Faculty and Division of Undergraduate Studies (DUS) advisers share the advising of students at Penn State Altoona. The advisers serve to provide information regarding academic policies and procedures, assist in developing short-term/long-term academic planning, and refer students to campus resources.
DUS advises students who are undecided on a major or are in transition from one major to another. Faculty advise students in a pre-major or major program.
It is recommended that students meet with their assigned adviser two or three times a semester to develop a relationship and explore academic and career goals.
Students are assigned to advisers and are re-assigned when a major is changed. Your adviser's name and contact information are available in LionPATH and Starfish.
| Faculty Advisers | DUS Advisers |
|---|---|
| Pre-major students | Students undecided on major |
| Students in a major | Students in transition between majors |
Working Together
The following table explains the adviser’s role and the student’s role:
| Adviser's Role | Student's Role |
|---|---|
| Discuss academic and career goals | Schedule advising meetings |
| Interpret policies and procedures | Use the Undergraduate Bulletin |
| Refer to campus resources | Learn requirements for your major or explore majors |
| Monitor progress toward graduation | Read Penn State email |
Students are responsible for course scheduling, program planning, and the successful completion of all graduation requirements.
Sophomore student Kalle Cooper discusses her experiences at Penn State Altoona and in the Division of Undergraduate Studies and how she explored majors.