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Advising Philosophy:
As a new Penn State student, there are some things you should know about the characteristics of first-year college students, the process of educational planning, and the role of academic advising.
The essential difference between high school and college is that the responsibility for educational planning rests with the student. Making their own decisions is one aspect of college that new students look forward to most. Many students are quick to say that they will need assistance in learning how to develop an effective educational plan. DUS is prepared to help students in a variety of ways with their decision-making.
Some of the most common decisions and concerns of students include:-
- How to sequence courses that best match current interests and abilities
- How to satisfy the University's graduation requirements in General Education and Cultural Diversity
- How to satisfy the graduation requirements in your college and major department
- What opportunities exist for study abroad, cooperative education, and independent study
- How to participate in research efforts
- How to change goals and direction
- How to establish a well grounded educational plan
To facilitate student development and foster effective decision-making related to academic goals, the University provides you and your advisor with a Degree Audit at the end of each semester of study, showing progress toward completion of the requirements of your chosen major.
