International Cultural Service Program
The 2011/12 Student Handbook
TABLE OF CONTENTS Overview
Introduction
What is ICSP? How is ICSP organized at PSU? What are you required to do as an ICSP member? ICSP Coordinators and Advisor require that all ICSP members… Additional Requirements ICSP Website “Your Page” on the ICSP Website Guide: How to find pending requests? ICSP Presentation
What types of Cultural Services can I perform? What type of presentation is required? Who is the audience? What topics should be covered in the presentation? How long should the presentation last? What types of audio visual (AV) technology are available? Where will the presentation take place? Important to remember Glossary
OVERVIEW This handbook is designed for International Cultural Services program (ICSP) members at Portland State University (PSU) to learn more about: the organization and requirements of ICSP at PSU ways to perform cultural services. The ICSP is the most prestigious international student scholarship program at PSU. International Students selected as ICSP recipients are awarded remission of approximately 40% of their international tuition and fees. In return for the scholarship, students are committed to perform a minimum of 90 hours of cultural services each academic year.
INTRODUCTION What is ICSP? The International Cultural Services Program is an international student scholarship program. The Oregon State Board of Higher Education approved the program, which began in 1983, to attract and retain high quality international students to the state universities and colleges. The ICSP was designed to provide Oregon communities with valuable exposure to the world's cultural diversity. Students, in addition to the financial assistance, will gain a better understanding of their own culture, a more accurate insight into American culture, and the opportunity to improve public speaking skills. ICSP students visit classrooms and community organizations to discuss and share cultural aspects of their country.
How is ICSP organized at PSU? Portland State University has about 25 to 30 ICSP members each year. ICSP at PSU is administered by two ICSP Student Coordinators who are supervised by the ICSP Advisor.
All ICSP members work under the supervision of two ICSP Coordinators. ICSP Coordinators manage the assignment, performance and evaluation of cultural services.
What are you required to do as an ICSP member? Specific ICSP requirements are established by a Program Coordinators and their Advisor and are aligned to the state requirements.
AS A PARTICIPANT IN THE ICSP, I AGREE THAT I WILL:
1. Maintain legal non-immigrant status in the appropriate visa classification I will notify the ICSP advisor immediately if I apply for or receive work authorization in connection with an application for permanent residency 2. Complete 9 (GR ) / 12(UG) credits each term 3. Maintain a 3.0 GPA each term 4. Complete my service commitment of approximately 90 hours per year 5. Complete 2 to 3 cultural presentations per term 6. Attend all of the ICSP meetings per term or contact ICSP adviser or ICSP coordinators in a timely manner if there are any conflicts with the meetings 7. Visit ICSP coordinator twice per term and the ICSP advisor at the end of the term 8. Complete and submit the recording time sheet before the end of the term 9. Be on time and well prepared for presentations. I will notify the contact person and the coordinators if I am ill or have a conflict in a timely manner 10. Complete and return student evaluations after each presentation 11. Take responsibility to read and respond to all e-mails sent by coordinators / advisor 12. Have a positive attitude! I will be collegial and communicative with other participants, coordinators, and the ICSP advisor 13. Uphold the goodwill and reputation of the ICSP both on and off the campus. Remember – you are an ambassador of your university as well as your country! 14. Understand that any academic or non-academic disciplinary status may jeopardize my ICSP award. 15. Have fun!
ICSP Coordinators and Advisor require that all ICSP members: Give the same commitment to the program as you would do for an academic program Check emails from coordinators and an advisor and respond to them in a timely fashion Check ICSP website for requests for cultural services and meetings and respond to them in a timely fashion Attend all ICSP meetings in Fall, Winter and Spring and contact ICSP coordinators or an advisor if you are unable to attend You are required to meet with your ICSP coordinator twice per term and once with ICSP advisor as your final meeting (one week before finals) in order to have your hours approved The time sheet needs to be submitted with no exception two weeks before the end of the term Promptly return the evaluation(s) form(s) after performing any cultural service Use your ICSP name tag at every ICSP related event.
Additional Requirements: Update the board once per academic year Update the blog once per term
ICSP Website: Please log in to the ICSP website at: www.icsp.pdx.edu User name: (full name no capital letters) Password: (first name) You will be allowed to change it. Use your user name and password and update your bio and a photo. Please follow the guide on the next page
“Your Page” on the ICSP Website: Go to http://www.icsp.pdx.edu/icsp/ Click on “For ICSP students” Click on “My Account” Log in with your username and password Click on the “Edit tab” Upload a picture Click on the ”Profile tab“ Update the information using these guidelines:
Guide: How to find pending requests? ICSP website should be checked daily for any pending requests. Below please find a guide on how to do it: Go to http://www.icsp.pdx.edu/icsp/ Click on “For ICSP students” Click on “Requests pending” The list of requests will be displayed Check if they are already takes, if not see below Read the description of the event Look at your availability for date and time If it is pending, please contact the person who is requesting the presentation and confirm the details and please do not forget to “cc” ICSP coordinators at icsp.psu@gmail.com Remember, when you reach your contact, you will be the one initiating the conversation. Be certain to state your name and say that you are the PSU ICSP member who has been selected to give a cultural presentation. For example:
"Dear _______, My name is (
). I am with the ICSP Program at Portland State
University from the country of (
). I am calling to confirm my
presentation scheduled for (date) (time) and (location). I understand you would like me to talk about (
). Are there any additional topics of
interest you would like me to include or highlight?"
ICSP PRESENTATION What types of cultural services can I perform? Performing “cultural service” is one of your obligations as an ICSP member. Cultural service is rewarding and fun and is a great way to improve your public speaking, leadership and organizational skills. Cultural service is defined as:
Speaking or giving demonstrations to schools or community groups about your home country’s history, cultural framework, and societal, political and/or religious issues. Helping students get to know your language Assisting teachers in Oregon schools with their classes focusing on your home country Participating in international programs or events at PSU and other schools or community groups Assisting in the translation of educational materials Consulting with business, industry or governmental agencies about your home country
What type of presentation is required? A cultural presentation can be anything from a brief discussion to a formal presentation or lecture. Knowing the purpose of the request helps you to plan and prepare the presentation accordingly.
Who is the audience? You could be asked to speak to an audience of young children, teenagers or adults so you need to tailor your presentation accordingly. For example, young children have a short attention span so detailed presentations could lose their interest quickly. Young children like to ask and answer questions, to touch and look at objects and ask a lot of interesting questions. Teenagers and adults are usually more interested in contemporary issues. They prefer listening to you and answering questions. Knowing your audience helps you to make your presentation lively and interesting for both you and your audience.
What topics should be covered in the presentation? It is important that you ask the person who has requested the service what they would like you to talk about so that you can create a unique presentation for them.
How long should the presentation last? Knowing the expected length of your presentation will help you to plan accordingly
What types of audio visual (AV) technology are available? You should ask your contact what types of AV equipment are available. Knowing the type of AV technology available prevents you from having a presentation you cannot use.
Where will the presentation take place? Most presentations will take place outside the PSU campus. Therefore, it is necessary to arrange transportation to take you to the presentation venue and to bring you back. Public transportation is a viable option, but generally it is always good to inquire about the possibility of an arranged pick-up and drop-off. When arranging transportation, be very specific about details (time and place) and remember to write them down to prevent any confusion. Many people are unfamiliar with the PSU Campus, so it is important to give street names and clear directions. For instance, you might suggest that you will meet the person transporting you near Smith Memorial Student Union at the intersection of Broadway and Harrison Streets. Smith Center is on the right-hand side of Broadway; Broadway being a one-way street. Have the person describe the car they will be driving, so you will recognize it easily.
Important: Be professional If the contact person is not available, leave your name, phone number(s) and the time(s) you can be reached. This gives the contact person the opportunity to return your call. Communicate with your ICSP Coordinators and your ICSP Advisor. They are here to help you. Enjoy your time in the ICSP Program with you new ICSP Family!
Glossary ICSP = International Cultural Service Program ISSS = International Student & Scholar Services PSU = Portland State University You = ICSP Recipients We = ICSP Coordinators AV = Audio Visuals PPT = Power Point
Contact Information Physical Address: East Hall Room 122 A Portland State University Mailing Address: Portland State University ICSP-OIA PO Box 751 Portland, Oregon 97207-0751 Phone: 503.725.8569 Fax: 503.725.5420 E-Mail: icsp.psu@gmail.com www.icsp.pdx.edu