U.S. University Academic System

1. NC STATE UNIVERSITY U.S. University Academic System Office of International Services http://www.ncsu.edu/ois

2. Questions • “What do you expect at a U.S. University?” • “What is expected of you at a U.S. University?” • “What are you most excited about?” • “What you are most concerned or anxious about”

3. NC STATE UNIVERSITY U.S. Educational System Research: You will be expected to: Apply both theoretical and practical knowledge Think critically, personalize and synthesize what you learn Not just recite memorized information Come up with, organize, present, and defend your own hypotheses (in writing and verbally) Research and write your own papers, citing (giving credit) to all other research you utilized

4. NC STATE UNIVERSITY U.S. Educational System (cont.) • Environment: • Succeed in varied learning environments • Be highly interactive (with students and instructors) • Be both an individual and a team contributor • Be member of (participate in) a learning community • Be ready because things move quickly! (tacit knowledge challenge)

5. NC STATE UNIVERSITY Some Big Differences • Programs/course-selection are not preset (you choose) • There is no “easing in” – work begins immediately • Group work is very common. Necessary for you to be involved in order to succeed • Professors (and advisors) likely more accessible but they expect you to come to them with your challenges • Involvement outside of classroom is part of the university’s learning strategy (Alexander Astin’s Involvement Theory)

6. The Involvement Rule of Three • Engage in Academics • UGSA / GSA for your department • Study groups with others from different countries • Use tutoring/writing services • Get involved in something familiar • Find a way to enjoy your hobby at NC State • Join your region/country’s student organization (or start one!) • Try something new • Learn a new skill or hobby at the Crafts Center • Practice a new sport through a class at the gym • Go on an Alternative Service Break with CSLEPS • HANGOUT WITH PEOPLE FROM COUNTRIES DIFFERENT FROM YOUR OWN • Attend a NC State sporting event

7. NC STATE UNIVERSITY Instructional Technology Social Media (Twitter, Facebook, etc.) Mediasite, Camtasia, Moodle Library resources: including citation builder: http://www.lib.ncsu.edu/citationbuilder/

8. NC STATE UNIVERSITY Resources Department/College Academic Advisors, Tutoring Services, and Study Groups Graduate Writing Center: http://tutorial.ncsu.edu/gwc Thesis and Dissertation Support Services: http://www.ncsu.edu/grad/dss/ University Housing: http://www.ncsu.edu/housing/ Counseling Center: http://healthcenter.ncsu.edu/counseling-center/ Office of Student Conduct: http://studentconduct.ncsu.edu/

9. NC STATE UNIVERSITY • Read (and re-read as necessary) the syllabus for each class • Know and follow the university’s policies for academic integrity • Speak with your professors in class and out of class • Work with your academic advisor even when everything is going OK • Go to class, don’t miss assignments, and don’t let yourself fall behind • If you’re struggling, get help using the resources available, and speak up! • Become friends with Americans and be involved in non-academic activities (UAB and OIS are good places to start!) Tips for Success Practice and engage outside of the classroom!