ACADEMIC & CAREER ADVISING

Division of Undergraduate Studies

Location: 101 Grange Building

Web: dus.psu.edu

The Division of Undergraduate Studies aids first and second-year students explore their academic interests. DUS works with students to explore and choose appropriate majors and minors, understand and navigate the university, consider and weigh on and off-campus opportunities, and more. Students in DUS work with professional advisors on and in:

DUSuccess

Web: dus.psu.edu/dusuccess/dus-success

DUSuccess includes tools and resources to help students achieve academic success. Resources include help with motivation, adjusting to college, personal issues, study skills, time management, financing college, specific tutoring and more.

Career Services

Location: Bank of America Building

Web: studentaffairs.psu.edu/career

Career Services aids students and alumni explore career goals, expand knowledge of career alternatives, understand effective decision making, and acquire appropriate strategies and skills to carry out each process. Services include:

Drop-in career counseling is a great way to get started. Monday thru Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the Bank of America Career Services Center and Tuesdays, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the HUB-Robeson Center, students can “drop-in” for a 10 to 15-minute conversation with a career counselor. This is a great way to begin a conversation with a career professional about graduate school, major/career exploration, resume/cover letter review and more.

ACADEMIC SUPPORT

Student Disability Resources

Location: 116 Boucke Building

Web: equity.psu.edu/student-disability-resources

Student Disability Resources (SDR) coordinates support services and reasonable academic accommodations for students with documented disabilities. Accommodations can include extended time on exams, note-taking assistance, alternative textbooks and more.

Students interested in applying for services should:

  1. schedule an appointment with the Student Disability Resources
  2. provide documentation of their disability and recommended accommodations

Penn State Learning (MATH, STAT, CHEM, PHYS, ECON, SPAN, CHNS, FR, JAPNS, IT, ENGL, CAS)

Location: 220 Boucke Building

Web: pennstatelearning.psu.edu

Penn State Learning provides academic support services in the form of individual and group tutoring. Tutoring services are available for:

    • STAT 200; STAT 250
    • MATH 22, MATH 34, MATH 110, MATH 140/B, MATH 141/B, MATH 200, MATH 201
    • CHEM 110, CHEM 112, CHEM 210, PHYS 211, PHYS 212, PHYS 250, PHYS 251
    • ECON 102, ECON 104
    • writing and public speaking
    • Spanish, Chinese, French, Japanese, and Italian

Tutoring for IST courses (IST, SRA, DS)

Web: learning.ist.psu.edu/tutoring-sessions

The College of Information Sciences and Technology offers free tutoring for advanced statistics and first and second-year courses.  Tutoring is available for:

  • IST 140, IST 220, IST 242
  • SRA 221, SRA 268
  • DS 200

Economics Help (ECON)

The Penn State Economics Association organizes student-run study groups for ECON 306, 302 and 304.  Students interested in joining a study group should email comm.psuea@psu.edu.  Students should include their name, PSU email address, and the course number (i.e.e ECON 306) they’re interested in joining a study group for.

Academic Excellence Center (MATH, CHEM, PHYS, EMCH, CMPSC)

Location: 323 Sackett

Web: inclusion.engr.psu.edu/student-programs/student-success-programs/academic-excellence-center.aspx

The Academic Excellence Center in the College of Engineering provides a number of great free resources including study space, computers and tutoring. Tutoring is available in:

  • MATH 140, MATH 141, MATH 220, MATH 230, MATH 231, MATH 250, MATH 251
  • CHEM 101, CHEM 110, CHEM 111, CHEM 112, CHEM 210, CHEM 212
  • PHYS 211, PHYS 212, PHYS 213, PHYS 214
  • EMCH 210, EMCH 211, EMCH 212, EMCH 213, EMCH 315, EMCH 316
  • select CMPSC courses

The Chemistry Resource Room (CHEM)

Location: 205 Whitmore

Web: science.psu.edu/chem/undergrad/learningresources

The Chemistry Resource Room is dedicated to helping students in General and Organic Chemistry courses. Teaching Assistants (TAs) and Learning Assistants (LAs) are available Monday through Friday to help students with their chemistry questions– for free! Check the schedule for a full list of availability.

Ryan Family Student Center (MATH, PHYS, CHEM)

Location:14 Deike Building (Ryan Family Student Center)

Web: ems.psu.edu/undergraduate/tutoring

The Ryan Family Student Center in the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences offers free tutoring for Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry courses. Tutoring is offered Monday through Thursday evenings, 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.  Visit the Ryan Family Student Center for the full schedule.

Accounting (ACCTG)

Smeal provides a list of undergraduate students who are interested and available to provide tutoring services for a fee. Find the full list here.

DUSuccess

Web: dus.psu.edu/dusuccess/dus-success

DUSuccess includes tools and resources to help students achieve academic success. Resources include help with motivation, adjusting to college, personal issues, study skills, time management, financing college, specific tutoring and more.

IDENTITY-BASED RESOURCES

Multicultural Resources Center (MRC)

Location: 410 Boucke Building

Web: equity.psu.edu/mrc

The Multicultural Resource Center (MRC) provides individual counseling and educational services for undergraduate multicultural students. MRC counselors advocate for students in a variety of ways and can help with academic, social and financial skill development. The MRC provides:

    • some tutoring (see program coordinators)
    • some clickers (see program coordinators)
    • guidance around the development of effective study skills and time management

Office of Veterans Programs

Location: 138 Ritenour Building

Web: equity.psu.edu/veterans

The Office of Veterans Programs (OVP) aids veterans with veterans’ benefits including benefits certification, mentorship, and general counseling.

Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity

Location: 101 Boucke Building

Web: studentaffairs.psu.edu/csgd

The Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity (CSGD) provides a comprehensive range of education, information, and advocacy services to students, faculty, staff, and alumni. Resources include LGBT+ organizations, gender-neutral housing, and safe on-campus spaces. This office focuses on support.

Gender Equity Center

Location: 204 Boucke Building

Web: studentaffairs.psu.edu/genderequity

Penn State’s Gender Equity Center (GenEq) supports students who have been impacted by sexual violence, relationship violence, stalking, harassment, and other campus climate issues. GenEq staff provides education, advocacy, referrals, and crisis intervention/support counseling. All services are free and confidential; confidential resources will not disclose a person’s identity and any identifying information shared without the person’s permission. Seeking advice from a confidential counselor does not constitute a report to the University or law enforcement.

The Directorate of International Student and Scholar Advising (DISSA)

Location: 402 and 410 Boucke Building
Web: global.psu.edu/article/contact-dissa

The Directorate of International Student and Scholar Advising (DISSA) provides international students, scholars, and faculty help with advising and immigration services.

  • International students must complete at least 9 in-person credits and at least 12 total credits per semester
  • International MUST get approval to drop below 12 credits before they drop below 12 credits
  • Limitations for dropping below 12 credits exist. If you are working with an international student and they are considering dropping a course, refer them to DISSA and advising immediately.
  • The walk-in advising schedule and form to submit a question are both listed here.

The Paul Robeson Cultural Center

Location: 21 HUB

Web: studentaffairs.psu.edu/cultural

The Paul Robeson Cultural Center embraces ethnic, racial, cultural, and other diversity of humanity programs designed to aid identity development, social justice initiatives, cultural enrichment, scholarly initiatives, and cultural education programs. Services include a safe space on campus, student organizations, programs, and mentorship.

Pasquerilla Spiritual Center

Location: 111 Pasquerilla Spiritual Center

Web: studentaffairs.psu.edu/spiritual

The Pasquerilla Spiritual Center offers a welcoming, safe, inclusive environment, and aims to promote an environment of appreciation and respect for religious and spiritual diversity. Their website provides a list of places students can worship locally, religious student organizations, events and more.

Penn State Hillel

Location: 114 – 117 Pasquerilla Spiritual Center

Web: pennstatehillel.org

Penn State Hillel aims to support the lives of the over 5,000 Jewish students on campus, as well as provide social, cultural and educational opportunities.

HEALTH RESOURCES

For a comprehensive holistic list of health-related resources available to students on and off-campus, please visit: studentaffairs.psu.edu/health-wellness.

Counseling and Psychological Services

Location: 501 Student Health Center

Web address: studentaffairs.psu.edu/counseling

Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) provides group and individual counseling, crisis intervention, and psychological and psychiatric evaluations for undergraduate and graduate students as well as prevention and consultation services.

Getting Started: Students interested in starting services should call 814-863-0395 and indicate that they would like to begin services. CAPS will schedule a 10 to 15-minute phone appointment where a clinician will assess the nature and urgency the situation presented. CAPS will then recommend next steps. Next steps may include referral to individual counseling, group counseling, life hacks, or a community provider.

CAPS Chats

CAPS Chat provides informal, drop-in consultation for students with counselors from Penn State Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS). Sessions are free and no appointment is necessary. Students are seen on a first-come, first-served basis and meetings are no longer than 30 minutes.

Concerns may include:

  • Stress or Anxiety
  • Adjusting to college life
  • Family problems
  • Relationship issues
  • Roommate difficulties
  • Academic pressures

CAPS Chat IS for…

  • Discussing specific concerns in a one-on-one environment
  • Learning more about what counseling might be like
  • Understanding how to help a friend
  • Getting mental health questions answered

CAPS Chat IS NOT for…

  • Formal therapy or counseling
  • Crisis services
  • Severe or long-standing concerns

Locations & Times (2019-2020)

West – Waring Commons – Cultural Lounge Room 125 Mondays 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity (CSGD) – Boucke Room 101 Mondays 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
North – Warnock Commons – Knowledge Lounge Room 134 Tuesdays 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Calder Way – 204 East Calder Way, Suite 200 Tuesdays 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Multicultural Resource Center (MRC) – Grange Room 220 Tuesdays 12:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
East – Johnston Commons – Room 134 Wednesdays 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Paul Robeson Cultural Center (PRCC) – HUB-Robeson Room 21 Wednesdays 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Paterno Library – Room 208K Wednesdays 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Pollock – Pollock Commons – Room 123 Thursdays 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Lewis Katz Building – Room 310 Thursdays 12:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity (CSGD) – Boucke Room 101 Thursdays 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
South – Redifer Commons – Room 202 Fridays 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Information provided by: studentaffairs.psu.edu/counseling/wellness-services/caps-chat.

Group Therapy

Therapy groups are a form of psychotherapy, focusing on developing insight and behavior change. Five to eight group members meet with one or two group therapists once per week for 90 minutes throughout the semester. Small groups of students meet and share common concerns, explore personal issues, and learn new skills under the guidance of one or two professional leaders. CAPS offers general therapy groups for all students, groups for particular populations (e.g., graduate students, undergraduate students, men, women, students diagnosed with autism, and other underrepresented populations), and groups for particular concerns (e.g. sexual assault, eating disorders, grief/loss, social anxiety).

A referral to a therapy group or skills clinic needs to be made through a therapist at CAPS. If you have not had a phone screening or an in-person first appointment, those appointments should be scheduled before joining a group. In most cases, an evaluation with the group’s therapist is scheduled prior to join. This evaluation helps to determine whether a group is likely to meet your needs and whether you will fit well with a particular group’s composition.

(need spring 2020 schedule, not yet posted)

Information provided by: studentaffairs.psu.edu/counseling/getting-started/group-counseling/current-groups.

Life Hacks

Life Hacks are group sessions designed to help students learn specific skills to manage life stressors and specific situations. Examples include workshops on mindfulness, self-compassion, self-care, and more. ALL sessions are open to Penn State students without an appointment.

Time: 4:00 – 5:00 p.m.

Location: 540 Student Health Center

The schedule of Life Hacks sessions can be found here: studentaffairs.psu.edu/counseling/wellness-services/life-hacks.

Spring 2020 Schedule

Tuesday February 4 BALANCE: Coping with Anxiety and Difficult Emotions
Tuesday February 11 WE NEED TO TALK: Communication in Relationships
Monday February 17 PEOPLE PLEASING:  Your Happiness Matters Too
Tuesday February 18 THIS MOMENT: Mindfulness for Modern Life
Tuesday February 25 BURNT OUT: Managing Ambivalence About Reducing Substance Use
Monday March 2 BALANCE: Coping with Anxiety and Difficult Emotions
Tuesday March 3 EMBRACING IMPERFECTION: Practicing Self-Compassion
Tuesday March 17 SHRINK RAP: Meds 101 for Anxiety and Depression
Monday March 23 TUNING IN: Mindful Self-Care
Tuesday March 24 EASY DOES IT: Wisdom for Managing Stress
Tuesday March 31 PEOPLE PLEASING:  Your Happiness Matters Too
Monday April 6 EASY DOES IT: Wisdom for Managing Stress
Tuesday April 7 THIS MOMENT: Mindfulness for Modern Life
Tuesday April 14 SWEET DREAMS: Strategies for Sound Sleep
Monday April 20 TUNING IN: Mindful Self-Care
Tuesday April 21 BALANCE: Coping with Anxiety and Difficult Emotions
Tuesday April 28 EMBRACING IMPERFECTION: Practicing Self-Compassion

Off-Campus Counseling

CAPS has created a resource that students can use to find a  private mental health care provider within the Penn State community. This link helps students from all Penn State campuses find providers within their network. Use this tool  or refer students to this tool to find a long-term provider.

Healthy Eating and Living Support (HEALS)

Penn State Healthy Eating and Living Support (HEALS) is a multidisciplinary program that supports healthy eating and decision-making among students. The HEALS team is comprised of clinicians, dietitians, and mental health professionals who specialize in providing education, resources, and support to students affected by eating disorders.

HEALS helps students overcome disordered eating by providing immediate medical services and counseling as well as offering life-long strategies for maintaining health, harmony, and body-acceptance.

Services offered through HEALS include:

Getting started with HEALS
Students in need of help with disordered eating, weight management, or other body image issues, can get services by contacting University Health Services and requesting an appointment with a case manager or by contacting Counseling and Psychological Services for a phone screening.

Pregnancy Resource Clinic (PRC)

Location: 423 South Pugh Street, State College, PA 16801

Web: scprc.com

The Pregnancy Resource Clinic (PRC) is a non-profit Christian organization that provides free, confidential services to men and women. Services include free:

  • STD/STI testing
  • Pregnancy testing and ultrasound
  • Abortion recovery help – students who have had an abortion and need help grieving and processing this loss can get help through this program
  • Baby Boutique (free diapers, wipes, formula, bottles, blankets, and other baby essentials)

The following services are NOT offered: rape kits and abortion services, referrals or counseling.

University Health Services (UHS)

Location: Student Health Center

Web: studentaffairs.psu.edu/health

University Health Services (UHS) provides outpatient health services. UHS offers medical assistance, pharmacy, lab, imaging, physical therapy, medical records, insurance, and emergency services. Rape kits are not provided through UHS.

Mount Nittany Medical Center

Location:1700 Old Gatesburg Road, State College

Web: mountnittany.org

Mount Nittany Medical Center provides emergency as well as routine care. Their emergency room provides rape kits.

When dealing with routine care (flu, stomach ache, shots, etc.), it is always good practice to see a practitioner at University Health Services first. If needed, they will refer you to Mount Nittany Medical Center. In case of emergency, however, please visit the Mount Nittany Medical Center’s emergency room.

Health Promotion & Wellness

Location: 001 IM Building

Web:  studentaffairs.psu.edu/health-promotion

Health Promotion & Wellness seeks to help students achieve a healthy lifestyle through awareness, education, and support around stress management, healthy sleeping habits, sexual health, nutrition, fitness, body image, eating disorders, and cession of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs. Students may opt for education on safe drinking and cessation of smoking or vaping for free, if they choose to do so before being sanctioned for an offense on campus. These sessions are designed to help students learn how to manage stress, control cravings and quit or decrease the use of these substances. Self-referrals for alcohol and marijuana can be found here.

A full list of ongoing programs, including the date and location of each event, can be found here.

Students may choose to meet with a Healthworks peer, to learn how to create new skills and healthy behaviors around:

  • Healthy relationships and sexual health
  • Nutrition/healthy eating
  • Physical activity
  • Sleep
  • Stress (relaxation and time management)

Students may sign-up here.

Relaxation Room

Location: 020 IM Building

Time: Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m

The Relaxation Room. features two biofeedback software programs on a desktop computer designed to teach breathing exercises designed to reduce a student’s heart rate and stress level. There is a variety of relaxation, stress reduction, mindfulness, and brain massage audio tracks available. Finally, there are coloring books, a zen sand garden, puzzles, light therapy boxes, and a comfortable space to help students take a break, relax, or study. No appointment necessary.

RESOURCES FOR STUDENTS IN CRISIS

Student Care and Advocacy

Location: 129 Boucke Building

Web: studentaffairs.psu.edu/studentcare

Student Care and Advocacy helps to empower students to advocate for themselves. In events where students are unable to do so for themselves, they coordinate efforts to support the ongoing needs of students. They provide assistance for mental health concerns, chronic conditions, food insecurity, hospitalization, An emergency loan can also be provided for non-tuition and fees uses. See Student Care and Advocacy for more details on the loan.

Reporting

Mentors in the Academic Peer Mentoring Program (APMP) are required to report instances of sexual assault and bias incidents. The Student Affairs Reporting page links to all appropriate forms and support resources.

Protection against retaliation (Policy AD67)

The University strictly prohibits retaliation against an individual who makes a good faith report of suspected wrongful conduct or participates in an investigation, hearing, inquiry or court proceeding involving suspected wrongful conduct at the Please report any incident of retaliation you experience or witness.

Rights of the accused and the accuser

Victims of a Title IX violation or students accused of a Title IX violation can access the rights of the complainant and respondent here: psu.edu/know-your-rights.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Financial and Life Skills Center

Location: 11-A Grange Building

Web: financialliteracy.psu.edu

The Sokolov-Miller Family Financial and Life Skills Center provides educational resources and counseling on tenants of financial literacy. Education includes professional and/or peer counseling, mentorship, and online modules on budgeting, student loans, debt management, savings, investments, and more!

The Sokolov-Miller Family Financial and Life Skills Center has a new Mentoring Program. The program is designed to bring Alumni, Faculty, PSU Administrators, Friends of Penn State, and Students to jointly exchange knowledge in financial literacy, discuss financial and life skills topics of interest, strategize, and create financial plans with the sole focus on reaching financial security and freedom. This program is for financial and life skills educational purposes only and is not intended for any participant to promote, advertise, endorse, buy or sell products or services. The program allows students to explore topics like budgeting, student loans borrowing and repayment, credit card, and debt management, and all other financial literacy topics of interest with an alumni mentor. Our alumni have a wide range of backgrounds, experiences, talents, and interests. Click here for more information about the mentorship program.

Student Employment

Web: studentaffairs.psu.edu/involvement-student-life/student-employment

This resource helps students find part-time and federal work-study opportunities on campus.

Lions Pantry 

Multiple Locations: East Halls, Katz Law Building (between Lion’s Surplus and The Blue Band Building) and Aba Java (299 Locust Lane, State College, PA)

Web: thelionspantry.psu.edu

Lion’s Pantry is designed for Penn State students who are experiencing food insecurity. Any student with a valid Penn State ID may access the Lion’s Pantry services. Students can stop by the locations above during office hours and take the items they need. No car? No problem! The campus shuttle runs weekdays until 6 p.m. and will drop students off at Lion Surplus, right across from the Pantry. View the campus shuttle schedule here.

Food Order Program: Students can also place food orders for pick-up downtown through this form. Please complete the form by Tuesday at 12 p.m. each week for pick-up at St. Paul’s Methodist Church on Fridays beginning at 12 p.m.. Students who place orders can enter through the double red doors located on the side of the church on Locust Lane, then walk down the stairs, through the double doors, and take a left where the shelves with the bags are located.

Cub Pantries: Students can stop by any of the following locations for a limited Pantry selection during any of the building’s open hours.

  • Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity – 101 Boucke Building
  • Pasquerilla Spiritual Center – 111 Pasquerilla Spiritual Center /Eisenhower Chapel
  • Student Care and Advocacy Office – 129 Boucke Building
  • Wellness Suite – 20 IM Building

In an emergency situation please contact: The State College Food Bank Phone: (814) 234-2310 Address: S Atherton St, State College, PA 16801

Student Legal Services

Location: 248 East Calder Way, Suite 303

Web: studentaffairs.psu.edu/legalservices

Student Legal Services provides advice, representation, referrals, and other legal services to students (i.e. Tenant-Landlord law, expungement, marijuana offenses, ). Student Legal Services will not get involved in student-to-student conflicts, but can provide a list of lawyers in the area. Students can schedule an appointment to speak with a Student Legal Services staff. Alternatively, students can stop by without an appointment on “drop-in Tuesdays,” Tuesdays, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in 248 East Calder Way, Suite 303.

Preparing to meet with an attorney:

  1. Bring all documentation or other information relating to the legal problem to the initial meeting.
  2. Be honest. An attorney must know the whole situation, even the bad parts, to help you.
  3. Our services are free, but you are responsible for all filing fees, fines, and court costs associated with your case.
  4. Be prompt for scheduled appointments and court hearings.
  5. Advise us of any changes in your mailing address, email, or telephone number as long as your case is being handled by our office.

Stress Management

Penn State’s Manage Stress Workbook features a variety of resources to assess, deal with and counteract stress. Topics addressed include mindfulness,  stress management, meditation, and mindful eating.

Reporting

Mentors in the Academic Peer Mentoring Program (APMP) are required to report instances of sexual assault and bias incidents. The Student Affairs Reporting page links to all appropriate forms.

TOOLS

Here are additional tools to help with overall success.