International Student and Scholar Handbook - USC Student Affairs ...

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Life at USC15Academics at USC InvolvementAcademics will be an integral part of your life here at USC. As aninternational student, you may need time to adjust to the U.S. style oflearning. Many professional resource offices are available at USC to assistyou in everything from academic advising to writing papers to personalsupport. These offices are listed below, and their services are free to USCstudents.Academic IntegrityAcademic integrity is a core value at USC.It is important to understand how it is definedand applied to academic conduct. At USC, it isconsidered academic dishonesty to engage inplagiarism, cheating, unauthorized collaborationand falsifying academic records. These fourgeneral ideas, common to the Americanuniversity system, may be new to you. Theyare defined as: Plagiarism – Using someone else’s work inany academic assignment without appropriateacknowledgement. Plagiarism includesparaphrasing another’s ideas or copying text,phrases or ideas from a book, journal, electronicsource or another person’s paper. Cheating – Unauthorized use of externalassistance or technology to completecourse work, such as using unauthorized(“crib”) notes during an exam, or using anunauthorized translation device to completecourse work. – Working withanother individual on homework, a project orother assignment without the explicit directionor permission of the instructor. Falsifying academic records – Altering ormisrepresenting of official documents, recordsor academic work.U.S. institutions emphasize accurate anddetailed documentation of sources usedfor writing and research based on the beliefthat a person can “own” original ideas, wordsand knowledge and must be given credit. Thismeans students must always properly cite thesources where information for writing andresearch was obtained. Any direct copying orverbatim quoting of material, for example,must be cited and documented. This may ormay not be emphasized or required in a student’shome country’s academic system, but itis taken very seriously at USC. To not citeSara ZolfaghariTehran, Irancorrectly can initiate a charge of plagiarism,which can have serious repercussions on theacademic record and visa status. If students donot know how to document or cite according toU.S. standards, they should speak with professors,use the services of the Writing Center orask American classmates for insight.Collaboration may be another difficult areafor international students to understand – whatis appropriate collaboration and what is consideredcheating or unauthorized collaboration?Some students’ home academic system mayhave encouraged group work where ideas, writingand papers, resources and even answersare commonly shared. However, in the UnitedStates, there can be clear lines about collaboratingand sharing with others and when it isnecessary for students to work independentlyto provide their own answers, write their ownpapers or create their own projects. Studentsshould clarify expectations of individual versusgroup work with the professor on any assignmentsor research to prevent consequences.Students increase their academic successwhen they understand the standards for judgingtheir academic conduct. The consequences fornot abiding by those standards can range froma failing grade to suspension or expulsion fromthe university, so it is imperative that studentsknow what is expected. Ignorance is not consideredan acceptable justification for violating academicstandards, as students accept the rightsand responsibilities of membership in the USCcommunity when they are admitted. For moreinformation, read the University Governancesection of SCampus or contact Student JudicialAffairs and Community Standards.Student Judicial Affairsand Community StandardsStudent Union 203 (Check the building directoryin August to confirm location.)(213) 821-7373www.usc.edu/student-affairs/SJACSAcademic AdvisementAcademic advisement is an ongoing processthat occurs in each USC department. Studentsconsult with their academic advisors to clarifyand evaluate progress toward academic goalsand discuss academic obstacles. While responsibilityfor academic success and achievement atUSC ultimately rests with students, advisorshelp develop educational plans consistent withyour academic goals and compatible withuniversity policies and procedures.Writing CenterTaper Hall 321(213) 740-3691www.usc.edu/writingcenterMon – Thurs: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. and7 p.m. – 9 p.m.(in Leavey Library, room 3Z)Friday: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.The Writing Center provides one-on-oneconsultations for any student who needshelp with writing, as well as regular workshopsdevoted to grammar, style and related skills.Center For Academic SupportStudent Union 301(213) 740-0776study@usc.eduwww.usc.edu/dept/LAS/casThe Center for Academic Support (CAS) contributesto a collaborative approach to learningin the academic community at USC. The CASstaff works to meet your individual needs asthey relate to learning enrichment. Servicesinclude tutoring and assistance in learningstrategies and study skills. CAS offers weeklylearning enrichment workshops in goal setting,time management, study skills, concentrationand memory, writing skills, test taking anxietyand note taking. You can also schedule privateworkshops for small groups. Services are freeto all USC students. A list of current LearningEnrichment Workshops is available in theSchedule of Classes (www.usc.edu/soc). CAS isopen Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to5 p.m.The Graduate SchoolGrace Ford Salvatori 315(213) 740-9033www.usc.edu/schools/GraduateSchoolThe USC Graduate School oversees graduatedegree programs and advocates on behalf ofgraduate students. The mission of the GraduateSchool is to promote a distinguished graduateeducational experience, to celebrate graduatestudent achievements, and to provide leadershipin the establishment and communicationof policies, standards and processes related tograduate education at USC.Graduate AssistantshipsThe Graduate School also sets policy and monitorsstandards for graduate assistantships atUSC. Details about assistantships can be foundin the Graduate Assistant Handbook on theGraduate School Web site, www.usc.edu/schools/GraduateSchool/current_guidelines_forms.html.Did you know…USC is the only university in the world tohave a gold medal-winning athlete in everysummer Olympiad since 1912?Getting InvolvedIn the United States, education is viewed asinvolving the whole person, mentally, physicallyand emotionally. Learning occurs not just inthe classroom but also outside the classroom,through activities, events and interactions withfellow students, faculty and staff.We encourage you to get involved at USCand to see your time here as an opportunityto invest in yourself, the vibrancy of the TrojanFamily and L.A.’s diverse urban community.It is a chance for you to interact and learn withpeople from all over the world and the U.S.and to gain skills and understanding thatwill enhance your education, employmentmarketability and personal insight.Campus ActivitiesRonald Tutor Campus Center 330 (Checkthe building directory in August to confirmlocation.)(213) 740-5693stuacts@usc.eduwww.usc.edu/caCampus Activities works with students andstudent organizations to provide educational,cultural, recreational and social programs.For a complete list of student organizations,visit the student organization Web site at www.usc.edu/stuorgs.International Students’ Assembly (ISA)Ronald Tutor Campus Center 224 (Check thebuilding directory in August to confirmlocation.)(213) 740-5656isa@usc.eduwww-scf.usc.edu/~isaClose to 15 nationality groups are representedin the International Students’ Assembly – oneof the largest student-run assemblies at USC.ISA, an umbrella organization to most ofINTERNATIONAL STUDENT AND SCHOLAR HANDBOOK 15
Life at USCResource Offices17the nationality clubs on campus, sponsorsinternational films, USC World Cup and variouscultural programs. Its two largest eventsare the International Food and Culture Fair,which features ethnic cuisines from differentnationality clubs, and International Night,which offers an exciting evening of culturalentertainment from around the world. Africa SCArmenian Students’ AssociationAssociation of Indian StudentsAssociation of Indonesian StudentsAssociation of Malaysian StudentsCaribbean Students’ AssociationCanadian Student AssociationChinese Students’ & Scholars’ AssociationChinese Students’ AssociationEuropean Student AssociationHong Kong Students’ AssociationIranian Graduate Students’ AssociationJapanese Student AssociationKorean International Students AssociationLebanese ClubNew Zealander Group (Kiwi Club)Singapore Students’ AssociationTESOL & TEFL SocietyThai Students’ AssociationTurkish Students’ AssociationVietnamese International Student AssociationFraternities and SororitiesStudent Union 200 (Check the building directoryin August to confirm office location.)(213) 740-2080www.usc.edu/student-affairs/greeklifeTwo types of USC social organizations, whichmay be new to you, are fraternities and sororities.Since they often use Greek letters as theirnames, joining a fraternity or sorority is referredto as “going greek.”A fraternity is composed of college students16 UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIAwho form a “brotherhood.” College fraternitiesare usually social organizations, where the“brothers” live together in one house. A sororityis the female version of a fraternity.In most schools, a recruitment period for newmembers occurs during “rush.” Potential membersthen receive a “bid” or invitation to joina fraternity or sorority. There is a new memberperiod when the student learns about the organization.At the end of the new member period,there is a lifetime initiation ceremony.Each organization is supported by the duespaid by its members. Many community service,leadership development, academic enrichment,social activities and parties are organized by thefraternities and sororities. Most fraternity andsorority houses are located on W. 28th Street,“the Row,” however some chapters do nothave chapter houses.Events at USCweb-app.usc.edu/ecal/custom/32sait.usc.edu/ca/campuscalendarThere are literally thousands of on-campusevents during the year sponsored by academicdepartments, student groups, Student Affairsand other campus organizations. Most are freeor have a small fee. Many flyers announcingevents are posted on campus.You can also stay informed of what’s happeningon campus by visiting USC’s online StudentEvents Calendar at sait.usc.edu/ca/campuscalendar.You can log in using your USC emailaddress and search the calendar by date, day,weekday or weekend, or type of event. Whenyou find an event that you wish to attend, youcan send it to your calendar or phone or emailit to a friend. You can also post events to thecalendar.USC Program Boardwww-scf.usc.edu/~prgbrdProgram Board is responsible for studentproducedcampus-wide programming, whichincludes concerts, performing arts, cultural andspecial events and Trojan Pride.USC Spectrumwww.usc.edu/student-affairs/spectrumUSC Spectrum, a program in Student Affairs,presents an annual season of arts and lectureprograms by nationally and internationallyknown artists and entertainers for the educationand entertainment of the USC community andits neighbors.Visions and Voiceswww.usc.edu/visionsandvoicesVisions and Voices is a university-wide arts andhumanities initiative. The series features theatricalproductions, music and dance performances,conferences, lectures, film screenings and manyother special events both on and off campus.USC Ticket OfficeStudent Union 100(213) 740-4672www.usc.edu/bus-affairs/ticketofficeThe Ticket Office offers tickets for athletic andcultural events, as well as See’s Candies giftcertificates, Los Angeles Entertainment Books,and discounted movie and theme park tickets.Theme parks include Disneyland, UniversalStudios, Magic Mountain, Sea World, Aquariumof the Pacific, Legoland, the San Diego Zoo andWild Animal Park, and Knott’s Berry Farm. Thereare usually specific dates or locations where youcan use such tickets, so be sure to clarify at theTicket Office.Athletics TicketsStudents enrolled in the fall semester canpurchase a discounted football season ticketonline at www.uscticketoffice.com. You will benotified by email of the exact date, or you cancheck the Web site for information regardingthe on-sale date. All other athletic events maybe attended on a first-come, first-served basisby showing a USCard. American football is a national pastime anda larger-than-life spectacle at USC. Alumniand fans descend on campus for the gamesat Memorial Coliseum, which seats almost100,000. Before football games, fans gather tobarbecue and hang out. This is called “tailgating.”The marching band, song girls and spiritleaders “pump up” the audience and playerswith music, dance and cheering. The footballseason begins in the fall and ends in January.It is a cultural experience not to be missed. Formore information, visit usctrojans.cstv.com.Community InvolvementA strong social value in the United States iscommunity involvement and volunteerism. Thistradition in the U.S. is based on the ideaof giving your time through service to others.This service can include tutoring, planting trees,building houses and feeding the homeless.Many international students have volunteeredtheir time to share information about their countries,read to children at nearby schools, givefree tutoring and help with community projectsthrough the USC Joint Educational Project (JEP).JEP is a service-learning program based in theCollege of Letters, Arts and Sciences designedto serve as a broker between academic coursesand schools and service agencies in the communitysurrounding USC’s University Park campus.Each year, JEP places some 2,000 students in theneighborhood as mentors, mini-course instructors,translators, teaching assistants, hospital staffmembers and other helping professionals.For more information on JEP, visit www.usc.edu/jep.Volunteer CenterRonald Tutor Campus Center 330 (Check thebuilding directory in August to confirmlocation.)(213) 740-7012volctr@usc.eduwww.usc.edu/volunteerThe USC Volunteer Center promotes volunteerismand service at USC and throughoutthe Los Angeles community.This primarily student-run department in theDivision of Student Affairs provides students,alumni, faculty and staff with the chance toget involved in the community. Each year, theVolunteer Center organizes numerous serviceprojects, identifies volunteer opportunities andhouses an extensive database of more than 200nonprofits and other agencies that offer volunteerwork.The Volunteer Center also organizesAlternative Spring and Winter Break trips duringUSC’s winter and spring recesses. They involvegroups of students, staff and faculty travelingto an international or domestic location andassisting with a pressing social issue.Career Planning and Placement CenterStudent Union (STU) 110(213) 740-9111careers.usc.eduThe Career Planning and Placement Center(CPPC) offers a variety of resources and programsto help students explore career options, find outabout internships and employment opportunitiesand connect with alumni and employers in awide variety of fields. The CPPC offers USC studentsand alumni exclusive job listings onconnectSC, career advising, Trojan Network,resume assistance, On-Campus Recruiting, CareerFairs, Internship Weeks and mock interviews.Michael Ronald WekuJakarta, Indonesia
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