DUS News - September 12, 2022

News: 
Study Tips

Have you found that studying for class in college has been different than in high school? Do you want to end the fall 2022 semester with your highest possible GPA? Try going to the DUSuccess Study Skills and Time Management webpage. There, you'll find videos, upcoming events, and other resources that can help!

Do You Have Three Finals in a Row?

If you have three final exams on one day or three exams in consecutive periods you can file an Overload Conflict Exam Request Form if you are at University Park, Harrisburg, or Behrend campus. If you are at another campus, please contact your campus registrar. The University Registrar explains the final exam conflict procedure.

Don’t know when your exams are? Look for “Final Exam Schedule” on your LionPATH dashboard.

I Got a “Flag” in a Class—What Does That Mean?

Your instructors care about your success. If they’re concerned by something you’re doing or not doing in their class—your performance on assignments, attendance, participation—they can “raise a flag” in Starfish to share their concern with you and/or your adviser. Your instructors have been invited to raise flags and send “kudos” (positive feedback) to students in their classes this week. This gives you a chance to see how you’re doing and make any needed changes early in the semester.

What Can I Do About It?

Try these strategies to take charge of your success:

  • Talk with you instructor about their concern during their office hours. Be sure to review the syllabus before the meeting and reflect on the reason(s) for their concern. While it’s normal to feel nervous about attending office hours for the first time, there are plenty of tips to help with crafting the perfect email and office hours etiquette.
  • Attend a Study Smarter session to learn the most effective study techniques.
  • Use free tutoring services on campus.  
  • Schedule an appointment with your DUS adviser to discuss your progress, learn about additional resources, and create a plan for your success. We care about your success and want to help you thrive.

Following up on flags can help you to achieve your full potential! Don’t know if you’ve received a progress report yet? Check your Starfish dashboard or Penn State email for progress reporting messages from notices@starfishsolutions.com.  

Resource Spotlight: 
What-If Reports

Interested in learning how your academic progress counts toward a certain major, minor, or certificate? Learn how to run a What-If Report through LionPATH!

Events and Announcements: 
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 visit https://dus.psu.edu/group-advising. All sessions are held in the Grange Building Lobby, unless otherwise listed on the website.

Fall 2022 Sessions

All sessions are at 4:00 p.m. ET and held in the Grange Building Lobby.

September 13: How to Start the Semester Off on the Right Foot

Please register in advance for the September 13 session.


September 28: Undergraduate Research 101

Please register in advance for the September 28 session


October 4: Interested in Smeal? 

Please register in advance for the October 4 session. 


November 1: Explore and Find the Right Major for You

Please register in advance for the November 1 session. 

RPTM Welcome Week Kick-Off
University Park

DUS students are invited to join Recreation, Park, and Tourism Management (RPTM) for their Welcome Week Kick-Off from September 12–16. During Welcome Week, students will have the opportunity to...

  • Meet, play, and hang out with RPTM students
  • Meet RPTM faculty, staff, teaching assistants, and graduate students
  • Learn about RPTM research, majors, minors, and certificates
  • Start the semester off with some fun!

Find out more about the planned events on the RPTM Welcome Week webpage.

BUILD Night: Make Your Own Neon Sign!
University Park

Come join the Maker Ambassadors for the next BUILD Night on September 20, from 6–8 p.m. at the Learning Factory. This month's project is making LED neon lighted signs!

BUILD Nights are a great opportunity to build your confidence designing and making and are open to everyone (both STEM and non-STEM) to experience Learning Factory in a low-stress environment with lots of help from student Maker Ambassadors.

Be sure to RSVP, and contact Morgan Schnars at mys5441@psu.edu with any questions.

Mobile Food Ordering
University Park

Looking to get food on campus but don't want to venture out and wait in line? Penn State Eats, the online food and drink app is now available through the Penn State Go app. Skip the line and order all your favorites. 

It's easy, here's how:

  1. Open the Penn State Go app
  2. Choose Dining
  3. Order through Penn State Eats

No lines or waiting, fast, easy, and contact-less. Enjoy! For more information and available locations, visit the Penn State Food Services website

DUS Advising for Fall Semester
University Park

There are three ways you can talk with a DUS adviser at University Park (Note: DUS students at other campuses or at other colleges at University Park should check how advising services are being offered where you are):

  • 20–30 minute scheduled appointment with your assigned adviser over Zoom or in person.
  • Quick Question Advising with any DUS adviser over Zoom. No appointment is needed. Quick Question Advising will be held Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 1:00–3:00 p.m. and Tuesdays from 9:00–11:00 a.m. You can find the link to the Zoom room on the DUS appointments webpage.
  • Email your assigned adviser.
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 in person or 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.
  • Come to the Grange Building lobby or 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 1:00–3:00 p.m.
    Thursday 1:00–3:00 p.m.
    Friday No Quick Question Advising.

For students not enrolled in DUS:

Follow Us on Instagram
All Campuses

The Division of Undergraduate Studies is on Instagram! Follow us @PennState_DUS to see student/alumni stories, academic tips, events, announcements, and more. Share your own DUS story with us using #PennStateDUS for the chance to be featured.