Transylvania University New International Student Orientation

Summer Preparation Program 2015

Module #3:

Taking Control of Learning: Academic Resources and You

Deadlines:

Complete the module and post on your blog your answers to the pre-reading and
post-reading questions by 5:00pm EDT on Monday, June 29

Instructions: Complete this module by following the directions in each step.

Step One: Pre-Reading Questions

Answer the pre-reading questions below on your blog. Make sure to respond in complete
sentences and whole paragraphs:

What kinds of academic servicessupports like tutoring, etc.are common in your

home country?
What are your experiences with tutors and tutoring in your home country?
What kinds of academic support would you like to have as you study in the United
States?
Step Two: Vocabulary

Study this vocabulary list. Use the Merriam-Webster Learners Dictionary to help you define the
terms below. In your responses/blog posts, practice using five (5) of these terms:
academic credit
impact (verb)
enrollment/enroll
mindset
habit/habits
anxiety
procrastination
comprehension
anticipate
utilize
academic support/supports
tuition
facility/facilities (noun)
drop in (verbal phrase)

achieve
efficiency
effectiveness
appropriate (adjective)
strategy/strategies
motivation
concentration
attitude
decode
anticipate
tutor
drop-in (adjective)
session

mnemonic
outreach
seminar
dynamic (adjective)
request
confirmation
maximize
subject/discipline (academic)
testimonial
academic service/services
tutee
appointment
schedule (noun and verb)

Step Three: Cultural Considerations

Study these cultural considerations:

Academic support services are essential parts of learning on U.S. university campuses,
and they work best if you decide how each fits into your academic success plan as soon
as you arrive.

You pay for these services through your fees/tuition, so take advantage of them, and
keep in mind that they work best when you use them strategically and consistently
throughout your time as a student.

Tutoring is an important part of academic success for many students at U.S. academic
institutions; in fact, the average grade point average (GPA) of many students who use
tutoring services consistently and regularly as part of the plans for academic success
tends to be quite high.

University peer tutors do not teach anything; instead, they work with students as
collaborators to clarify texts (e.g. written, visual, digital texts), practice learning
strategies, and find/explore content related to specific academic subject areas.

Do not expect tutors to complete your homework for you, speak on your behalf to
professors, re-teach to you what the professor has already taught, or accept gifts of any
kind.

Expect tutors to work with you to develop strategies for completing college-level reading
assignments; comprehending subject area content and concepts; studying for quizzes
and exams; understanding lectures and class discussions; preparing for class
discussions; and finding other academic resources online and on campus that might
help you succeed as a student.

Tutoring occurs in special locations on campus: writing tutoring occurs in the Writing
Center located in the Haupt Humanities Building, and subject tutoring occurs in the
Academic Center for Excellence (ACE) located on the lower level of the library (see
maps posted for you under the Module #3 tab on the program blog). Note: Some
Writing Center tutoring occurs in the ACE; see the schedule for details.

Tutoring does not occur in unofficial locations on campus, such as dormitory rooms,
residence hall social spaces, or Jazzmans, the coffee shop.

University librarians are essential academic resources; ask them for help as you
research for projects, presentations, and writing assignments.
Step Four: Academic Services

What academic support services are available to you at Transylvania? Study the websites and
handouts below to learn more:

To Succeed with Academic Writing

Transylvania Writing Center: https://www.transy.edu/academics/writing.htm
Located in the Haupt Humanities Building, rooms 12 and 15, the Writing Center is your place for
help with critical reading assignments, writing assignments, and presentation assignments.
Consultants are trained writing specialists and are familiar with the specific concerns of
multilingual writers. In fact, many of them are multilingual writers themselves!
Visit Becky Mills at the Center or email her at bmills@transy.edu to sign up for an appointment
with a consultant. Or you may schedule an appointment online at
https://transy.mywconline.com/. Note: The Writing Center service works best when you begin in
the early stages of a project and continue to visit throughout the writing process. Don't forget
that you can also meet with consultants in the librarys Academic Center for Excellence (ACE).
See the ACE information below for more details.

To Improve Your Study Skills

Learning Skills Program: https://www.transy.edu/about/faculty_bio.htm?ID=0192670
Want to learn more effective ways to take notes, engage in class discussions, or organize your
study time most effectively? The Learning Skills Program is your opportunity to sharpen these
and many other skills essential to your academic success at Transy. Mr. Greg Strouse will work
with you as a student in one of the Master Student classes or one-on-one in individual coaching
sessions. Get started by contacting him at gstrouse@transy.edu.
For more on the Transylvania University Learning Skills Program, read Learning Skills Program
Overview, Learning Skills Master Student Class, Learning Skills Program Specialized
Learning Skills Classes, Learning Skills Academic Power Presentation, and Learning Skills
Program Student Testimonials of Success Note: Posted for you under the Module #3 tab on
the program blog.

To Conduct Academic Research

Gay, Jr./Thomas Library Transylvania University Library Services:
https://www.transy.edu/academics/library.htm
The library is the scholarly heart of Transylvanias campus, housing books, periodicals, audiovisuals, and online resources that support Transylvanias mission of providing a quality liberal
arts education. In the library you will find these people, places, and services:

Reference librarians who help answer research questions and give guidance on
scholarly resources: http://libguides.transy.edu/people

Special collections, including the Farris Rare Book Room, an extensive collection
of nineteenth-century medical texts, and the Transylvania University archives:
https://www.transy.edu/academics/library/collections.htm

Hands-on software training in the Technology Learning Center

Group study rooms, multiple computer labs, and media viewing rooms

To Find Subject Area Tutoring Services

Dugi Academic Center for Excellence (ACE) academic subject tutoring:
http://tinyurl.com/ppob77r (information)
http://libguides.transy.edu/ACETutoring (tutoring schedule)
Located on the lower level of the library, the ACE is your place for tutoring help in many
academic subjects. Contact the library library@transy.edu or Charlotte Taraba
ctaraba@transy.edu with any questions.

To Discuss English Language Learning Successes and Challenges

James Wright, English as a Second Language (ESL) Instructor and Consultant:
https://www.transy.edu/about/faculty_bio.htm?ID=0588529
I am here to work with you on any of your assignments, including writing, reading, and speaking
assignments. In the August, fall, winter, and May terms, I keep hours just for you every day. Visit
me in Old Morrison 110 or contact me at jwright@transy.edu to set up an appointment. We will
discuss your concerns about academic work and develop strategies for improvement. Like the
Writing Center service, your work with me is most effective if you see me early during a project
or as soon as a concern arises.

To Plan Your Professional Career

Career Development Office: http://www.transy.edu/careerdev/#
Begin to think about graduate school and jobs. When you arrive at Transy, visit the Career
Development Office to work on your resume, cover letter, internship and graduate school

application materialsand to develop solid strategies for success with your career plans. Visit
the Office on the lower level of the Mitchell Fine Arts Building (MFA) or contact the Office at ggcareerdevelopment@transy.edu to set up an appointment.

To Expand Your Studies Beyond the United States

Study Abroad Office: http://www.transy.edu/programs/study_abroad/
You might enjoy travelling and learning in cultures outside of the United States. Why not travel,
learn, and get academic credit, too? Consider contacting the Study Abroad Office for
opportunities to widen even further your intercultural experience. Visit the Office at 421 North
Broadway (second floor), or contact Kathy Simon at ksimon@transy.edu for more information
about how to begin making your travel-learning plans reality!

To Build Your Team for Academic Success

Professors, instructors, and advisors
https://www.transy.edu/programs/firstyear/advising.htm
Having problems deciding on a major? Wondering about internships? Wanting to study abroad
or concerned about a specific class? Just need somebody to talk to about your
academic progress? Want to consider interdisciplinary studies or having trouble adjusting
to academic expectations/culture here? Your professors and instructorsand
your advisor
are all here to address these and many other questions with you. Reach out to them and stay in
touch about your concerns and successes.
August Term Scholars
https://www.transy.edu/academics/august_term.htm
After New International Student Orientation, you will begin August Term, a three-week
period
of study before upperclass students return to campus. First-year students work together to
sharpen their critical, analytical, and interpretative skills while making new friends and
discovering new interests. Its the perfect opportunity to get oriented to college life; participate in
a wide range of social and intellectual activities; forge a new identity with classmates; learn
about the campus; and explore the Lexington community.
Your August Term class will include one August Term Scholar, a student selected by faculty to
assist in your learning. You can talk with your Scholar about Transy academic culture,
assignments, and any concerns as you adjust. Check out the pictures of the 2015 August Term
Scholars here: http://tinyurl.com/pen3cyg.
ACE/FYSE/FYS Academic Peer Mentors

As a student in first-year seminar courses, you will meet with Peer Mentors (PMs) in the
Academic Center for Excellence to discuss the cultural contexts of texts/readings and ways to
use the academic supports (e.g. librarians, faculty, ESL instructor, Writing Center staff, Learning
Skills Program, adviser, etc.) that help you with your academic progress. The PMs are here to
share their experiences with you and to help you build strategies for using all of the academic
support services available to you.
Academic Center for Excellence (ACE) Reading/Discussion Series (August Term)
During August Term, all new international students will meet with Mr. Wright (me!) in the ACE to
discuss readings and academic concerns. We will specifically focus on critical reading skills and
find ways to address concerns about writing, studying, and using academic supports at Transy.

To Get Involved in Programs for International Students

Transylvania University International Students Webpage:
http://www.transy.edu/admissions/international.htm
Check out the webpage for general information about various programs and opportunities for
you as an international student on campus!

Step Five: Using Academic Support Services

How do you use these academic support services? Read each of the points below for
suggestions:
View academic resources and support services as regular and essential features of your
success as a student. In other words, use Writing Center services, ACE tutoring, and other
services to prepare for class discussions, assignments, and exams. Make these supports part of
your habits of preparing for all of your classwork. In the process, you will avoid procrastination,
improve on academic skills, and give yourself plenty of time to work through assignments. Time,
as we know, is an important concern, especially in your first year as a student. Support services
help you organize your time by orienting your coursework strategically across the entire
academic semester. Such organization and planning reduces the stress that comes with
approaching courses without strategic plans for studying and preparing.
Be smart when you schedule appointments and choose drop-in meetings with academic
services. During August Term, revisit the websites of our services and, if possible, go to the
offices and introduce yourself. You can get to know the specialists and peer-tutors with whom
you will be working during your time at Transy and familiarize yourself with the facilities.
Then, in your first week of Fall Termand every termreview the course schedules in your
syllabuses. Notice all the deadlines for essays and projects. Make note of quiz and exam dates
and times. On a master calendar of your own, mark in the days you will need to visit tutors,

attend a Learning Skills Program class, or make appointments with Greg Strouse, Learning
Skills Program Coordinator, or James Wright (me!), the English as a Second Language
Consultant. Below are some possible scenarios:
The Introduction to Psychology Course Scenario
On the Introduction to Psychology course calendar, you notice that an exam is scheduled for
three weeks from the first day of class. You plan to regularly study the lecture notes provided to
you by the professor, attend and participate in class, and read and annotate the textbook.
However, you still dont understand some of the terms and the applications of the theories. What
can you do?
Schedule dates and times for ACE subject tutoring
First, on your master calendar, write down at least one date a week for the next three weeks
during which you can visit the psychology tutor in the ACE. Check the ACE tutoring website for
times the tutor is available and then write down a time for each date youve chosen. Make sure
to attend those sessions as if they are required of you as a student in the class; hold yourself
true to your scheduled dates and times.
Schedule dates and times to visit your professor
After you decide on your tutoring schedule, review the course syllabus for the professors office
hours. On your master calendar, mark at least one date and time for each of the next three
weeks during which you can visit your professors office to ask specific questions about the
material you are studying for the exam. Email or talk with the professor face-to-face to request a
visit on your chosen dates and times. Dont worry if the professor needs to schedule other dates
and times with you; its a natural part of this process. Always, though, remember that when you
schedule these office-hour visits you are expressing your interest in and desire to learn the
material. Professors really appreciate such effort and thoughtfulness! They want to meet with
you!
Create a reading and discussion group with your classmates
Consider, too, forming a reading and discussion group with your classmates. Choose two or
three (or more!) partners in the class and schedule times to meet up with them to talk about
course lectures and readings in preparation for your exam. Start this group early; do not wait
until the night beforeor even the week beforethe exam date. Instead, begin as quickly as
possible, meet in a relaxing environment that is quiet enough for study, and attend these
meetings regularly. Mark them down in your master calendar.
Talk with your August Term Scholar
Dont forget to contact and meet with your August Term Scholar, your friend and guide through
this process. If you have questions about how to contact or speak to a professor about your

concerns, how to use the ACE tutoring service, or how to form a study group, reach out to your
Scholar. He or she will help!
Talk with your ACE/FYSE/FYS Peer Mentors
If you are a student in FYSE, you can discuss how to contact or speak to a professor about your
concerns, how to use the ACE tutoring service, how to understand cultural contexts of what you
are reading in the psychology class, and how to form a study group with your ACE/FYSE/FYS
Academic Peer Mentors. As part of the first-year program, you will have set times during which
you will meet with them. You can ask your questions during those meetings and work out
strategies together!
Work with your English Language Specialist
Consider, too, emailing or taking face-to-face with James Wright, English as a Second
Language Instructor (me!). I hold daily office hours every day of the week just for you. We can
work specifically on strategies for taking exams in the English-language context. Start working
with me early in the semester; do not wait until the night beforeor even the week beforean
exam is scheduled. Instead, lets begin as quickly as possible and meet in a relaxing
environment (my office or elsewhere). Mark our meeting dates and times down in your master
calendar.

The First-Year SeminarExpository Writing (FYSE) Scenario

On the FYSE course calendar, you notice that your first draft of the first essay assignment is
due three weeks from todaythe first day of class. You plan to complete all the shorter writing
activities and readings related to the essay assignment, and you know that the essay will take a
lot of time and concentration for you to complete over the next few weeks. What can you do to
make the best of this experience?
Schedule dates and times to meet a Writing Center Consultant
First, on your master calendar, write down at least one date a weekover the next three weeks
during which you can visit a peer consultant in the Writing Center. Since this is your first time
working with the Center, go there; introduce yourself to Becky Mills, the office coordinator, and
the tutors; and familiarize yourself with the facility. If you have any questions about how to
schedule an appointment online using the online scheduling system, ask Becky. If you know
how to schedule online after listening carefully to Mr. Wright during the orientation, visit the
Writing Center scheduler online and choose at least one date and time every week for the next
three weeks during which you can work with a peer consultant. Make sure to attend those
sessions as if they are required of you as a student in the class; hold yourself true to your
scheduled days and times. Note: The Writing Center requires you notify Becky Mills if you want
to cancel an appointment. Simply not showing up at the Center on your appointment date/time
could result in your loss of Writing Center privileges.

Schedule dates and times to visit your professor

After you schedule your Writing Center appointments online, review the FYSE course syllabus
for the professors office hours. On your master calendar, mark at least one date and time for
each of the next three weeks during which you can visit your professors office to ask specific
questions about the essay assignment and a draft of your essay. Email or talk with the professor
face-to-face to request a visit on your chosen dates and times. Dont worry if the professor
needs to work out other dates and times with you; its a natural part of this process. Always,
though, remember that when you schedule these office-hour visits you are expressing your
interest in and desire to become a stronger writer! Professors really appreciate such effort and
thoughtfulness! They want to meet with you!
Turn to your ACE/FYSE/FYS Academic Peer Mentors
While they do not work with you on writing assignments, your ACE/FYSE/FYS Peer Mentors
can certainly discuss the readings associated with a writing assignment. Most of your writing
assignments at Transy are in response to or at least include in some way reading from
textbooks, collections of essays, journal articles, etc. Understanding these texts fully is the first
step to writing a strong report or paper! So, if you would like to discuss the meanings, contents,
etc. of a text before writing, talk to your PMs during one of the scheduled meetings in the ACE.
Maybe generate a group conversation about the reading and the assignment, discussing how
the two connect and what parts of the reading on which you can focus as you begin
brainstorming your writing.
Work with your English Language Specialist
Consider, too, emailing or taking face-to-face with James Wright, English as a Second
Language Instructor (me!). I hold daily office hours every day of the week just for you. We can
work specifically on strategies for learning and practicing academic writing in English, including
grammar, if needed. Start working with me early in the semester; do not wait until the night
beforeor even the week beforean essay is due or an exam is scheduled. Instead, lets begin
as quickly as possible and meet in a relaxing environment (my office or elsewhere). Mark our
meeting dates and times down in your master calendar.

Step Six: Post-Reading Questions

Answer these post-reading questions on your blog:

What academic support services do you plan to use as a student at Transy?

How do you plan to use these services?
Who will you ask to be on your academic success teamand why?