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Julien Roland, Translation Studies Shakhnoza Yakubova , Higher Education Administration. Transitioning to the american university. Welcome to Kent State!. Introduction Goals of the workshop Cultural Differences Academic Culture Kent State Resources Structure of the Workshop.
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Julien Roland, Translation Studies Shakhnoza Yakubova, Higher Education Administration Transitioning to the american university
Welcome to Kent State! • Introduction • Goals of the workshop • Cultural Differences • Academic Culture • Kent State Resources • Structure of the Workshop
Experiencing Culture Shock • Defining Culture Shock ‘a feeling of confusion, doubt, or nervousness caused by being in a place (such as a foreign country) that is very different from what you are used to’ (Merriam-Webster)
Stages of Culture Shock • States: • Honey moon • Distress • Reintegration • Autonomy/Acceptance • Independence • Note: it may last 3-6 month
Coping with Culture Shock • Become a part of the community • Make new friends • Stay connected with family back home • Make your space comfortable • Explore the neighborhood
Making friends • Differences in the concept of friendship across the cultures • Conversation Partners program • International Peer Advisor program • Kent State International Mentors program • Gradfest • GSO Social Events
US Academic Culture • Concept of Time & Deadlines • Communication with Professors/Advisors • Office hours • Syllabus • Citations • Types of assessments • Midterms, Finals, Papers, Projects, etc.
Program/Plan of study • Usually developed in first few semesters of graduate study (advisor may help). • Review your plan annually. • Course Projection
In the classroom • American teaching styles – often student-centered, discussion-based, interactive. • Regular attendance, participation and being on time is expected. • Feel free to ask questions and express point of view during class time. • Practice objective/critical writing styles (for assistance, consult professor/classmates/Writing Commons).
Academic honesty & Plagiarism • 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.
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.
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.
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.
Useful campus resources [1] • University Libraries • KentLINK and OhioLINK, Inter-library loan • Meet with a librarian (research assistance) • Library is open 24 hours (mostly) • VPN • On-campus vs. online book sellers/renters • Career Services • IT Services (Helpdesk, Tech Spot, software) • PARTA, other transportation services
Useful campus resources [2] • Student Support Services • Student Legal Services • University Health Services • Counseling Services • Student Life tab on www.kent.edu for more
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.
Recreation options in Kent • Student organizations/groups. • Recreation and Wellness Center. • University-funded events all year. • Graduate Student Senate – Gradfest.
Graduate Student Senate [1] • Monthly meetings – open to the public. • Supports all graduate students at Kent State. • Domestic and international travel grants: International students welcome to apply.
Graduate Student Senate [2] Fall 2014 GradFestDates: August 22, 2014 at Zephyr Pub (6pm-8pm) October 3, 2014 (location TBD; 6pm-8pm) November 7, 2014 (location TBD; 6pm-8pm) Annual Graduate Research Symposium April 3, 2015
Questions? Comments? Concerns?
Thank you for attending GSO! For additional questions, contact: Julien Roland – jroland2@kent.edu Shakhnoza Yakubova– syakubov@kent.edu