Advising | Penn State College of Health and Human Development

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Academic advising in Human Development and Family Studies is intended to help you get the most out of your academic career and set you on a path toward achieving your goals. A full-time designated HDFS adviser is here to help you navigate course selection, interpret your academic record, and understand how HDFS can help you achieve your goals.

We encourage all HDFS majors to meet with their adviser every semester, so they can get to know you, learn about your interests and experiences, and help guide you as you reach for your goals.

All HDFS majors also have access to a Canvas site with detailed information about upcoming events, degree requirements, great classes and hands-on experiences for HDFS students, important forms, and ways to prepare for common career paths.

Your HDFS adviser is also a great person to turn to if you need additional support. They can connect you to other University resources related to financial aid, mental and physical health, academic support, career guidance, or other needs. We care about your success and are here to help.

Current HDFS Majors: We encourage all HDFS students to meet with the academic adviser every semester. To schedule an appointment, please use Starfish appointment scheduling. The HDFS adviser should be your assigned adviser in Starfish.

If you have any difficulties, please call the HDFS Main Office at 814-863-8000 for assistance, or email the adviser with your question.

When you arrive for your advising appointment, please check in by using the touchless QR Code in 119 Health and Human Development Building. Have a seat on the white benches outside room 119 HHD, and the adviser will come get you when it’s time for your appointment.

Students Exploring the HDFS Major: If you have a quick question about the major, feel free to email the HDFS adviser. If you are considering entering the major, call the HDFS Main Office and schedule an appointment with the academic adviser so they can review your academic records and provide you with individualized guidance. Please call 814-863-8000 to schedule an appointment.

Students Exploring or Completing the HDFS Minor: The HDFS minor is very straight forward and most questions about it can easily be answered over email. Please send an email to the HDFS adviser with any questions about the minor.

If you are considering majoring or minoring in HDFS, the academic adviser is here to help. They will review your academic record, listen to your future academic and career goals, and help you think about how HDFS might fit into those plans. They are also available to assist with the change of major process for students who wish to transfer into HDFS.

First-year Students: Pre-major and first-year students in the College of Health and Human Development whose intended major is HDFS or who are exploring HDFS as an option will be advised by a pre-major adviser in the college's advising center. Your adviser’s information can be found by clicking the Academics tab in LionPath. If you have difficulty determining who your adviser is or how to schedule an appointment, please call the HHD Student Services Center at call (814) 865-2156.

Additional Student Supports

Learn more about other HDFS undergraduate program options and requirements.