Center for International Faculty and Student Services * Faculty advisor * Program in American Language Studies * Learning Resource Centers * Beyond the Answer Sheet * Citing, copying * Teaching styles * Addressing professors * Course credit system * Customizing your plan of study * Gift policy
is your best resource for questions regarding visa and immigration status, resident vs. non-resident tuition, taxes, etc. The Center also has information on organizations and social and cultural events. For example, you can pick up a flyer describing the Metro International programs for international students, which include tours and workshops. The Center is at 180 College Avenue (across from Alexander Library), making it easy for you to drop in and become acquainted with their services (phone 932-7015), http://cifss.rutgers.edu/current/index.html .
Here are suggestions from one of our international students:
"1. International Student Affairs Committee (http://gsa.rutgers.edu/~isac) - I signed up for its e-mail list and it is extremely useful regarding the daily life issues. My friends and I bought/sold used cars, went to some garage sales for dormitory needs and engaged in some international student activities via the e-mail list. Those who could subscribe the e-mail list and send/receive e-mails are all international students. It has a sense of international community in it. I am still a subscriber of the e-mail list.
2. Graduate Student Association has a listing of existing graduate student organizations - http://gsa.rutgers.edu/existing_gso.html This listing could help international students find their own ethnic association, for example, I found Taiwanese Graduate Student Association from this listing and also many other countries. I believe this will be very helpful for those who would like to find some fellow friends from their home towns."
is your first recourse for information and advice on academic matters. Former international students say that it is especially helpful for you to pick an advisor early and to meet with her or him regularly.
Rutgers Libraries offers a Library Guide for International Students and also a brief Library Terminology: A Guide for International Students that may prove useful introductions to the American library system.
is the place to go for opportunities to polish your language skills. After assessing your current speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills, PALS staff advise you on appropriate classes to take. The phone number is 732-445-7422; http://pals.rutgers.edu/
located on several campuses (http://lrc.rutgers.edu) are available to you for help with writing and study skills. This is one-on-one help at no charge and very much worth your while to investigate.
Written by William Badke, this book professes to "take the mystery out of Western academic life." Beyond the Answer Sheet can be found online at http://www.acts.twu.ca/lbr/answer_sheet.htm -- click on "Preview this title electronically."
are highlighted in an article about cheating, http://www.insidehighered.com/news/2007/05/24/cheating. For more on the Rutgers policy on academic integrity, see http://ctaar.rutgers.edu/integrity/policy.html
in U.S. graduate programs tend to differ from those practiced in many other countries. Classes are less formal, and are not confined to the lecture mode. Students are expected to ask questions and to make comments. Instructors often see themselves as learning facilitators rather than experts delivering the "correct" information. It is important for students to think critically and to weigh information from many sources, including their own experience.
seems to be an issue for some students. To be on the safe side, use "Professor" or "Doctor" (to tell whether an individual merits the latter, check the bios in the faculty section). Visiting instructors (or adjunct faculty, as they are sometimes called), may use Mr. or Ms. if they do not have a PhD -- they should let you know how they want to be addressed. If a faculty member prefers that you use a different form of address, they will let you know. Quite a few of us like to think of you as our almost-colleagues, and therefore use first names. I myself like to have students use my first name, although I will answer to Prof or Dr if it makes a student more comfortable.
at Rutgers is based on 40 hours of class over the course of a 15-week semester being equal to 3 credits. Thus, 12 courses are required to complete the 36-credit MLS degree program. You take a minimum of 9 credits a semester to be a full-time student. The syllabus for each course should tell you how your course grade will be determined. You should note that we are quite inflexible when it comes to due dates and deadlines. If requirements are not clear to you, please ask your instructor at the beginning of the course. Also, be sure you understand expectations in regard to written work. For 501, for example, the "reaction paper" can be quite informal and personal. The same holds true for journals that may be required in some courses, such as my Field Experience (610:592) and Planning Outreach Services (610:517) -- I will not be bothered by spelling and grammar errors. Term or final papers for courses, however, should be written in formal style and should be carefully proofed for correct spelling, grammar, and usage.
to reflect your particular background and career goals is important. You know best what will be most relevant when you return to your home country, and you should explain this to your adviser, so that he or she can help you to achieve your goals. Independent study, an internship, seminars in the doctoral program, or courses elsewhere in the University are options you should consider. Several faculty have some expertise in international librarianship, and are as interested in learning from you as you are in learning from us.
While it may be the custom for students in some countries to give gifts to faculty, that is not the case in the U.S. In fact, we urge you to refrain from this practice -- NO GIFTS, PLEASE!