable concepts
  • the most important factors in successful learning.
Group Advising Sessions
University Park

DUS will be holding Group Advising Sessions throughout the fall semester as a way to discuss popular advising topics with groups of students. These sessions are open to all DUS students and will help you to learn more about the topic and to ask questions in a friendly, open environment. For more information on each session, including dates and times, visit the DUS Group Advising page on our website. All sessions are held in the Grange Building Lobby, unless otherwise listed on the website. Some sessions have multiple dates and locations available.

Sessions include:

  • Exploration Workshop 
  • Interested in Smeal? 
  • Standing Out: Choosing Minors & Involvement Opportunities
  • Improve Your Study Skills
  • What Gen Eds Do I Need?
  • Afraid of Choosing the Wrong Major? 
  • Major and Career Planning
  • Scheduling Tools
  • DUS Students and Study Abroad
Undergraduate Research Workshops
All Campuses

Undergraduate students at Penn State interested in learning more about undergraduate research and creative inquiry and how can they get involved can attend workshops scheduled throughout the fall 2019 semester. Students don’t need to have any previous experience with research, and there are no prerequisites for attending. Undergraduates from all academic disciplines are encouraged to attend. Many of the workshops will have Zoom available for remote attendees.

Upcoming workshop:

  • Thursday, November 7, 5:30 p.m.: Info Session – Exploring Undergraduate Research Options at Penn State.

Visit the University Fellowships Office's website for a full list of workshops.

Family Ambassador Program
University Park

Want to volunteer, gain teamwork skills, and build your resume? The Parents Program is seeking passionate student leaders for its Family Ambassador Program. Family Ambassadors serve as liaisons between the Parents Program office and Penn State parents and families, assist in routine office tasks, and are crucial in the execution of Parents & Families Weekend, Fall Arrival, and other events. They are searching for diverse and enthusiastic student leaders with a passion for Penn State. Visit the Family Ambassador Program website for info.

Join the New Student Orientation OTeam
University Park

Interested in helping the Class of 2024 to join Penn State? Join the Orientation Team! We are seeking diverse, dedicated, enthusiastic, resourceful, and motivated students to join our 2020 Orientation Team (OTeam).  New Student Orientation (NSO) begins the transition to Penn State and the OTeam makes the difference for new students and their families. Members of the OTeam will serve as group facilitators, resource persons, role models, and ambassadors for Penn State during NSO. You can learn more about the Orientation Team by visiting oteam.psu.edu.