TRANSITIONING TO THE AMERICAN UNIVERSITY

Julien Roland, Translation StudiesShakhnoza Yakubova, Higher Education Administration

Welcome to Kent State!

• Introduction• Goals of the workshop– Cultural Differences– Academic Culture– Kent State Resources

• Structure of the Workshop

Your First Day in US

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 GradFest Dates: 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.eduShakhnoza Yakubova– syakubov@kent.edu