Handbook for
Smeal Student Mentors
2006-2007 Academic Year
Smeal College Curriculum
Advising Center
The advising center is located in 202 Business Building. Regular hours are 8 am to 5 pm,
Monday through Friday. The name of a student’s assigned adviser will appear in the top portion
of their degree audit.
You may contact that Advising Center at (814) 863-1947.
You may check your degree audit on elion to find your advisor.
AP Credits
AP stands for Advance Placement. In order for Penn State to recognize these credits,
Students must send their scores to:
Undergraduate Admissions Office
201 Shields Building Box 3000
The Pennsylvania State University
University Park, PA 16802-3000.
To determine if Penn State has received and processed AP credits, students can simply order a
degree audit and see if these credits appear under the appropriate requirements. Students may
also visit their Academic Counselor, who has access to a screen showing them if the AP credits
are in the university’s system.
To check how AP credit scores are awarded at Penn State, students can refer to the following
website as a guide:
http://www.psu.edu/admissions/steps/understanding/ap,htm
Conflict Final Exams
You may file a Final Exam Conflict to have an exam changed to another date and time under two
circumstances: 1) Direct Conflict - when you have two or more final examinations scheduled at
the same time; 2) Overload Conflict - when you have three or more exams scheduled within
one calendar day or three consecutive exams.
The time period to file for conflicting exams each semester can be determined by accessing the
University Registers Calendar web page:
http://www.psu.edu/dept/registrar/calendar/calendar_index.html
Degree Audit
The Degree Audit is an electronic checklist that brings together a student’s degree requirements
and transcripts. Students may order an audit using eLion by using the Real Time option, as it is
the most current. They receive a copy via email. Web view audits appear immediately, but they
are not updated as often, and therefore may not reflect recent changes to a students
schedule/audit.
Email Policy
Faculty and staff cannot accept emails that are not from an official Penn State email address. Ex:
glr332@psu.edu
Students can access their Penn State Account anywhere they have online access. Simply go to
http://webmail.psu.edu , click the welcome message, and enter your PSU username and
password.
Entrance to Major Courses
Ten courses must be completed at the end of the Spring semester of a student’s sophomore year:
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ENGL 015 (or Honors English 030 or ESL 015 for international students)
MATH 110 or 140
ECON 002
ECON 004
CMPSC 203
ACCTG 211
BA 241
BA 242
MIS 204 or IST 110
MS&IS 200 or STAT 200 or SCM 200
Students must pass these courses. Some majors require that at least a “C” be earned in one or
two as a graduation, not entrance to major, requirement. However, for the majority of majors,
you just need to pass them – not get at least a “C”.
Foreign Language
Your starting point depends on the number of years completed in high school:
0-1 years in high school – level 001 in language here at PSU
2-3 years in high school – level 002 in language here at PSU
4 + years in high school – level 003 in language here at PSU
If a student starts at a level lower than indicated in the above guidelines, the foreign language
department will remove him or her.
***Students who take beyond level 003 in a language may use an advanced level language
course in place of 3 credits of a general education requirement – see your advisor!***
General Education Courses
http://www.psu.edu/bulletins/bluebook/gened/
Students are required to complete 47 credits of General Education Requirements. The following
Entrance to Major courses also count toward General Education requirements:
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ENGL 015 (or ENGL 30 or ESL 015) falls under Speaking & Writing
MATH 110 & CMPSC 203 fall under Quantitative
***Neither ECON 002 or ECON 004 can be used as a Social and Behavioral Science – these are
College Requirements.
Global Awareness and Understanding
https://intranet.smeal.psu.edu/students/uprog/requirements/global.html
These courses focus on the study of other cultures – must take 6 credits. These courses can
“double count” as Humanities, Arts, or Social and Behavioral Sciences courses. Some of these
courses can also double count with the University’s International Cultures Competence
Requirement (IL), double check with advisors.
Late Drop
Students only have a total of 16 late drop credits during their entire career at Penn State, so they
should be used with caution. Courses can be late-dropped using eLion.
The late drop deadline for Fall 2006 is November 27th.
Leave of Absence
A student may apply for a leave of absence for up to one year. Before taking a leave of absence,
a student should consult with an adviser and obtain the approval of the dean of the college in
which the student is enrolled. The leave of absence form should be signed and submitted to the
student’s advisor no later than the last day of classes the semester preceding the beginning of the
leave.
Schedule Adjustments
Students may adjust their schedules without penalty during the early days of the semester. For
Fall 2006, the deadline is September 14th. Courses dropped after the Drop/Add period but
before the end of the Late Drop deadline are considered late drops and recorded on a student’s
academic record.
Transfer Credits
If incoming students have completed courses at another institution, they must send an OFFICIAL
copy of the transcript (in a sealed envelope with signature across the flap) to:
Undergraduate Admissions Office
201 Shields Building, Box 3000
The Pennsylvania State University
University Park, PA 16804-3000
Students who plan to take courses in an upcoming summer should visit the Transfer Course
Evaluation web pages in the Undergraduate Admissions website at:
http://www.psu.edu/admissions/index.htm (click “Evaluate Transfer Courses”)
Withdrawal
A student who is unable to complete a schedule of courses for a given semester may withdraw
from enrollment in all courses at the University. You may withdraw anytime up to and including
the last day of classes, but BEFORE the final exam period begins.
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Students can receive information about, and process a withdrawal using eLion. Students
may also print the official withdrawal form from the Web, secure the appropriate
signatures, and submit the completed form to the University Registrar.
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The fee assessor will determine the amount, if any, of refund due to the student. If you
live in the residence halls, you must check out of the hall with the housing staff within 24
hours. Before processing a withdrawal form, students should check with the Office of
Student Aid, as well as their health insurance company. There are often implications that
should be fully understood before losing student status.
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Students who withdraw from the University must apply for readmission if they with to be
admitted to degree status.
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Students must withdraw from ALL of their courses.
Curriculum Training
See Advisors to Confirm
Four Parts of a Smeal Degree (credits can only count in ONE area ONLY)
College Requirements
ETM*, Junior Core, BA 411 (all Smeal Majors must take)
Foreign Language (but credits count in Electives)
GAU (but credits count in gen ed, unless gen ed full, then electives)
Major Requirements
FIN, ACCTG, etc
2-pc, related Area * can substitute minor (see advisors)
General Education
Mostly GN, GA, GH, GS, GHA
*Also includes quantification (CMPSC 203, MATH 110 or 140)
ENGL 015 or 030, ENGL 202D, CAS 100 (a,b,c)
Electives
Extra courses in the 3 areas above
Courses that don’t count in above (i.e. education courses)
PSU 006, Foreign Language
Examples
Where do courses for minors go?
Econ 002 and Econ 004 are College Reqs for Smeal, but gen ed for non Smeal
(that’s why they are indicated as GS on schedule of courses)
Degree Audits
Pre-Major vs Major
Pre-Major default for first four semesters (many of you still pre-major)
Does not include major reqs nor electives
Always select “alternative major” while FR and SOPH
Will use new major starting in Summer btw Soph – Jr yr
Entrance to Major
GPA measured in 3rd semester; Rank top 3 choices in 4th semester (summers not incl)
Controlled majors GPA is guarantee – based on if it fills
If 3rd sem GPA = 2.88 and major fills at 2.89, NO POSSIBLE WAY for major (ever)
3-6-9 Rule
Only between GA, GH, GS (cannot ever use GN)
Normal = 6cr GA, 6cr GS, 6cr GH
Can take 9 cr in one area and use 3rd course in that area to count for other area
Cannot eliminate an area (must take at least 3cr)
Advanced Foreign Language
Above 12th credit level (Span 100, 110, different langs have different course #s)
One advanced foreign language can count as GN,GA,GH,GS instead of default electives
Minor for the Two Piece Sequence
Most majors 2-pc = 6cr
Some have additional 3 cr rel area (pick another 2-pc course)
Can substitute a minor if the minor is completed
Need “C” or higher in all minor courses
Courses for Minor default to Electives or Gen Ed if they are gen ed courses
2 courses for 2-pc and 1 course for rel area will be moved
Watch for electives, because they may be full now, and after minor sub is made then may
need more elecrtives
Advanced Econs as GS
ECON 302 and ECON 304 can count as GS, though default to Electives (see advisor)
If planning ECON minor, 2 courses can go to GS, 2 courses can go to 2-pc, so most of
the time, ECON minor can fit within the realm of a 120 credit degree
GI/IL/US/GAU
Smeal GAU List – need to take 2 (credits count as gen ed) – but need to check-off 2
GAU
GI became IL/US for all students starting on or after Fall 2005
All students prior to Fall 2005 only needed one “GI” – IL or US now will fulfill
old GI req’s
Take GAU/IL – will count in 3 areas (and any other type of “US”)
Guidelines for Contact with First-Year Students
1) If the question requires a response based on University or Smeal policies and procedures
rather than a judgment call, then the mentor can answer that question definitely.
Otherwise, the mentor should STRESS that their response is simply a suggestion based
on his/her experience. The mentors should also attempt to discuss all possible
solutions/options with the first-year student and let that student make the final decision.
2) If the mentor does not know the answer to the question, he or she should make the effort
to find the answer using the Student Mentor Handbook (found on angel), or the Penn
State/Smeal websites. At the very least, the mentor should find someone who can answer
the question and have him or her contact the mentee. Please contact any board member if
you need help finding an answer to a question and he or she will give direction for future
action.
3) Respond to ALL emails and phone calls within 48 hours, even if it is just to say that you
will get back to the student.
4) It is important to realize when a situation may require professional counseling skills, and
if this occurs, a referral to the advising center or CAPS is encouraged. Advisors have
masters degrees in counseling fields and are prepared to handle these situations.
Examples of such situations can include stress management, alcoholism, drug abuse,
roommate tension, home sickness, time management, family problems, etc. Even topics
such as career and major guidance should be referred to the advisors. Remember, it is
best to refer to a professional for the right answer, instead of making up a guessed
answer.
Important Websites
University Level Websites
Academic Calendar by Semester
Admissions
AP Credit Awards
Blue Book
Bursar
Career Services
Computer Accounts Office
Continuing Education
Counseling and Psychological Services
Course Descriptions
Directory of People
Disability Services
ELion
Foregin Language Proficiency Form
General Education Book
Information Technology Services
International Programs – Penn State
Judicial Affairs
Penn State
Penn State Google Search
Registrar
Registration Timetable
Schedule of Courses
Smeal College of Business
Student Affairs Services
Student Aid
University Learning Center
Webmail
World Campus (on-line classes)
http://www.psu.edu/registrar/calendar/calendar_index.html
http://www.psu.edu/admissions
http://www.psu.edu/admissions/steps/understanding/ap.htm
http://www.psu.edu/bulletins/bluebook/
http://www.bursar.psu.edu/
http://www.sa.psu.edu/career
http://aset.its.psu.edu/accounts/compacctsoffice.html
http://www.outreach.psu.edu/CE/
http://www.sa.psu.edu/caps/
http://www.psu.edu/bulletins/bluebook/$crmenu.htm
http://www.psu.edu/ph
http://www.equity.psu.edu/ods
http://elion.oas.psu.edu/
http://sll.la.su.edu/langprof.htm
http://www.psu.edu/bulletins/bluebook/gened/
http://its.psu.edu
http://www.international.psu.edu/
http://www.sa.psu.edu/ja/
http://www.psu.edu
http://www.psu.edu/ur/search.html
http://www.psu.edu/registrar/
www.our.psu.edu/Reg_Timetable/RegTimetable_Main.cfm
http://soc.our.psu.edu/soc/
http://www.smeal.psu.edu/
http://www.sa.psu.edu/services.shtml
http://www.psu.edu/studentaid/
http://www.ulc.psu.edu/
https://webmail.psu.edu
http://www.worldcampus.psu.edu/wc/
Smeal College Level Websites
Academic Departments
Advising Center
Change of Major within Smeal
Degree Requirements
Entrance to Major Courses
Entrance to Major Process
Global Awareness & Understanding
International Programs
Internship Program
Intranet
Scholarships
Schreyer Business Library
Smeal Student Mentors
Student Organizations
https://intranet.smeal.psu.edu/smeal/academics.html
https://intranet.smeal.psu.edu/uprog/advising.html
https://intranet.smeal.psu.edu/uprog/enroll/com.html
https://intranet.smeal.psu.edu/uprog/requirements/index.html
https://intranet.smeal.psu.edu/uprog/enroll/etm.html
https://intranet.smeal.psu.edu/uprog/entrance.html
https://intranet.smeal.psu.edu/uprog/requirements/global.html
https://intranet.smeal.psu.edu/oip/index.html
https://intranet.smeal.psu.edu/intern/index.html
https://intranet.smeal.psu.edu/
intranet.smeal.psu.edu/uprog/programs/scholarships.html
http://www.lias.psu.edu/business
http://www.clubs.psu.edu/up/smeal_mentors/
https://intranet.smeal.psu.edu/studorgs/
Important Phone Numbers
University Level Contacts
CONTACT
Admissions Office
Airport
Bicycle Registration
Bus Service – Local
Greyhound Bus Services
Fullington Bus Services
Bursar’s Office (payments)
Career Services
CAPS (Counseling Service)
Crisis Intervention Line
Disability Services Office
Education Abroad
Escort Service (Security)
Health Services
Housing Assignment Office
ID+ Card Replacement
Information (PSU Operator)
Learning Resource Center
Registrar
Student Activities
Student Aid Office
LOCATION
201 Shields
2535 Fox Hill Road
Eisenhower Parking Deck
2081 West Whitehall Rd.
152 N. Atherton St.
103 Shields
101 MBNA Building
221 Ritenour
Mt. Nittany Medical Center
116 Boucke
410 Boucke Building
Grange
Ritenour
101 Shields
103 HUB
103 University Support 2
206 Johnston Commons
114 Shields
207 HUB
314 Shields
PHONE NUMBER
865-5471
865-5511
863-1111
238-2282
238-7971
238-1100
865-6528
865-2377
863-0395
800-643-5432
863-1807
865-7681
865-9255
865-6556
865-7501
865-7590
865-4700
865-1325
865-6357
863-3786
865-6301
LOCATION
202 Business Building
475 Business Building
114 Business Building
202 Business Building
202 Business Building
C4 Shreyer Honors College
111 Business Building
354 Business Building
613 Kern Building
352 Business Building
355 Business Building
452 Business Building
455 Business Building
454 Business Building
PHONE NUMBER
863-1947
863-3232
863-6161
865-2673
863-1947
863-2635
863-0830
865-1809
865-1456
863-0486
865-4172
865-1789
865-1869
865-1866
Smeal Contacts
CONTACT
Advising Center
First Year Seminar Office
Internship Office
Junior Core Office
Records Office
Schreyer Honors College
Smeal Student Orgs.
Accounting Department
Economics Department
Finance Department
Insurance & Real Estate
Management Department
Marketing Department
SC&IS Department