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Campus Resources
Many times, you may have a quick question but simply don't know where to look for the answer. Below are the ten of the most commonly asked questions we hear
In the answers, we've included information on the top ten offices on campus where we make referrals.
- 1. I'm not a DUS student; where is my adviser located and how can I meet with him/her?
- A.Check the Online Directory for a faculty adviser's office location, email, and phone number.
- B. Contact your faculty adviser to set up an appointment or to find out when his/her office hours are. If you need him/her to sign forms for you, make sure you bring these forms with you to your appointment.
- C. If you're unhappy with your current adviser, ask for a new one! You can do this by going to your appropriate School Office: Humanities & Social Sciences, Business, Engineering, or Science.
- 2. I know what I want to major in. Where do I go to talk about getting hands-on, real life experiences to boost my resume?
- A.The Career Development Center! It just happens that DUS (Academic Advising) and the Career Development Center (CDC) are located in the same office. DUS Advisers can help you choose a major and a career path and then CDC counselors can help you with internships, resumes, job searches, and much more. Simply call their office at 898-6164 or stop by Reed 1 anytime to make an appointment.
- 3. How do I know if I'm considered a full time student?
- A. During the Fall and Spring semesters, you must be registered for AT LEAST 12 credits and in the Summer, you must be registered for at least 6 credits to be considered full time and to qualify for Financial Aid.
- B. If you are already registered as a full time student and are considering dropping a course, do not do this without first consulting with an advisor. Dropping below full time could impact your Financial Aid, you on campus Housing, and you Health Insurance.
- 4. I can't seem to add any courses or change my schedule? What is going on?
- A. Check with the Bursar's Office to make sure your bill has been paid. This is the number one reason Holds are put on accounts.
- B. You may have a Hold for a number of other reasons. Your current semester schedule on eLion will tell you what department has placed the Hold and who you need to call to take care of it.
- 5. Who do I talk to about Study Abroad?
- A. Ruth Pflueger in the Learning Resource Center is responsible for Study Abroad. You can call her office to set up an appointment.
- B. Some things to keep in mind: most students must be at least sophomores
- before they can Study Abroad, deadlines for programs can be up to a year before the program begins, many programs have a minimum GPA requirement of at least a 2.5, and you should do some background research before meeting with Ruth. Check out the International Programs Web site for a ton of information about Study Abroad at Penn State.
- 6. I'm having trouble in a class. What can I do?
- A. Talk to your professor! He or she will often have suggestions for how to improve your grade and will know best about how you're truly doing in the course. Visit the Online Directory to get contact information for any professor.
- B. Get extra help. Tutoring services at Behrend are 100% FREE! Simply call the Learning Resource Center at 898-6140 or stop into their office on the second floor of the library. The earlier in the semester you do this, the better!
- 7. The stress of college is becoming too overwhelming. What can I do?
- A. We have several resources on campus to help you. First of all, Personal Counseling is a free and confidential option if you're feeling anxious, depressed, or just plain overwhelmed. You can call them at 898-6504 or stop by Reed 1 to set up an appointment.
- B. Are you physically ill? Then you should stop by the Health & Wellness Center.
- 8. How do I add money to my Meal Plan? Where can I apply for Housing next year?
- A. This may seem simple, but you'd go to Housing & Food Services' Web site! On this site, you can add money to your Meal Plan, fill out a Housing Contract for the following year, and check out Housing rates for next year.
- 9. How do I register for online courses?
- A. Online courses are offered through World Campus for all Penn State students and they can be a good idea for students to take in certain situtations. We recommend that you meet with an adviser and someone in Financial Aid before registering for online courses because there are differences between them and courses located on campus.
- 10. I think I might have ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder)? What do I do?
- A. Okay, first of all, THINKING you might have ADD or a similar disorder does not mean anything until you get it documented (this means seeing a doctor and getting tested). However, if you DO have documented disability (anything from a Visual or Hearing Impairment to Bipolar Disorder to a Learning Disability), then Disability Services can offer assistance in certain cases.
1 Reed Building
Penn State Erie, The Behrend College
4701 College Drive
Erie, PA 16563
Telephone: 814-898-6260
Fax: 814-898-6455