Spring 2023 STA Graduate Welcome Guide

INTO

Graduate

Pathway Program

Guide for

IMPORTANT REMINDER

For information regarding COVID guidance and summary of recent changes, please click on the link below: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019ncov/community/colleges-universities/ considerations.html

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THE GRADUATE PATHWAY PROGRAM WELCOME TO INTO USF!

Welcome to Pathway!

We are thrilled to be working with you on your journey to getting a degree at USF. We enjoy helping students learn and watching them meet their goals in classes and their new community. We are glad that we get the opportunity to support your goals and answer questions that you may have about resources at INTO, the campus, and surrounding area! Our advice to Pathway students is to know and use these resources. There are many people and services available to help you succeed, so don’t be afraid to ask for help!

GO BULLS!

TABLE OF CONTENTS

A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE REQUIRED FIRST STEPS...

Step 1: Click here to select your program, see the Progression requirements for your program, and sign the Progression Agreement form.

Step 2: Does your program have a testing requirement? Click here to learn about how to study for the GMAT/GRE. Only Standard 2nd semester and Accelerated students have to submit test scores before end of Spring 2023 semester.

Step 3: Click here to see more information about the required documents you will need to submit when you start your program.

Step 4: Take an online practice test for the GRE/GMAT if your program has a testing requirement. Click GMAT or GRE for more information.

Step 5: Send your records to INTOImmunization@usf.edu as soon as possible. Submit immunizations so that your pathway advisor can register you for courses. For more information about classes, Click here.

Step 6: Click here to familiarize yourself with technology you will need to use for your Pathway program, including creating a USF email, activating your NetID, Canvas, Microsoft Teams, etc.

Step 7: Remember to check your USF student email frequently for any communication about schedules, class options, and changes. Click here to log in to your USF email.

IMPORTANT DATES

GRE/GMAT Practice Test Deadline

INTO Orientation

First Day of Classes

Last Day to Make Schedule Changes

Spring Break—No Classes

January 1st, 2023

January 3rd - 6th, 2023

January 9th, 2023

January 13th, 2023

March 13th - 19th, 2023

Last Day of Fall Classes April 28th, 2023

Supplemental Documents for Accelerated Students are Due April 24th, 2023

GRE & GMAT scores for Accelerated Students are Due April 24th, 2023

Progression Decision Timeline for Progressing Students May 5th - 15th, 2023

ATTENTION!

Changing your major is NOT possible once Orientation begins. If you are interested in changing your program, please email USFAdmissions@intoglobal.com 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 USFAdmissions@intoglobal.com as soon as possible.

WHAT TO EXPECT ORIENTATION

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. You will receive more information about orientation close to the beginning of the semester.

During the Academic session, students will:

Learn more about progression requirements, graduate school expectations, and culture shock.

Learn about the technology used in the Pathway Program and have time to answer any questions you may have.

Learn about academic resources they can access to help them be successful

It is very important that you attend the Academic session presented by the Academic Team and ALLother orientation sessions so that you receive information specific to your program!

Your Pathway Academic Team is here to assist you with any concerns you may encounter throughout your time in the Pathway Program!

Jenny Schultz

Associate Director

Academic & Learning Support

PEOPLE YOU SHOULD KNOW INTO FACES

Karolina Goldberg Assistant Director Academic & Learning Support

Janna Eveland Associate Director Student Services

Brian Goercke Wellness & Welfare Specialist

Lynn Ravens

Assistant Director Enrollment Planning & Management

Donna Rock Coordinator for Learning & Management

Hong Wu

Fiscal and Business Assistant

INTO CONTACTS

International Services

Email: Internationalservices@usf.edu

Topics: I 20s, Social Security cards, anything immigration related.

INTO Finance

Email: INTOFinance@usf.edu

Topics: Payments, payment plans, etc.

INTO Admissions

Email: USFAdmissions@intoglobal.com

Topics: Change of program, deferrals, and cancellations.

INTO Activities/Events/Trips

Email: Into studentengagement@usf.edu

Topics: INTO and USF activities and trips.

INTO Transcript Evaluations

Email: INTOTranscriptEvaluations@usf.edu

Topics: Questions about official/unofficial academic transcripts, transcript evaluations, diplomas, etc.

INTO Health Insurance

Email: INTOInsurance@usf.edu

Topics: INTO Health insurance, health services, insurance holds.

INTO Housing

Email: INTOHousing@usf.edu

Topics: Questions about on campus and off campus housing.

TEXTBOOK LOCATION INFORMATION PURCHASING TEXTBOOKS

It is recommended that students begin familiarizing themselves with the content of the textbooks in their courses. You will need your course registration information or your NetID to locate your textbooks. Follow the steps on this guide to check your course registration in OASIS.

Follow these steps to locate and purchase your textbooks through the USF Bookstore:

Step 1: Visit https://www.bkstr.com/usftampastore/home

Step 2: Enter the necessary information to look up your required textbooks. For example, you can enter your 8 digit Student ID (EX: U12345678) or use your course schedule to locate the textbook for your course. Using schedule in the table below as an example, you would select “EEL” as the Department, “5250” as the Course, and “1” as the Section from the provided drop-down menus.

EEL 5250

Class Lecture Power System Analysis

Course registration is subject to change up until the first week of classes. Be aware before purchasing textbooks!

SELF CARE

EMOTIONAL, INTELLECTUAL, PHYSICAL, & SOCIAL WELLNESS

You are about to experience an exciting but stressful time as you begin your graduate studies. Here is a link to the Current Student Toolkit where you can find quick-links to helpful resources on and off campus. Click here for additional resources compiled by your academic advisors.

You can also go to the USF Health and Wellness website for information on recreation and other wellness services that you will have access to as a USF student. The USF Wellness Center offers in person and virtual services and resources to help students develop a healthy lifestyle.

As campus locations reopen, visit the Wellness Center and experience the amenities provided to help you relax and rejuvenate. For example, you can sit back and relax while you enjoy a free massage in one of the hightech Brookstone massage chairs.

Questions about self care and want to demystify mental health? Click the play button for a short video!

COPING WITH CULTURE SHOCK ADJUSTING TO A NEW CULTURE

Culture Shock can result in feelings of isolation, confusion, and distress following the move to a new country or entering a new education system. Students can start to feel Culture Shock during their first semester.

Culture Shock can cause students to:

lose motivation to study

stop completing homework

feel very tired in class

lose interest in academics

disconnect from friends

stop attending class

earn failing grades

wish to return home

The more you are aware of the impact that Culture Shock can have on you, the easier it will be for you to adjust to a new culture. Read the infographic on the next page to learn about the different stages of Culture Shock.

EXPECTATIONS OF GRADUATE STUDENTS GRADUATE SCHOOL

Graduate students are expected to be familiar with the appropriate behaviors, communication etiquette, and academic expectations observed at the University of South Florida.



Professors will expect you to meet with them or ask questions if you don’t understand something in your course. You can ask general questions in class or meet with professors during office hours or email them with questions that are specific to you.

 Read the syllabus carefully and follow instructions exactly as written. Consult the syllabus before asking the professor questions about an assignment. The answer may be in the syllabus.

 Be respectful toward your professors. “Yes” means yes and “No” means no. Avoid arguing or complaining about the professor’s expectations or course requirements to the professor. If you have questions or concerns, come meet with your Pathway Advisor to develop a plan to professionally discuss your frustrations with your professors.

 Meet social responsibility requirements by following the guidelines set by the university. You can find more information about USF’s Coronavirus response here.

5 Tips for Success in Graduate School

MANAGE YOUR TIME

Use an online calendar to access information on your appointments and assignment due dates on the go.

TAKE RESPONSIBILITY

If you need help, it is up to you to ask for it and to use the resources provided.

PERSEVERE

Understand that setbacks are a natural part of graduate school. Be persistent. Each day is an opportunity to start fresh.

CELEBRATE

Take the time to acknowledge your accomplishments and reward yourself for your successes.

TAKE BREAKS

Make time in your schedule to relax and have fun with friends and family.

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RECOMMENDED READING LIST

For more information about American culture and graduate school expectations in the US, read some of the articles and books below.

American Culture

Understanding American Culture: Tips for Acclimating to US Daily Life

Topics in this article include demeanor, personal space, having good relationships with Americans, greetings, and much more!

American Ways: An Introduction to American Culture (4th Edition)

Readers will learn to enhance their critical thinking, reading, and writing skills, while learning about American Culture. (You will need to purchase this book or find it online.)

Graduate School Expectations

Communication Strategies for International Graduate Students: Surviving and Thriving in American Academia

This manual gives information about American Culture, Educational Assumptions, Improving English Skills, and much more!

Getting Ahead as an International Student

This book explains how you will be expected to learn and study while in the U.S., how you can develop your skills to excel as an independent learner, and why universities use different methods of teaching.

STUDENT INVOLVEMENT

In-Person Involvement

Student organizations are a great way for new students to get involved on campus. With over 100 student organizations, from academic and professional organizations to special interest groups and multicultural student organizations, there is something for everyone! To find out more about USF’s student organizations as well as campus events and service opportunities, you can visit BullSync in “Student Organizations” on MyUSF or click here.

Virtual Involvement

USF World welcomes all USF students to join the World Library on Microsoft Teams! This is the perfect place to go if you are looking for a place to study, get work done, and be productive. It is organized by topics or “floors” for you to visit and interact with others asynchronously. For some more virtual fun:

From #INTuesdays, to Coffee Talks, to Virtual Game & Movie Nights, there is always something happening with INTO USF Student Services on Discord! There are events every week don't miss out on any of the fun!

HOW TO AVOID PLAGIARISM ACADEMIC INTEGRITY

PLAGIARISM

Plagiarism is the practice of taking someone else’s work or ideas and passing them off as your own work. Schools in the United States do not tolerate academic dishonesty and will impose serious consequences on students who plagiarize in their work. Students with online classes will also be strictly held to this standard.

Plagiarism includes:

Copying phrases, sentences, or paragraphs directly from a source without referencing where you found the information.

Copying another student’s homework.

Having another student write a paper for you.

Reusing a paper that you submitted in another class.

This video will help you understand different types of Plagiarism.

Consequences for

may include:

USF POLICY HIGHLIGHTS

NO SMOKING POLICY:

USF is proudly a tobacco-free campus. Smoking and use of tobacco products are not allowed in any outdoor or indoor area, including parking garages, sidewalks or recreational areas on campus. The Tobacco and Smoke Free Policy applies to anyone on USF property (students, faculty, staff, visitors, etc.). If you need help quitting, click here.

ACADEMIC POLICIES:

Learn more about the academic policies that can impact your student experience and academic record.

SEXUAL MISCONDUCT/SEXUAL HARASSMENT:

Sexual harassment, including sexual violence, is prohibited within the USF System. This policy provides in-depth information on this topic including the reporting process and investigation under Title IX.

COVID-19 SAFETY MEASURES:

USF continues to closely monitor the evolving coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. USF students, faculty and staff on campus will be required to follow a number of safety guidelines, including wearing masks, to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.

Student Code of Conduct: Here Tobacco Boundaries Map: Here OMBUDS Office: Here Victim’s Advocacy: Here

Respect the Rules.

Respect Others. Live with Honor.

OPTIONAL PRACTICAL TRAINING

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Optional Practical Training (OPT) is offered through the USF Office of International Services. This program is designed for international students who are interested in completing an internship related to their field of study and will need to obtain a work visa.

Students who complete the Pathway Program and progress to the University will be eligible for OPT after completing one academicyear(twosemesters)atUSF. Please be advised that semesters completed during Pathway do not count towards OPT eligibility. Click here for additional information on OPT eligibility.

GLOSSARY OF TERMS

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.

Core Course: a course required for the completion of a degree.

Department: a division of a university devoted to a particular academic discipline.

Electives: courses students can take for credit toward their degree, but are not part of the required course list.

Grades: a score or mark (A, B, C, D, F) indicating a student’s academic performance on an assessment, paper, or in a course. See USF’s grading system for more information.

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.

Pass/Fail: a grading system that results in either a pass or a fail grade, rather than a specific score or letter grade. At USF, this system results in an S (Satisfactory) or U (Unsatisfactory). If you are in the Standard Pathway Program, your English course is a pass/fail course.

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.

Supplemental Documents: documents such as resume, letters of recommendation, and statement of purpose which must be submitted to meet progression requirements. See your Progression Agreement to determine which documents (if any) need to be submitted.

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.

Waiver: the act of choosing not to require something that is usually required. Students in the Standard Pathway Program receive a TOEFL waiver upon successful completion of English courses.

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.