DUS News - October 28, 2019

News: 

DUS students are recognized for academic engagement

DUS students who engage in their educations have multiple opportunities to be recognized. For example, DUS students in sophomore standing (at any campus) who have a cumulative grade point average above a 3.50 can apply for a DUS scholarship. (If that’s you, please apply!)

Students who have been thoughtful about their academic decisions are regularly nominated for a variety of leadership positions. At University Park, DUS students are involved in Leadership Council, Peer Mentors, Engaged Scholars, and DUS Student Stories. At campuses, check with your DUS Advising Office, Student Activities Office, or Financial Aid to find leadership and scholarship opportunities specific to your campus.

Finally, in recognition of academic excellence, all students who complete 12 or more credits in a semester with a 3.5 or higher are named to the Dean's List.

Don’t have an appointment before your enrollment date?

It’s OK, you can still schedule your classes on your enrollment date. Use the guidelines and resources on our website to help you choose your courses.

Schedule an appointment with your assigned adviser, even if that appointment is after your enrollment date. During your appointment, you and your adviser will identify any needed alterations. You have until the end of the drop/add period next semester to fine-tune your schedule.

Pre-Registration Activity Guide Tutorial

Make sure you complete your Pre-Registration Activity Guide on LionPath before your course enrollment date! You are required to complete this each semester. Until you do so, there will be a Financial Responsibility hold on your account, and you will not be able to schedule your courses.

View the LionPath tutorial for help in using this guide.

Important Dates: 

More events at dus.psu.edu/calendar.

Resource Spotlight: 

Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)

Do you want to become your best self, overcome anxiety, be able to focus on studying for finals, or discuss other topics? Stop by your campus Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS) office to learn about their FREE resources. There are many students who are seeking resources while in college, you can find out more on campus or online. 

Events and Announcements: 

DUS Scholarship Now Open or Applications

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.

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, October 28: 
- 1:15–2:15 p.m.
- 2:30–3:30 p.m.
- 4:00–5:00 p.m.

Tuesday, October 29: 
- 1:30–2:30 p.m.
- 3:30–4:30 p.m.

Wednesday, October 30: 
- 1:15–2:15 p.m.
- 2:30–3:30 p.m.

Thursday, October 31: 
- 10:30–11:30 a.m.
- 3:30–4:30 p.m.

Friday, November 1: 
- 3:30–4:30 p.m.

Stand for State Peer Educator

University Park

Stand for State is looking for students who want to help create a safer and more inclusive campus community for all. Stand for State knows students are the most powerful vehicles for change and is looking for peer educators to join our team. Being a peer educator is a volunteer position. Peer educators will be trained to provide 60-90 minute programs to student groups and classes about how to step in when it counts. As a peer educator you will also work as a team to create campaigns and social awareness events throughout the year and to promote and prompt culture change at Penn State.

Application Deadline: November 1.
Apply online today!

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

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.

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.

Engineering Major Nights

University Park

Learn about engineering majors at University Park during information sessions throughout the semester. Go to those that interest you, hear from students and faculty, find out about what you'd study in the major and what kinds of career opportunities there are, and tour the facilities. Upcoming major nights include:

Nuclear Engineering
Tuesday, October 29, 5:00–6:00 p.m.
211 Hallowell Building

Biological Engineering
Wednesday, October 30, 5:30–6:30 p.m.
113 Ag Engineering Building

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.