DUS News - September 19, 2022

News: 

Why Go to Office Hours and How to Do It

Now is a great time to start meeting with your instructors during their office hours if you haven't been before.

What are office hours for? Office hours are times that your instructors have specifically set aside for you to support your learning. They can be really useful if you're feeling stuck or have questions beyond what you can ask in class.

What if you’re not having a problem in the class? That's an even better reason to go! Don’t be afraid to just introduce yourself, show you care, and make a connection. Getting to know your instructors now means you'll have people to ask about letters of recommendation, research, majors, jobs, and other opportunities in the future.

What if you don’t know what to say? We've got you covered—here are some ideas to get the conversation started.

What’s the etiquette? Check out tips about office hours dos and don'ts and advice for navigating the “hidden rules” of office hours. Remember, instructors are people too, and showing them you respect them and value their time is an important way to build relationships.

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 the last couple weeks. 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. (There are even more tips in the article above!)
  • 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 received a progress report? Check your Starfish dashboard or Penn State email for progress reporting messages from notices@starfishsolutions.com.  

Important Dates: 
Resource Spotlight: 

Career Services

Penn State shield

Discover and work toward a meaningful career pathway by using Penn State Career Services!

Resources include:

  • Career Counseling and Coaching
  • Resume Reviews
  • Mock Interviews
  • Workshops and Career Fairs
  • Nittany Lion Career Network and On-Campus Recruiting
  • Career Decision Making and Job Search Courses
  • Career Resource Library
  • …And more!
Events and Announcements: 

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.

How to STEMM

University Park

If you are interested in a STEMM (science, technology, engineering, math, or medical) field, How to STEMM is for you!

This event is designed to help you connect with students in STEMM who are thriving. Learn how to form community at a large institution, balance coursework and research, choose opportunities, and more. Free pizza will be served! 

Date: Wednesday, September 21, 2022
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Location: 10 Henderson Building

Space is limited, so sign up today.

Energy and Mineral Engineering (EME) Department Open House

University Park

Join faculty in the Department of Energy and Mineral Engineering (EME) for an overview of majors, a Q&A with faculty and students, and a lab tour.

EME majors include: Energy Business and Finance, Energy Engineering, Environmental Systems Engineering, Mining Engineering, and Petroleum and Natural Gas Engineering.

Date: Thursday, September 29, 2022
Time: 6:00–7:00 p.m.
Location: 26 Hosler Building

Please contact Dr. Eugene Morgan (eum19@psu.edu) with any questions.

Vote for 3 Dots Summer Music Series

3 Dots is in the running for an opportunity to bring three years of free walkable outdoor concerts to downtown State College. Vote for their proposal online or by texting STATECOLLEGE to 866-267-2023. Online/text voting closes on Wednesday, September 21. 

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 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. 

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 or in person. 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:

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. 

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.