Last Updated 08/21/2015
Navigating Your Graduate School Experience
American University and the School of International Service offer a range of services and opportunities that can help you make the most of your experience in a graduate
program. Below you will find a sampling of important individuals, offices and organizations that can contribute to your success as a student and a professional.
ACADEMIC
RESOURCES
PROGRAM
RESOURCES
BEYOND-THE-CLASSROOM
RESOURCES
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
RESOURCES
Academic Advisors
Program Coordinators
Office of Merit Awards
SIS Career Advising
•
•
•
•
Advise on overall program of study
Assist with course selection
Explain graduation requirements
Serve as resource guide/University
navigator
• Help students make connections between
academic and professional goals
www.american.edu/sis/gradadvising
• Connect you with faculty who share your
interests
• Expose you to extra-/co-curricular
opportunities
• Act as a resource during your transition
back to school
• Provides information to students through
a national directory of scholarships
• Works with students through
competitive processes for Fulbrights,
Boren Fellowships and other awards
• Includes staff dedicated to SIS Graduate
students
• Offers self-assessment tools, resume
review and interview prep
• Available via walk-in hours, workshops,
and networking events
www.american.edu/careercenter/meritaw
ards/index.cfm
www.american.edu/careercenter
SIS Office of International Programs
Faculty
• Hold office hours where you can explore
your path in the field
• Speak at events on campus and in D.C.
related to their areas of expertise
• Provide intellectual guidance and
professional support
International Student & Scholar
Services Office (ISSS)
Skills Institutes
• Provides information on study abroad
programs
• Guides students participating in dual
degree and exchange programs with
international partners
• Offers international internship
placements
Check your program’s homepage for
Program Coordinator contact information.
• Provides information and support for
international students
• Offers community building programs for
international students to engage with
each other and with American students
• Intensive 2-3 day workshops designed to
introduce students to professional skills
relevant to careers in international
affairs.
www.american.edu/sis/skillsinstitutes
The Center for Teaching, Research and
Learning (CTRL) Lab
www.american.edu/sis/sisabroad/Index.cfm www.american.edu/sis/faculty/
www.american.edu/ocl/isss/
• Provides students with the tools needed
for research and learning.
www.american.edu/ctrl/index.cfm
Library
Program’s Student Organization
Academic Support Center
Student Organizations
• Offers classes and workshops on a range
of research skills
• Provides assistance through online chat
function
• Includes social science research expert
available for one-on-one appointments
• Houses the Graduate Resource Center
www.american.edu/library/
• Provides students opportunities to take
on leadership roles, initiate projects and
build community.
• Offers academic skills workshops,
individual appointments, peer tutoring
and academic writing assistance.
• Office of Disability Support Services:
Ensures that students with disabilities
have equal access to university services
and programs
www.american.edu/ocl/asac/
• Gain practical experience by getting
involved with organizations like AU
Negotiation Project, etc.
Check your program’s homepage for
program-specific organizations
www.american.edu/sis/resources/index.cfm
• SIS Graduate Student Council: promote
the interests of SIS graduate students
through advocacy and programming
www.american.edu/sis/graduatestudentcouncil/in
dex.cfm
Other Resources:
AUCentral (Financial Aid, Student Accounts):
www.american.edu/aucentral
Graduate Academic Regulations:
www.american.edu/provost/grad/2015-grad-academic-regs.cfm
Health / Wellness / Counseling Resources:
www.american.edu/ocl/dos/Health-and-Wellness.cfm
Office of Graduate Studies Useful Links for New Students:
www.american.edu/provost/grad/continuing-students.cfm