TRANSITIONING TO THE
AMERICAN UNIVERSITY
Julien Roland, Translation Studies
Shakhnoza 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 studentcentered, 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.edu
Shakhnoza Yakubova– syakubov@kent.edu