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For DUS Students
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Check For DUS Students: Important Academic Resources for more information.
- Who is my DUS adviser?
You can find out who your assigned DUS adviser is by logging in to eLion and then clicking on the Adviser Information link.
- How can I make an appointment with my adviser?
- Use our Appointment Scheduling Program (available 24/7), or
- call the DUS receptionist at 814-865-7576 (weekdays 8:00-5:00), or
- stop by the DUS reception desk in the lobby of Grange Building (weekdays 8:00-5:00).
Plan ahead! In many cases, your adviser's schedule may be full weeks in advance.
If you have to cancel or reschedule your appointment, please call the receptionist (814-865-7576) in advance.
- What should I do to prepare for my appointment?
Bring a list of topics and questions you want to discuss to your appointment. If you plan to discuss your schedule for an upcoming semester, bring degree audits for the majors you're considering. You can get a degree audit for any major from eLion.
First-year students: bring your completed DUS Navigator materials with you.
- Where do I go for my appointment?
Check in with the DUS receptionist in the lobby of Grange Building. Please arrive a few minutes early for your appointment.
- How else can I meet with an adviser?
DUS advisers usually see students by appointment only, but walk-in advising is available without an appointment on a first-come, first-served basis during the first ten days of the semester (no scheduled appointments are available during this time; students are seen on a walk-in basis only).
- What if I just have a quick question?
You have two options:
- contact your assigned adviser by e-mail (see below);
- speak to a “Quick Question” adviser.
A “Quick Question” adviser is on duty most weekdays from 8:15 to 11:30 a.m. and 1:15 to 4:30 p.m. for quick questions only. Come to the lobby of Grange Building and tell the receptionist you'd like to speak with the Quick Question adviser. Students are seen on a first-come, first-served basis. If your question would require more than just a brief discussion, you'll be asked to make an appointment with your adviser.
- When is it OK to e-mail my adviser with a question?
First, try to find the answer through resources such as Advising @ PSU. If you can't find the answer there and you think your question can be answered quickly and easily, then it's OK to e-mail your adviser. (Please use your Penn State e-mail account.)
It's not a good idea to e-mail your adviser with questions that require long answers or that should be discussed in a face-to-face appointment.
Here are some examples of appropriate and inappropriate topics for e-mail:
Some appropriate topics/questions
- Can you tell me what office I would go to for ... ?
- Can I drop off a recommendation form for you to sign?
- What Web sites do you recommend for ... ?
- I've decide to major in xyz. Should I make an appointment to discuss it with you?
- I'm sorry I can't make it to my appointment tomorrow. I'll reschedule it soon.
- I forgot who you referred me to in our meeting. Can you remind me?
Some inappropriate topics/questions
- What should I take next semester?
- Should I late drop my Math 140 class?
- Can I meet with you tomorrow between 3:30 and 4:00? Call me.
- I have no idea what I want to major in. Help!
- I'm thinking about withdrawing. Where do I get a form?
- I need to change my schedule. Please get back to me right away!
- How will I know if I'm making satisfactory progress?
Before classes begin each semester, your DUS adviser will review your:
- educational interests, goals, and plans;
- maximum time of enrollment in DUS;
- grades (semester GPA, cumulative GPA, and grades in critical courses);
- course schedule for the upcoming semester.
Your adviser will then fill out and e-mail an Academic Review progress report to you, giving you his/her recommendations for the upcoming semester.
- How will DUS be in touch with me?
During the fall and spring semesters, DUS NEWS is e-mailed weekly to all DUS students. This e-newsletter will include a calendar of academic events for the upcoming week as well as information about deadlines, registration tips, and other important academic information. Be sure to check your e-mail every Friday for DUS NEWS.
In addition to DUS NEWS and the Academic Review, other e-mail messages and letters concerning important information will be sent to DUS students as needed.
- How long can I stay in DUS?
You can stay in DUS for your first year and two additional semesters. (Summer sessions don't count toward this limit.) Your “max time” semester will be listed on the Academic Review sent to you each semester.
- How do I leave DUS and get into a college or major?
As soon as you're fairly sure about your college (or major) and you meet the requirements, you should change to that college/major. Contact the appropriate advising center to discuss your plans, verify that you've met the requirements, and request an appointment to make the change.
Note: Most DUS students can't apply for a major in the Smeal College until the spring semester of their sophomore year.
Other FAQ
The following frequently asked questions for all students can be found on the Advising @ PSU Web site.
Privacy and Legal Statements | Copyright | © The Pennsylvania State University. All rights reserved. Last revised January 9, 2008.
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