Student Resources

Office Hours

Your course instructors provide regular office hours with the intent of helping you understand the material presented, clear up any questions or confusion you may have, and help you succeed. Many courses also offer hours held by learning assistants (LAs) and teaching assistants (TAs) in addition to the instructor’s office hours. Unless specified otherwise, you do not need an appointment to attend office hours and can simply stop by. Check Canvas for office-hour specifics, including times and locations.

Tutoring

The following are a few tutoring resources available: 

• Penn State Learning: Spread over several buildings, tutors are provided for free drop-in assistance.
• The Shah Center for Inclusion and Academic Excellence: Offering free drop-in, one-on-one, and group support from experienced upper-division student tutors (no appointment needed).
• Guided Study Groups (GSG): A collaborative learning program designed to support students in larger lecture courses. GSG leaders are undergraduate students who have taken the course before and have had academic success. Check the GSG schedule for meeting times and locations.

Improving Study Skills

The following resources are available to improve your studying skills: 

• Study Smarter Not Harder Workshop Series: Monitor your learning and improve your study skills so that you don't waste time and effort on ineffective study strategies.
• Developing a Mindset for Successful Learning Video Series: A video series on how to get the most out of your studying.
• The Learning Scientist Video Series: A video series featuring the six habits of highly successful students. 

Links to commonly used forms are included below:

• BIOL 296 and BIOL 496 Independent Studies Courses Research Registration Form
• Prerequisite Override Form
• Grade Forgiveness Form
• Third Attempt Form
• Registration Drop/Add Form
• Change of Major

Links to additional resources for students are included below: 

• Biological Society
• Tri Beta Honors Society
• DUSuccess
• LionPath Student Help
• Biology Undergraduate Handbook
• Program Curriculum
• Biology Advising
• Study Abroad