GRADUATE STUDENT ORIENTATION
AUGUST 25, 2015
“Understanding Kent State As An International Graduate Student”
SAMUEL BOATENG
Department of Ethnomusicology
sboaten1@kent.edu
ANUJ GURUNG
Department of Political science
agurung@kent.edu
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Learning and understanding the academic culture and expectations
o Be mindful of the concept of time in the US i.e. assignment deadlines,
meetings, classes etc.
o In as much as possible, respond to emails within a period of 24-48
hours
o Clear communication with professors, colleagues and department is
important
o Consult your plan of study regularly as well as your syllabi
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In-class nuances
o Your questions and comments are always welcome
o Engage your teacher and fellow students in discussions where
appropriate, maintaining a level of subjectivity to opinions other
than yours.
o Prompt attendance and participation are usually considered in the
assignment of final grades
o Remember to use citations: avoid plagiarism at all cost
o Acquaint yourself with learning and collaborative tools including
Blackboard, Google Docs., Dropbox, Trello etc.
o Do not hesitate to seek tutoring where available i.e. Writing
Commons, Math tutoring, ESL center
Culture shock
o Recognize that culture shock is a likely experience for many
international students
o Become a part of a community i.e. classmates, religious affiliations,
new friends at social gatherings, student involvement activities
o Stay connected with family and friends back home
o Keep in touch with GSO leaders
o Explore your new neighborhood
o Get involved with any of the following: Conversation partners
program; International Peer Advisor Program; Kent State
International Mentors Program
There is a comprehensive list of resources for students in the GSO handbook,
please refer to this regularly during your time here at Kent State
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