INTO USF Undergraduate Pathway Program A Welcome Guide for New Students
2
WELCOME TO INTO USF THE UNDERGRADUATE PATHWAY PROGRAM
Welcome, New Students! The Undergraduate Pathway Team would like to personally welcome you and congratulate you on your admission to the Undergraduate Pathway Program! This Welcome Guide contains important information about what to expect during your time in the Pathway Program and is designed to help you better prepare for your arrival. Please complete any required forms provided in the Pre-Arrival Checklist on the next few pages. We are very excited for your arrival and look forward to meeting you at the INTO USF Orientation! Sincerely, The Undergraduate Pathway Team
3
TABLE OF CONTENTS HERE’S WHAT’S INSIDE Pathway Program Progression Requirements
Pg 4
Important Dates
Pg 6
Pre-Arrival Checklist
Pg 7
Forms You Must Sign
Pg 7
Orientation
Pg 8
Online Learning
Pg 10
Academic Advising
Pg 12
Academic Expectations
Pg 15
Academic Integrity
Pg 16
General Education Requirements
Pg 18
Technology
Pg 20
Navigating American Culture
Pg 22
Adjusting to a New Culture
Pg 23
Self Care
Pg 24
Campus Smoking Policy
Pg 27
Glossary
Pg 28
4
5
REQUIRED TESTS Math Placement Test Students will have access to the online Math Placement Test before Pathway orientation. Live sessions will be held to provide students with instructions about how to access the test. You can learn more about the topics by visiting math.usf.edu/placement/ and then selecting “Content.”
ACT or SAT Students must have an official ACT or SAT score on their USF record before they can progress to USF from the Pathway. The score of these tests is not important, it’s only required that you have one.
Some students may have taken one of these tests already— that is great! Email your Pathway Academic Advisor with this information once you arrive and your advisor will tell you how to have the scores sent to USF. It is okay if you have not taken one of these tests before you arrive to USF. Your INTO academic advisor will provide more information about registering for and taking a test once you arrive.
6
IMPORTANT DATES INTO Pathway Orientation Begins
August 18th—21st, 2020
Fall Semester 2020 Classes
August 24th, 2020
Thanksgiving Holiday-No Classes
November 26th& 27th, 2020
Last day of Fall Classes on Campus
November 25th, 2020
Classes Only Online
November 30th—December 4th, 2020
Final Exams Week (online only)
December 5th-10th, 2020
Supplemental Documents for Accelerated Students are Due
December 7th, 2020
Progression Decision
December 21st—24th, 2020
• Changing your program (major) is NOT possible once you arrive at INTO USF. If you are interested in changing your program, please email INTOAdmissions@usf.edu as soon as possible. • Changing from an Accelerated Pathway to a Standard Pathway is possible until the end of the first week of classes. If you want to make the change now, please email your request to INTOAdmissions@usf.edu as soon as possible.
7
PRE-ARRIVAL CHECKLIST ITEMS TO BE COMPLETED All new students in the undergraduate Pathway Program are required to complete the items listed in the checklist below. To access and submit electronic versions of the Attendance and Dismissal Policy Form and the Progression Agreement Form, please click on the links provided on these pages. Students must submit these forms prior to arrival to INTO USF.
FOR STUDENTS IN THE ACCELERATED  Progression Agreement Contract
8
ORIENTATION WHAT TO EXPECT All new students beginning the Pathway Program are required to attend INTO USF Orientation. The goal of Orientation is to familiarize you with the resources available to assist you with your academic, immigration, and personal needs. Because this semester everything will be conducted online, you will be invited to a Canvas course with modules with information about Finance, Immigration, and the Credentials areas. The “Meet Your Academic Advisor” and the “Learning Resource Services” sessions will be held live. Your Academic Advisor will send you a TEAMS invitation to join the session. During the “Meet Your Academic Advisor” session, students will: • Meet their Academic Advisors and learn about how they can assist students in meeting academic goals. • Learn more about progression requirements, undergraduate requirements, and culture shock. • Learn about the technology used in the Pathway Program and have time to answer any questions you may have.
9
Orientation is an opportunity for meeting other incoming Pathway students as well as so be prepared to make new friends and have fun!
Watch this video for a glimpse of what former INTO USF students experienced at their Orientation!
10
11
12
UNDERGRADUATE PATHWAY TEAM INTO academic advisors are a student's academic advocates within the Pathway program and are interested in student development. Academic advisor’s guide students through the USF progression requirements and are invested in the student success. Advisors are aware of USF and Pathway requirements and can answer your questions, or direct you to one of many campus resources. Your INTO Academic advisor will assist you with course planning, registration, and academic counseling.
13
“
I have been advising at USF INTO Pathway for over five years working with the Computer Science, Science and Engineering cohorts. It is important to me that my students, progress from the INTO Pathway program into USF and are properly informed of the USF programs and services offered to them. In my free time, I enjoy working on my house, attending sporting events, and fishing.
”
Matthew Dailey, M.S.
“
What I enjoy most about being a Busi-
ness and Pathway Academic Advisor is getting to help others and getting to learn about new cultures and new places. Seeing students adapt to new
surroundings and ultimately achieve their goals in another aspect that makes advising so rewarding. My best advice to students is don’t be afraid to
Andrew Smith, B.S.
ask for help!
There are many re-
sources available to help you succeed, so take advantage of them!
14
ACADEMIC ADVISING • • • • • • • •
What an Advisor DOES: Registers students for class Reviews grades and discusses future grade requirements Helps with goal setting Discuss majors and minors at USF Meet with students regarding academic concerns Provide USF resources and contacts Provide feedback on cultural situations Help with language to use in challenging situations What an Advisor Does NOT Do:
• • • • • • • • •
Change class schedule Change grades Change instructors Review essays Process documents (transcripts, tests scores, etc.) Answer questions on immigration Answer questions on housing Answer questions on finance Speak to instructor/professor on student behalf
15
ACADEMIC EXPECTATIONS Students in the INTO USF undergraduate Pathway program often experience a shock at the differences between high school and university life. High school students often have reminders to
do work, and are even reminded when to sleep. Students in the Pathway program are considered to be university students, so they are responsible for their own schedule. This is a big adjustment and many students struggle in their first semester. In the Pathway, you will be expected to:
Check your usf.edu email every day. You must also read and respond to all emails from your advisor, teacher, or any other university staff. Meet with your Pathway advisor whenever you have a question or concern. Advisors, not friends, have the best advice about academics. Study every day! Build time into your schedule so that you study every day, Your advisor can help you build a study schedule. Attend classes and take notes. You can't pass a class if you do not attend.
16
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY Academic Integrity means honesty in all schoolwork. Students at INTO USF and the University of South Florida are expected to follow the rules for academic integrity. According to the USF Undergraduate Catalog, students can break the code of academic integrity by: • • • • •
Cheating Plagiarizing Forgery Submitting multiple instances of the same work Assisting another student in academic dishonesty (Complicity) • Misconduct in research Prior to arriving to the INTO USF Pathway Program, students must learn more about the University of South Florida’s Commitment to Honor and to complete to the Academic Integrity Tutorial.
17
Why is this important to me? Because once you begin your Pathway, you will be taking USF courses. This means that you must follow the same rules for academic integrity as all other USF students. Instructors will expect that you will know about plagiarism and how to avoid it. Many countries have different rules for writing and using words from someone else in your essays, but once you begin classes at USF, you must follow the USF rules. Learning these rues prior to arrival will help make the transition to your INTO USF courses much easier.
Learn more about Academic Integrity at USF • Complete USF’s Academic Integrity Tutorial + Quiz by clicking here. • Learn about USF’s Undergraduate Commitment to Honor by clicking here. These are the expectations that all USF students are expected to follow. • Once you arrive to the INTO USF Pathway Program, attend the ‘Academic Integrity’ workshop offered through the INTO USF Tutoring Center. Check with the INTO USF Tutoring Center for dates and times.
18
GENERAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS A degree means more than understanding one subject. The world needs people who can write, do math, think, analyze, AND relate history to current situations. This is why education in the United Stated requires that you study more than just one subject. This is known as General Education and is required for all students. Students in the Pathway Program will study many subjects. They include: • American Culture • Humanities • Math • Science
All students are required to take these subjects and each course “counts” towards graduation. Your advisor will explain how each course fits with your individual major within the first few weeks of the semester. Make sure you attend all advising so you can learn more about the General Education requirements.
19
USF MATH SEQUENCE Students will take a math placement test during orientation for the INTO USF Pathway Program. Students will be placed into one of four levels of math depending on their score. Students can begin at any level of math depending on their math test score, but cannot place higher than Calculus 1 in their first semester of study. Students will need to pass the previous level to complete each subsequent level of math.
Engineering and Science Pathways
Business Pathway
Helpful Links USF: Department of Mathematics and Statistics This page contains a brief overview for many of the math courses at USF. It shows what each level of math at USF covers in a semester. Virtual Math Lab (West Texas A&M)
Education, Liberal Arts, Visual & Performing Arts Pathways
This website contains a collection of step-by-step tutorials in the college algebra, intermediate algebra, etc. Each section contains learning objectives, introductions, tutorials, practice problems, and a section if you still need extra help on the topics.
20
TECHNOLOGY Students in the INTO USF pathway program use a variety of technology that is necessary to their success for academic purposes. It is important that students understand how to use it, and how they can access it. Canvas is the online portion of your class. Teachers keep readings and important documents Canvas, and students submit homework through Canvas. OASIS is where students access their important information. Most importantly, this is where you find your course schedule! GradesFirst & Microsoft Teams is the system used to schedule appointments with your advisor and with a learning consultant. USF Email: Once you arrive, your teachers, advisors , and tutors can only use your USF email to communicate with you— they cannot email your personal account. Check your email every day!
21
ACTIVATING YOUR NET ID Before you arrive to USF, it is important that you activate your NetID. This is the username and password you will use to log in to all USF computer systems, and it will be used on the first day of orientation. Students who have not activated their NetID before arriving to USF will experience delays on the first day of orientation. It is important that you set activate your NetID as soon as possible. You have already received an email from the INTO Orientation Office (INTOOrientation@usf.edu) with directions to activate your NetID. If you haven’t already activated it, please do so immediately. If you have questions about how to active it, please contact INTO Orientation at the email address provided above.
22
NAVIGATING AMERICAN CULTURE ADJUSTING TO CULTURE IN THE UNITED STATES Adjusting to a new culture can be challenging. Here are some customs to be aware of and tips to help you once you arrive in the U.S. You will likely find familiar cuisines around USF and the Tampa area. However, restaurants adjust flavors to the American palate so the food may not be as spicy or flavorful as you remember your home meals to be. It is important to address an individual by the correct title when corresponding through email, phone, or in a face-to-face conversation. This chart will help you identify some of the more common titles you will use on a daily basis. Individual Man–married or single
Proper Title Mr. [mis-ter]
Woman–single/marital status is unknown Ms. [mis] Woman–married
Mrs. [mis-iz, miz-iz]
College level teacher
Professor
If professor has a doctorate degree
Dr. [dok-ter]
23
24
SELF CARE http://www.usf.edu/campus-life/health-safety.aspx
You are about to experience an exciting but stressful time as you begin your studies abroad. It will be very important that you maintain your health and wellbeing so that you have an enjoyable and successful experience in the Pathway Program. The USF Wellness Center offers services and resources to help students develop a healthy lifestyle.
This short video will help you understand the warning signs and myths about self care and mental health.
25
Questions?
26
About your I-20, Visa, or I-start? Make an appointment with International Services by clicking below: bit.ly/oisadvisingrequest About progression, registration, or other academic concerns? Make an appointment with your Academic Advisor by clicking below: https://intousf.gradesfirst.com About preparing for a test, a paper, or class? Make an appointment with a Learning Consultant by clicking below: https://intousf.gradesfirst.com Insurance Questions? INTOInsurance@usf.edu Housing Questions? INTOHousing@usf.edu Finance Questions? INTOFinance@usf.edu
27
ATTENTION USF IS A SMOKE-FREE CAMPUS USF is committed to providing a safe, healthy and enjoyable learning, living and working environment. On January 4, 2016, the USF Tampa Campus became entirely tobacco and smoke free. Smoking and use of tobacco products are not allowed in any indoor or outdoor area, including parking garages, grounds, sidewalks or recreational areas. This policy also includes the use of e-cigarettes.
Policy Highlights • The Tobacco and Smoke Free Policy is enforced by anyone present on USF property (Students, faculty, staff, visitors, etc.). • Smoking, tobacco use, and use of related products is against the rules on all property owned, leased or operated by USF. • Policy applies to all faculty, staff, students, vendors and visitors • "Smoking" is defined as (1) inhaling, exhaling, burning, carrying, or possessing any lighted type of matter or substance that contains tobacco and all tobacco-derived products. • Policy prohibits the use of e-cigarettes and related devices. • "Tobacco Use" is also prohibited, which includes smokeless tobacco, such as chewing tobacco. Complete policy: Here Campus boundaries map: Here Resources: Here
Respect the Rules. Respect Others. Live with Honor.
28
GLOSSARY Accelerated Pathway Program: one-semester program in which students take courses in their chosen department and must successfully complete all progression requirements by the end of their first semester in order to be admitted to USF. Add/Drop week: The first week of classes when schedules can be adjusted without penalty. Students in the Pathway Program must meet with their advisor to request schedule changes. Credit Hour(s): is the unit of measuring the educational credit a student earns, usually based on the number of classroom hours per week. See USF’s policy for credit hours including online courses here. Department: a division of a university devoted to a particular academic discipline. GPA (Grade point average): a student's overall academic performance. A GPA is a conversion of the letter grade to a 4.0 grading score and averaged by the total credits taken. Prerequisite: A required course that must be completed before a student is allowed to enroll in a more advanced one. Progression: Successful completion of the Pathway Program and admission to USF. Progression Requirements: the requirements that students in the Pathway Program must meet in order to be fully admitted to USF. See your Progression Agreement to determine the requirements for your program. Standard Pathway Program: two-semester program in which students take courses in their chosen department as well as English for Academic Purposes courses. Students must successfully complete all progression requirements by the end of their second semester in order to be admitted to USF. Transcript: A certified copy of a student’s educational record containing titles of courses, the number of credits, and the final grades in each course. Withdraw: to formally stop participating in a course or attending a university. Students in the Pathway Program may not withdraw from a course. Withdrawal from the Pathway Program requires a meeting with your Academic Advisor, Immigration Advisor, and the INTO Finance Office.