Now is the time to start meeting with your instructors during their office hours. What if you don’t know what to say? Here are some ideas. What if you’re not having a problem in the class? Even better reason to go! Don’t be afraid to just introduce yourself, show you care, and make a connection. What’s the etiquette? Here are some tips, and here’s some advice for navigating the “hidden rules” of office hours. Remember, instructors are people too, and their office hours are times specifically set aside for YOU to support your learning.
News:
Why Go to Office Hours and How to Do It
How Do I Know When to Schedule?
September is a great time to ask yourself that question. Most DUS students will schedule in late October to early November with the exception of priority (early) registration for some (veterans, athletes, Schreyer Scholars, and students with disabilities).
How to determine your registration date:
1) Typically, students with more credits register first; registration dates are determined by adding your total credits earned to the credits on your current schedule.
2) There are two ways to look up your date to register: Registration Timetable and in LionPATH, where you can look at your Student Center for "Enrollment Dates."
3) You can begin enrolling in classes at 12:00 a.m. ET on your day to schedule.
Important Dates:
- September 28 (Tues)
- Peace Corps Prep Program Info Session - October 8–10
- Parents & Families Weekend
Resource Spotlight:
DUSuccess
Do you need help with…
- Motivation
- Direction and Goals
- Adjustment to College
- Personal Issues
- Study Skills & Time Management
- Technology
- Particular Subjects
- Finances for College
Check out DUSuccess!
Events and Announcements:
DUS Scholarship Now Open for Applications
All Campuses
The DUS Scholarship recognizes and awards $1,000 to outstanding DUS second-year students who have engaged meaningfully in exploring their academic options. If you are a second-year student enrolled in DUS (at any campus) with a GPA of 3.50 or above, we encourage you to apply. For complete details and how to apply, visit the DUS Scholarships page on the DUS 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 great resources for students when looking at the differences 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; 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.
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.
| Mondays | 1:00–3:00 p.m. |
|---|---|
| Tuesdays | 9:00–11:00 a.m. |
| Wednesdays | 9:00–11:00 a.m. |
| Thursdays | 1:00–3:00 p.m. |
| Fridays | No Quick Question Advising |
For students not enrolled in DUS:
- Use our online form to submit a question. Use your Penn State email.
Free Professional Headshots
University Park
Want a professional photo of yourself for your social media pages, LinkedIn account, or just to show your parents? Stop by the Bank of America Career Services Building any Tuesday and Friday during the fall semester for a free professional headshot!
Tuesdays: 3:30–4:30 p.m. ET
Fridays: 2:00–3:00 p.m. ET
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 https://dus.psu.edu/group-advising. All sessions are held in the Grange Building Lobby, unless otherwise listed on the website. Some sessions have multiple dates and locations available.
Fall 2021 Sessions
All sessions are at 4:00 p.m. ET and held in the Grange Building Lobby. (Note: masks will be required, regardless of vaccination status).
October 21: Interested in Smeal?
Please register in advance for the October 21 session.
October 28: Explore and Find the Right Major for You
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:
- Go to the Penn State Go app
- Go to Dining
- Go to Penn State Eats and order
No lines or waiting, fast, easy, and contactless. 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.