The Division of Undergraduate Studies launched a redesigned website recently to help students explore majors and minors, relate their goals and interests to areas of study, and better understand the value and purpose of a college education.
At http://dus.psu.edu, students can readily take advantage of tools, resources and advising assistance to find majors that fit them well and help them make informed decisions about other academic opportunities, such as minors, certificates and concurrent majors. The site additionally highlights ways for students to engage in a comprehensive college experience that can include research, study abroad, internships, leadership roles and service-learning programs.
“The primary goals of the redesign project were to organize and present advising information from the student’s perspective,” said David Smith, associate dean for advising and executive director of the Division of Undergraduate Studies, “and to provide this content in a mobile-friendly, easy-to-navigate environment.”
Key features of the site include MajorQuest and MinorQuest, plus information about exploring and planning a college education, steps to make and prepare for academic advising appointments and ways to stay connected to the University.
“The new site supports our students as well as advisers as they work together to relate students’ strengths and interests to majors and also help them understand the larger institutional picture,” said Smith. “With guidance from their advisers, students learn about the complexities of the University structure and how to navigate important academic policies and procedures.”
Across Penn State, more than 8,700 students are enrolled in DUS and work with assigned advisers while exploring their options and at the same time learn how to plan and manage fulfilling educational experiences.
The Division of Undergraduate Studies, a unit within the Office of Undergraduate Education, is Penn State’s largest unit of enrollment for first-year students, leads the development of advising policies and practices, manages the University-wide academic information network, and provides general academic advising for current and prospective Penn State students.