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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.

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Transitioning to the american university

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  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

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