1 / 20

Transitioning to the american university

Shelley Blundell, Communication and Information Weronika Kusek , Geography. Transitioning to the american university. Welcome to Kent State!. Congratulations on your decision to pursue higher education in the United States.

jackie
Download Presentation

Transitioning to the american university

An Image/Link below is provided (as is) to download presentation Download Policy: Content on the Website is provided to you AS IS for your information and personal use and may not be sold / licensed / shared on other websites without getting consent from its author. Content is provided to you AS IS for your information and personal use only. Download presentation by click this link. While downloading, if for some reason you are not able to download a presentation, the publisher may have deleted the file from their server. During download, if you can't get a presentation, the file might be deleted by the publisher.

E N D

Presentation Transcript

  1. Shelley Blundell, Communication and Information WeronikaKusek, Geography Transitioning to the american university

  2. Welcome to Kent State! • Congratulations on your decision to pursue higher education in the United States. • This presentation is aimed at familiarizing you with some basic and unique features of American universities. • We will do our best to introduce the independent, open, and self-driven culture of American classrooms, so please feel free to ask questions at any time during our presentation. • Mission and vision of Kent State (2013)

  3. Your advisor • Consult with your dept. for advisor’s name/contact info. • Advisors can help you schedule classes and plan your program of study. • Keep in touch via email, visiting during office hours, etc. • Advisor can serve as a mentor during your studies.

  4. Program/Plan of study • Usually developed in first few semesters of graduate study (advisor may help). • “Contract” with university. • Deadlines are important.

  5. Other information sources • Ask advisor if there is a departmental listserv and join if one is available. • Purpose of Graduate Studies listserv. • Consult dept. website for news, course information, assistantship/internship announcements, etc.

  6. In the classroom [1] • Class policies given in syllabus – familiarize yourself with this document for each class. • American teaching styles – often student-centered, discussion-based, interactive. • Regular attendance and being on time is key. • Feel free to ask questions and express point of view during class time.

  7. In the classroom [2] • Your opinion is valuable, but be respectful and respect the opinions of others as well. • Tone of voice makes a difference. • Practice objective/critical writing styles (for assistance, consult professor/classmates/Writing Commons).

  8. Class technology • BlackBoard Learn – online course management software. • Online courses: Learn typical, but not necessarily used by all instructors. Check your syllabus. • Be sure technology requirements are understood/followed/met on deadline. Ask questions if unsure.

  9. Useful campus resources [1] • University Libraries • KentLINK and OhioLINK, Inter-library loan • Meet with a librarian (research assistance) • On-campus vs. online book sellers/renters • Career Services • IT Services (Helpdesk, Tech Spot, software) • PARTA, other transportation services

  10. Useful campus resources [2] • Student Support Services • Student Legal Services • University Health Services • Counseling Services • Student Life tab on www.kent.edu for more

  11. Academic honesty • Plagiarism: Claiming someone else’s work/intellectual property as your own. • “Accidental” plagiarism: Forgetting to cite or include in references author of work. • NOTE: Kent State makes no distinction about plagiarism (accidental vs. non) in terms of sanction and disciplinary action. If you have questions about plagiarism, consult professor.

  12. Tutoring/course assistance • Math tutoring and Writing Commons • English speaking/writing tutoring available through ESL Center. • Other tutoring available (by subject). • Ask classmates/professors for assistance.

  13. Testing at Kent State • Testing styles differ by school, department, and courses (depending on style of professor). • Different methods of ‘testing’ (outlined in syllabus). • Examples of testing. • Be prepared, ask questions, seek help when needed.

  14. Making friends • “Friend” Americans or long-time U.S. residents – can help you acclimate while in the United States. • Someone you can trust, can ask for help. • Keep his/her contact details (phone no., etc.) with you in case of emergencies. • Conversation Partners program • International Peer Advisor program • Kent State International Mentors program

  15. Stores/international options • H.O.M.E. Market (in Acorn Alley). • Haymaker Farmer’s Market. • Some grocery stores sell international foodstuffs/products. • OGE’s “Spice Run” tours. • ACME, WalMart, Aldi, Save-a-Lot. • CVS, Walgreens, Drugmart.

  16. Recreation options in Kent • Student organizations/groups. • Recreation and Wellness Center. • Community resources – new Esplanade, numerous bars and restaurants, lots of nature activities. • University-funded events all year. • Graduate Student Senate – Gradfest.

  17. Graduate Student Senate [1] • Monthly meetings – open to the public. • Supporting body for all graduate students at Kent State. • Domestic and international travel grants: International students welcome to apply.

  18. Graduate Student Senate [2] • Events • Gradfest – usually first Friday of every month. • First Fall Gradfest – August 23, 2013. • Free pizza and ‘fun’ prizes given! • Annual Graduate Research Symposium • April 11, 2014

  19. Final thoughts/comments • Pay attention to OGE updates/news/visa information. • Lots to discover at Kent State. • Explore Kent’s many wonderful features. • Take advantage of opportunities that America has to offer (cheap/convenient travel, etc.). • Questions/comments/concerns?

  20. Thank you for attending GSO! For additional questions, contact: Shelley Blundell – sblundel@kent.edu WeronikaKusek – wkusek@kent.edu

More Related