As you begin your journey as part of the University Park community, I would like to share a few pointers from the perspective of the advising staff who are here to guide you academically for the remainder of your degree program. You will learn that the advising staff in the College of the Liberal Arts are dedicated and spirited folks who truly enjoy working with students. They really are happier now that you are here!
So, before you take their advice — who are these advisers? According to the University Undergraduate Advising Handbook, advisers support students in:
- Setting goals
- Following their intellectual curiosity
- Participating fully in curricular and co-curricular experiences at the university and in the community
- Making decisions for themselves
Find the adviser for your major here.
Advisers say . . .
- Visit your adviser as soon as you get to campus or whenever you have a question. You can visit advisers during walk-in hours January 7-16 and through walk-ins or appointments the rest of the semester. Advisers also answer questions over the phone and through email. Watch an informative video about how to schedule an appointment with your adviser. It’s available in the Liberal Arts Undergraduate Advising Video Library. Advising also now has a Twitter feed. Follow @AdvisingLAatPSU.
- Jump in! Because you are arriving at UP with college credits, you are closer to graduation than typical “new” students. You don’t have as much time to acclimate and to get involved in cool stuff that will help you to achieve the future you are envisioning (such as internships, study abroad, double majors, graduating with Honors, etc.). Start asking questions and meeting people right away. Your adviser can direct you to helpful resources (like the ones listed below), which is a good reason to meet your adviser right away.
- Introduce yourself to your professors. UP is a big place with a lot of people. Your professors will not know you well unless you make a (positive) impact. It’s intimidating, but building relationships with your professors will be crucial when you need letters of recommendation, opportunities to participate in research, or advice about your field. Visit office hours, ask questions about the material from your classes (not JUST when you have a test), and participate in class when you have the opportunity.
- Learn outside of class. Participation in clubs, honor societies, Greek life, part-time jobs, etc. will all help you to develop knowledge and skills that will be appealing to graduate or professional schools and employers. Find something you like and show up! Don’t just be a member. Volunteer for committees, train new staff, run for office.
- Be bold. Yes, many of the other students in your classes have been at UP for a semester or for years already. Yes, some clubs might already have all of their leadership positions filled. Yes, many students will already have a group of friends and aren’t necessarily looking for any more. All of these concerns have a kernel of truth, but you can eliminate their effect by trying something else if your first attempt isn’t successful, by participating in any way you can, by meeting your faculty, by having the guts to walk up to someone in class and ask to study together, by utilizing support offices on campus to get integrated, and by just going for it! Be persistent. Be open to possibilities. Be bold.
Jamie Brenner is the Coordinator of Academic Advising for the College of the Liberal Arts. She can be reached at jsm36@psu.edu or 814-863-2112. Follow her on Twitter @JamieBrennerPSU.