Student Resources

Aquifer is a clinical learning site.  It contains virtual patient cases to help you build clinical decision making skill, and provide deep, realistic patient scenarios.  

All DNP-NP students are required to register for Aquifer's clinical learning site.  Shortly after the student register's for NURS 590 they will receive an invitation to register for access to Aquifer.  If you find that you have not received your invitation, please reach out to gradnursing@psu.edu and a member of the CON Grad Program Team will send you the invitation to register.

 To learn more about Aquifer, please free to download the student orientation slides.

Penn State uses a cloud-based learning management system called Canvas. Faculty use the course management system to distribute course information and provide opportunities for students to engage with the material.  You will use your Penn State Access Account to access Canvas and log in by the first day of class (https://canvas.psu.edu/). 

Dr. Diane Berish is available to provide consultative services on quantitative design and analytic approaches. This service is available to faculty, graduate students, and honors students in the Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing. For example, think of Dr. Berish if you need assistance with:

1. Initial design and/or analytic plan for project proposal for submission to funding agency

2. Design and/or analysis plan of preliminary studies with intent to pursue subsequent funding

3. Tutorial assistance in quantitative methods/statistics

4. Thesis: proposal development/analysis plan/reporting results

Request service via https://pennstate.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6M7hQBldGsiP5C5.

The Certificate for Online Teaching is a professional development program to prepare for online teaching success. This five, fully online course, series provides faculty an “online student experience” while exploring a rich variety of critical topics necessary for mastery in the online classroom. Anyone interested in learning more about excellence in online teaching and learning are welcome to participate in the certificate. The Certificate for Online Teaching is comprised of both self-directed and instructor led online courses. 

DESCRIPTION 

Using a closed-circuit network, two (or more) sites communicate with each other through video cameras and microphones, allowing the instructor and students at the originating site to fully interact with the students at the receiving site(s). At first, you will be conscious of the technology, but after a short while, you’ll forget it is there. Each classroom is equipped with video cameras that allow participants at different sites to see one another. One camera in the room shows students at the other site a view of your classroom. A second camera is focused on the front of the room and the person who is presenting material. A third camera, the document camera, takes the place of the traditional overhead projector and focuses on any information the presenter wishes to share with the class. You may notice that the quality of the video, while excellent, is not exactly the same quality you see on your television screen at home. This is because the network is using “compressed video” technology. The only noticeable difference you may detect will be a slight “strobe” effect when someone makes a quick movement in front of the camera. 

USING VIDEOCONFERENCING 

The classrooms are equipped with voice-activated microphones. These microphones allow you to communicate with other participants. The microphones are extremely sensitive. Therefore, any pencil tapping, paper shuffling, or side comments to a friend may cause the microphone to activate. To decrease distractions, you will want to keep background noise to a minimum and/or mute the microphones when you are not speaking to the group. The most noticeable effect of the compressed video technology is a time delay in verbal transmissions. This time period will have to be accommodated for interactive communications. Therefore, if you pose a question to the participants on the other end of the telecommunications link, you should expect to “wait” a few seconds for their response. Hand gestures are also helpful to get the attention of the speaker and let them know that you have something to contribute. It is also helpful if the speaker makes hand gestures to “yield the floor” to someone else. 

ADDITIONAL POINTERS 

1. Announce your name and campus each time you speak. 

2. Maintain eye contact with the camera when you are speaking. 

3. Speak clearly and loudly - project your voice. 

4. Avoid quick/sudden movements. 

5. Use the “mute” function when not participating. 

6. Don’t be afraid of camera “close-ups” especially in small classes 

7. If you are presenting, try not to pace in front of the camera. 

8. If presenting, avoid white or cream colors, busy patterns, and shiny jewelry in your attire. 

9. To maximize classroom cohesion and participation in a multi-location class, do not sit in the back of the room or spread out throughout the room, this makes it extremely difficult for the instructor and others to view and interact with students at other locations. 

It is the policy of The Pennsylvania State University that proper credit is given to those individuals who make material contributions to activities, which lead to scholarly reports, papers and publications.

GUIDELINES

Rigid prescriptive requirements in this area are considered unwise because the situation with respect to co-authorship varies from one discipline to another and from one publication to another. Nevertheless, it is recommended that the authors of scholarly reports, papers and publications abide by the following principles regarding co-authorship.

Co-authorship should be offered to anyone who has clearly made a material contribution to the work. Moreover, each coauthor should be furnished with a copy of the manuscript before it is submitted and allowed an opportunity to review it prior to submission. An author submitting a paper, report or publication should never include the name of a coauthor without the person's consent. Exceptional circumstances, such as death or inability to locate a coauthor, should be handled on a case-by-case basis. In cases where the contribution may have been marginal, an acknowledgment of the contribution in the public action might be more appropriate than co-authorship.

In the case of theses for advanced degrees, if the dissertation or paper based upon it is not published with the degree recipient as sole author, then that person should normally be listed as the first author. In no instance should theses, or papers based upon them, be published under the sole authorship of the dissertation adviser.

Anyone accepting co-authorship of a paper must realize that this action implies a responsibility as well as a privilege. As a rule, each coauthor should understand the content of the publication well enough to be able to take responsibility for all of it; otherwise, the publication should clearly indicate the parts of which each coauthor has responsibility. If a potential coauthor has doubts concerning the correctness of the content or conclusions of a publication, and if these doubts cannot be dispelled by consultation with the other coauthors, the individual should decline co-authorship. 

Reference: Penn State Research Administration https://guru.psu.edu/policies/IP02.html.

During fall and spring semesters, the SCC can provide 2 FREE consulting sessions to students working on Ph.D. research. You will meet with a statistics graduate student who is taking a practicum in statistical consulting.

There is no charge for this assistance and the sessions are supervised.

NOTE: They do not offer consulting services for classroom assignments.

For all of the above services, a Request for Statistical Consulting form must be filled out and submitted to the SCC. To obtain a Request for Statistical Consulting form, you may do any of the following:

1. Contact SCC at https://scc.stat.psu.edu/contact-us/.

2. Go to the SCC at 323 Thomas Building anytime Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. and pick up a form.

3. Visit their web site (https://scc.stat.psu.edu/appointments/) and download a form. E-mail: scc@stat.psu.edu.

All Penn State graduate students who fulfill the following requirements:

Attend the Schreyer Institute New Instructor Orientation or an equivalent teaching orientation that includes lesson planning, teaching methods and strategies to encourage student participation.

Complete one semester of NURS 602 Supervised Experience in College Teaching under the direction of a mentor. A grade of B or higher is required.

Complete the Schreyer Institute Penn State Course in College Teaching or HI ED 546 College Teaching.

Complete another semester of NURS 602, to include either a block of lectures prepared and presented by the student, or total responsibility for a lab or recitation section. A grade of B or higher is required.

Develop a Web site that includes a statement of teaching philosophy and demonstration of the ability to develop a PowerPoint presentation. To help students complete this requirement, Quick Skills courses are available through Information Technology Services' Web-Based Training Web site. These free courses are not required for the Teaching Certificate but are available if needed.

It is recommended that the Penn State Course in College Teaching precede the second semester of NURS 602.

In order for the certificate to be issued, the program chair or department head, in consultation with the student's adviser, must verify completion of the requirements in a letter, along with a completed checklist. Please send documents to the Dean's Office, Graduate School, 114 Kern. Notice of completion of the Graduate School Teaching Certificate will not appear on the student's transcript.

Graduate students wanting recognition of their commitment to college teaching are encouraged to speak to their advisers about this opportunity. Questions about the program should be directed to gesdirector@psu.edu. Please note that this is not a teacher certification program.

In order to access the necessary information technology services needed in graduate studies, students must first secure a Penn State ID (questions should be directed to the Graduate Staff Assistant at UP).

Information Technology Services (ITS) located at 2 Willard Building, 814.863.1035, Toll-free 1.888.778.4010 within PA) ensures that faculty, students, and staff have the information technology tools and infrastructure necessary to carry out the University's mission. ITS provides the infrastructure that enables members of the Penn State family to make maximum use of the appropriate information technology tools in their learning, teaching, research, outreach, administration, and support activities, and the cost-effective information technology resources required to support continuous improvement in the University's ability to fulfill its diverse mission. For more information on ITS go to http://its.psu.edu.

Lactation Stations can be found througout campus.  They can be reserved for 30-minute blocks.  Prior to using the campus Lactation Stations you will be required to attend a brief orientation meeting.
During this meeting, you will:

1. Review Lactation Station policies and procedures

2. Complete required paperwork

3. Learn proper use and maintenance of the pump and kit provided by The Breastfeeding Support Program, if applicable.

At University Park, call 814-867-0776 or email breastfeeding@psu.edu. If you are interested in using a campus Lactation Station, please see the Contact Information page.

The Breastfeeding Support Program at Penn State provides rooms (Lactation Stations) at several locations on the Penn State University Park campus, as well as, Abington, Harrisburg, Hazleton, Schuylkill, Fayette, Erie, and Worthington Scranton campuses. These rooms are available to all Penn State students, faculty, staff and their spouses/domestic partners to provide a comfortable, convenient place on campus for breastfeeding or pumping.

The nearest lactation stations to the Nese College of Nursing are room 142 Nursing Science Building, Room 0031 Biobehavioral Health Building, and Room 245 Health and Human Development Building. 

To learn more about the lactation stations, please visit: https://hr.psu.edu/current-employee/benefits/work-life/breastfeeding-support/lactation-stations

All Penn State campuses provide full service libraries on site. The Penn State ID card serves as the library card and provides access to the electronic and print media needed to support your graduate studies.

Complete information on all University Library locations may be found at: http://www.libraries.psu.edu/psul/home.html.

A series of FAQ’s and useful “how to” instructions may be found at: https://psu.libanswers.com/search/.

Campus-specific libraries often host basic seminars to help navigate the system. Please consult the campus library for further information.

Most importantly, if you have difficulty locating or retrieving information, please discuss the issue with your course instructor as soon as possible so that you may be guided toward appropriate resources.

Important Notes regarding the Library include:

1. All changes to your postal and/or email address must be reported directly to the University Libraries. The Libraries are not notified of any address changes reported to the Registrar, Bursar, or any other Penn State office.

2. Notices for materials on hold, recalled and overdue materials, overdue and replacement fees, will be sent by email, unless requested otherwise.

3. The University Libraries remain open through all semester breaks and intersessions, with the exception of official University holidays. Please consult http://www.libraries.psu.edu/psul/hours.html for the Libraries schedule during these times.

4. Librarians are available to assist you in navigating the system or in locating specific materials. Use the ASK! Page to contact a librarian in real time or via email: http://ask.libraries.psu.edu/?stream=8.

The Lion’s Pantry is a student-founded, student-run, and student-led organization providing support to students, faculty, and staff experiencing food insecurity. We offer free, nutritious food and other essentials to help you stay healthy and focused on your academic and professional goals. You can learn more about our team here. 

Crisis Service Lines (24/7)- Text "LIONS" to 741741 or call (877) 229-6400

CAPS ( Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.) (814) 863-0395

Penn State Police - (814) 863-1111 or 911

University Park

All graduate students must register their motor vehicle with the University Parking Office. Information on parking permits and student lots at UP is available at https://transportation.psu.edu/student-parking.

There are several city-owned parking lots and garages within walking distance of the University:

1. Beaver Avenue, just West of Allen Street

2. Frazer Street, 3/4 of a block South of College Avenue

3. Pugh Street, 126 Pugh Street

3. Garner Street, 1/2 block South of College Avenue

4. McAllister Street, ½ block South of College Avenue

Hershey Medical Center and other campuses: consult Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing office staff.

It is required that all students activate their access account. An Access Account is a user ID (xxx123) and password that enables Penn State students, faculty, and staff to use the full range of Internet services on or off campus, at computer labs or on personal computers. In order to access the necessary information technology services needed in for your graduate studies, students must first activate their Penn State Access Account.

To activate your Access account, you can activate electronically or in person. You will receive an email, addressed to the email you used to apply for graduate school, with links and directions on Access account activation. If you did not receive this email, check your spam or junk mail folders to make sure it wasn’t filtered. If you are on campus you can activate your account at a signature station. If you need support in getting your access account working, refer to this webpage https://accounts.psu.edu/. 

When you applied to our program, you also applied for a Friends of Penn State account. This is the account you used to fill out and check on the application. Your access account may look similar to your Friends of Penn State account but is not linked in any way. MAKE SURE TO USE A COMPLETELY NEW PASSWORD when setting up access account to ensure you do not have any trouble with login.

Also, when verifying your information to complete the Access account process, you will be asked your birthday and zip code. USE THE ZIP CODE YOU USED WHEN FILLING OUT YOUR APPLICATION.

Please make sure you have read and understand Penn State Policies regarding computer and network security:  https://policy.psu.edu/policies/ad95. This includes important information such as not sharing your account and/or password with anyone.

All students should check their Penn State email accounts regularly for bursar account notifications, course information, campus events and more. Once your Penn State Access Account has been activated, use Penn State Office365 (http://office365.psu.edu/) to login and view your email. Students can also find a link to Office365 at the top. You can set up preferences to have your Penn State email forwarded to a personal email account. Faculty and Staff will use the Penn State (@psu.edu) email account address for communications to students throughout the academic program. It is the student responsibility to routinely monitor this account and not use personal email accounts for communications related to academic activities.

You can find more information about your Penn State email accounts by visiting the IT electronic mail website (https://accounts.psu.edu/).

Email in Canvas can be created in Canvas using the Inbox, but responded to with your PSU email. You can also receive notifications as a text message. Refer to the Canvas Support page for students (http://canvas.psu.edu) for more information and setting up your devices.

The Penn State ID+ Card is the official University identification card. It provides easy access to Penn State resources including student discounts and library materials. All students should obtain an id+ card. Hours and office locations vary by campus.  

The Statistical Consulting Center (SCC) is a team of faculty, staff and graduate students in the Department of Statistics at Penn State. The Statistical Consulting Center was created to offer the University a statistical support service for new research in various disciplines. Their consultants are statistical graduate students, professors and professionals trained in classical and new statistical techniques that will guide you in developing strong hypotheses and sound decisions. The SCC invites you to visit their web site https://scc.stat.psu.edu/ to learn more about the SCC’s activities in research collaboration, training and short-term consulting. 

Several types of resources are available to develop and strengthen the writing skills of graduate students.

1. Credit Courses: Each semester two courses in writing are offered specifically for graduate students -- no undergraduates can enroll in these courses. In order to enroll, a student must be working on current projects, such as summaries, critiques, and proposals required in class.

• English 497G - Thesis and Dissertation Writing Workshop - is a three-credit graduate course designed for students whose native language is English.

• SpCom 497G - Thesis and Dissertation Writing for Non-Native Speakers of English - is a three- credit graduate course designed for non-native English students.

2. In both of these courses, you will receive individual help throughout the semester with your nursing program writing assignments. For the times and registration numbers of these courses each semester, check the listing of courses on the Web at http://www.registrar.psu.edu/.

3. Non-credit Workshops: The Graduate School offers a number of workshops each semester on aspects of writing, such as developing effective sentence structure, reducing wordiness, organizing ideas, understanding grammar, and using documentation. Most of these workshops are offered in the evening or on Saturdays; some are on one day and others include several sessions. Flyers on fall and spring workshops will be sent to the various graduate programs.

4. Penn State Writing Center: Some support is available through the writing centers on the University Park campus in 219 Boucke Building. The center is staffed primarily by undergraduates who have been trained in basic grammar and style concepts.

5. Graduate Writing Center: The Graduate Communication Enhancement Program, in cooperation with the Graduate Student Association, provides a Graduate Writing Center in the Graduate Commons, 111-L Kern Building. The Graduate Writing Center provides trained, friendly, and free peer consulting for graduate students of all disciplines and all levels of writing ability.

6. Writers are invited to schedule appointments for one-to-one collaborative discussions about theses, dissertations, seminar papers, proposal, or whatever writing projects students are currently undertaking. These discussions of writing seek both to generate productive feedback about specific projects and to improve students’ writing and critical thinking abilities in general.

7. The CON uses the APA Manual for writing. Students are responsible for applying the most recent publication of the manual of the American Psychological Association.

8. Nese College of Nursing In-House Scholarly Writing Specialist. 

The Penn State World Campus provides distance education learners with high-quality academic resources. For more information go to: http://student.worldcampus.psu.edu/academic-support-resources/graduate-writing-center. In addition, faculty may refer you for writing support through tutor.com.