Academics
The American university system may be quite different from that of your home country. In the United States, there is no central ministry of education; universities exercise considerable autonomy in determining their academic procedures and policies. In fact, the way different professors conduct their classes varies considerably even within one university. There are, however, basic characteristics of higher education which prevail throughout this country.
Because the United States provides higher education for as many people as possible, a large proportion of Americans, demonstrating a wide range of abilities, attends college. As students advance through the higher educational system, work becomes increasingly specialized. It is considered important to assess progress toward defined goals. In contrast with many other countries, evaluation of students occurs frequently, usually several times in a single academic course. Instructors have their own methods of evaluating course work: some use fixed scales, others a formula based on competition, commonly referred to as "grading on a curve." Evaluation may be based on objective examinations, in-class essays, or original papers written out of class. Be sure you understand at the beginning of the term your various instructors' expectations, grading mechanisms, and evaluation procedures.
The most frequently used grading mechanism in the United States is a letter grading system. The grades A, B, C, D, and F have equivalent numeric values used in computing the grade point average (GPA). A=4, B=3, C=2, D=1, and F=0. Although D is a passing grade, normally a 2.0 cumulative average ("cum") is required to obtain an undergraduate degree and a 3.0 to receive a graduate degree. The "cum" is calculated by adding the products of the value of each course and the respective numbers of credits and dividing the sum of the products by the total number of credits taken.
Colleges and universities follow different academic year calendars. The semester system divides the academic year into two equal parts of 14 - 16 weeks each. The first period begins in late August or early September, the second in January. The trimester system has three 12-week sessions beginning in September, January, and May or June. The quarter system divides the calendar year into four equal sessions, including one in the summer. Rutgers operates on the semester system, but offers courses during the summer months for those who wish to accelerate their programs.
A single course carries a specified number of credit hours, referring both to the number of hours per week that a class meets and the number of credits earned toward a degree. Thus, by completing one two-credit and three four-credit courses, a student earns 14 credits toward a degree. The normal course "load," or number of credit hours taken each term, is determined by the calendar system and the particular degree program.
At Rutgers, 12 credits constitute a full-time load. Because the demands of graduate courses vary, however, some exceptions may be made based on the graduate director's written recommendation to the Center for International Faculty and Student Services. Upon completion of all course requirements, students are considered full time if they register for research and if the graduate director certifies that satisfactory progress is being made toward completion of degree requirements. Teaching assistantships and some graduate assistantships are assigned a certain number of credits which do not count toward the degree but are part of the full-time load. Similarly, credits earned in the Program in American Language Studies are considered part of the full-time load although these credits do not count toward the degree.
Course structure also varies. Lower division undergraduate courses are usually large-group lectures supplemented by small
class discussions or laboratories. Upper division undergraduate courses and graduate courses in the social sciences and
humanities are small classes or seminars devoted almost entirely to discussion. In the United States, students are expected to
contribute to, and are often evaluated on, their participation in class discussion. It is not disrespectful to question or challenge
the instructor; in fact, it is viewed as a healthy sign of interest and original thought.
Teaching Assistants
Teaching assistants (TAs) are graduate students who have demonstrated excellence in their field and are working toward
either a master's degree or doctorate in one of the Rutgers graduate schools. They are teachers with responsibilities which
vary from department to department. Some TAs teach their own classes with departmental supervision; others assist faculty
by lecturing on special topics, running recitation groups or laboratories, grading papers, or composing, proctoring, and grading
examinations.
Hints for Minimizing Difficulties
Foreign students generally enjoy academic success within the university. Those from abroad may be somewhat disadvantaged
by not having had previous experience with the U.S. educational system, but those who understand how the system works --
Americans often say, "how to play the game" -- are able to organize their work better. Some suggestions:
Learn the informal rules by getting to know other students. Their experiences are valuable in helping you to learn effective study methods and the ways your department functions. Get to know faculty, and do not be afraid to ask questions. Faculty members will be glad to give you guidance. Most information concerning the organization of a course and your professor's expectations is available during the first class meeting. If you miss this class, be sure to obtain all necessary information from your colleagues and from your professor.
Evaluate your expectations. Keep in mind that it may take some time for you to perform to the best of your ability in a new environment.
Don't overload your schedule. Select courses wisely. Discuss courses with your academic adviser. You may be tempted to enroll for more courses than necessary to accelerate your date of graduation, but this may result in poor grades, particularly in the first year of study.
If you have not done a significant amount of your previous academic work in English, enroll in English as a Second Language courses. Ph.D. students are advised to enroll in a course in dissertation writing.
Be open to the values of the system. From past experience in other schools, you may have developed assumptions about the
purpose of your education and about the way your area of specialization should be studied. For example, in some countries,
excellence is attained by memorizing information; in contrast, many courses here stress synthesis of material from a variety of
sources through brief study of works of a large number of scholars.
Policy on Academic Integrity
A fundamental value of American education is a belief in the ownership -- and therefore the sanctity -- of an individual's ideas. Like an item of property, an idea belongs to the person who first expressed it. To use another person's ideas in one's work without acknowledging the source is considered to be presenting that person's ideas as one's own and therefore to be "stealing" or plagiarizing. The concepts and definitions of academic integrity are culture specific. Although collaborative work and sharing in the scholarship of others without citation might be considered acceptable or ethical practices in many parts of the world, in the United States such practices are viewed as serious violations of academic integrity and the penalties attached to such activity are severe.
The university's policy on academic integrity states, "Academic freedom is a fundamental right in any institution of higher learning. Honesty and integrity are necessary preconditions to this freedom. Academic integrity requires that all academic work be wholly the product of an identified individual or individuals. Joint efforts are legitimate only when the assistance of others is explicitly acknowledged. Ethical conduct is the obligation of every member of the university community, and breaches of academic integrity constitute serious offenses."
Any involvement with cheating, the fabrication or invention of information used in an academic exercise, plagiarism, facilitating academic dishonesty of others, or denying others access to information or material may result in disciplinary action being taken at either the college or university level. Breaches of academic integrity can result in serious consequences ranging from reprimand to expulsion.
Violations of academic integrity are classified into four categories based on the level of seriousness. Following is a general description for each level.
Level one violations include improper footnoting or unauthorized assistance on academic work. The sanctions for such violations might be a make-up assignment at a more difficult level, assignment of no-credit for the work in question, or required attendance at a workshop on ethics.
Level two violations include quoting directly or paraphrasing without proper acknowledgment on a moderate portion of an assignment, failure to acknowledge sources of information and contributors who helped with an assignment, or submission of the same work for more than one course. The sanctions for level two violations could be probation and/or a failing grade on the assignment or a failing grade in the course.
Level three violations include copying from or giving assistance to others, copying major portions of an assignment, using forbidden material on an examination, or presenting the work of another as one's own. Any violation that is premeditated or involves repeat offenses of level one or two are considered level three violations. The recommended sanction for such a violation is suspension from the university for one or more semesters with a notation of "academic disciplinary suspension" placed on the student's transcript for the period of suspension and a failing grade in the course.
Level four violations are the most serious. They include repeat offenses of level three violations, forgery of grade change
forms, theft of examinations, having a substitute take an examination, dishonesty relating to thesis work, sabotaging another's
work, the violation of the ethical code of a profession, or all infractions committed after return from suspension for a previous
violation. The recommended sanctions for level four violations are expulsion from the university and a permanent notation on
the student's transcript.
Advisement, Curriculum Planning, and Registration
It is important that you consult with an academic adviser immediately upon arrival to begin planning your curriculum. The Center for International Faculty and Student Services does not advise on course selection. See your Graduate Director or Academic Dean for assistance. You should keep in touch with your academic adviser throughout your academic career to ensure that you are making normal progress toward your degree. If you have difficulty with a class, discuss the problem with the professor immediately; do not wait to be asked if you need help. Professors set aside office hours just to meet with students, and they expect students to make appointments to see them to get assistance.
Registration consists of two parts: (1) advisement and course selection and (2) presentation of the bill and payment to the cashier.
New graduate students are expected to report to their departments upon arrival. Each graduate department has a graduate director who may provide initial supervision and advice. In some departments, one person advises all new graduate students. Eventually, each student is assigned to an adviser based on his or her intended area of specialization or major.
Undergraduates report to the office of the academic dean of the college, where they are referred to a freshman adviser, faculty member, or administrator for advising, assistance with course selection, and authorization for registration. Undergraduate students are advised by freshman advisers in their colleges until they select a major, at which time they are assigned departmental advisers. To complete the registration process, present your registration card, course card, billing notices from University Housing and Dining Services (if you live on campus), and payment to the cashier. Present tuition remission cards and scholarship letters at this time in lieu of payment. For a nominal processing fee students who wish to defer part of their payment may arrange to pay in two or three installments. Health insurance is required of and included in the fees of F and J students. Married students must make arrangements for health insurance for their dependents through the Center for International Faculty and Student Services.
In all subsequent semesters, students receive their registration materials in the mail. After obtaining your adviser's consent and signature, you can preregister by mail or phone, choosing not only your courses but also indicating arrangements for on-campus housing, dining services, and health insurance if necessary. The bill arrives later, and payment also may be made through the mail by a stated deadline date.
Cashiers offices are in the Administrative Services Building (Busch Campus), Records Hall (College Avenue Campus), Waller
Hall (Cook/Douglass Campus), Lucy Stone Hall (Livingston Campus) and Miller Hall (University College, College Avenue
Campus).
Student Identification Numbers
All new students are assigned a 9-digit number (usually their social security) used for billing purposes. For some students, mainly international students, who don't possess at social security number at the time of admission, are temporarily assigned a 9-digit pseudo social security number as a student identification number for record-keeping purposes. Although this is a valid number for university record-keeping purposes, it may not be used for employment or financial transactions. Most students, therefore, must obtain a true social security number. You may apply on campus for the number during International Student Orientation or at the Social Security Administration office at 52 Charles Street in New Brunswick (off Livingston Avenue, take the M14 bus).
The social security number is the closest thing to a national identity system in the United States; it is used primarily for financial records to track employment and income tax liability, but it is convenient for a number of other transactions, such as banking and obtaining a driver's license.
To obtain a social security number, you must be eligible to work in the U.S. Present your passport (make sure it's at least a
year old or you will have to present some other documentation that is a year old with your passport), I-94, I-20ID (F-1
students) or IAP-66 (J-1 students), and proof of affiliation with Rutgers (obtained at an on-campus employment workshop at
the center). The card is mailed to you about three weeks after you apply. After you receive your card, notify the registrar and
your employing department if you are on the university payroll, of your new number. (Note: for dependents and others
ineligible to work in the U.S.--and therefore ineligible for a Social Security number--see page 58 on Individual Taxpayer
Identification Numbers.)
Student Identification Card
The registrar issues all undergraduate students a laminated photo identification card. Graduate students are issued a non-photo
I.D. New students receive their cards after the second week of classes. If your card is lost or stolen, contact the registrar,
Administrative Services Building, 445-3220.
English Language Instruction
The English as a Second Language (ESL) Program offers classes in each skill area for matriculated Rutgers University students who need to improve their language skills. Specialized training is provided for teaching assistants in speaking and listening, practice teaching, and cross-cultural understanding. Each ESL course is designed to augment students' understanding of and competency in their selected majors. Credit hours assigned to ESL classes count toward full-time institutional and immigration status. University students will find that increased competency in English facilitates academic study.
The English as a Second Language Program also offers an intensive English program, the Program in American Language
Studies (PALS). PALS provides for either full- or part-time study, depending upon the student's needs and visa requirements.
Classes are offered at six levels of proficiency in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Each student's program includes two
hours of supervised language laboratory per week. Limited class size allows for attention to individual needs. Evening courses
are available, and students may elect to take individual or sequential courses. Preparation for the TOEFL examination is also
offered. Information on all programs may be obtained at the ESL/PALS office, Tillet Hall, Rm. 107, Livingston Campus,
445-7422/7423.
Learning Resource Centers
The university has three Learning Resource Centers on its New Brunswick campus. Learning Resource Centers provide
comprehensive academic support services to meet the needs of diverse learners. The services -- which include academic
tutoring, a learning lab, study groups, supplemental instruction and instructional computing -- help students develop effective
learning strategies that facilitate academic success. The Learning Resource Centers state their primary mission is to "help
students learn more in less time with greater ease and confidence and to help maximize their academic potential."
The centers are located at:
Writing Laboratories
Since written examinations, term papers, and dissertations are of primary importance in a student's career, the development of
good writing skills is essential. Foreign students are urged to take writing courses both in the Program in American Language
Studies and in the Department of English. Individual assistance is also available in the writing laboratories located in Murray
Hall (College Avenue Campus), the Language Building (Douglass Campus), and Lucy Stone Hall (Livingston Campus).
Libraries
Located on three campuses in Newark, New Brunswick, and Camden, the university libraries offer various services and resources to support course work and research. Like most other American libraries, Rutgers libraries use an "open stack" system and employ advanced library computer systems. With outstanding collections of books, periodicals, documents, microforms, and media materials, the library system has over 20 libraries on the university campuses. The system's largest divisions are the Archibald Stevens Alexander Library on the College Avenue Campus and the Library of Science and Medicine (LSM) on the Busch Campus. Alexander Library houses the principal collections of research materials in the humanities and social sciences, and LSM the principal research collections in science, technology, psychology, medicine, engineering, and pharmacy.
The university libraries offer special orientation programs for international students. There are library handbooks designed for
international students available at the reference desk of every library, The Library Guide for International Students.
As you plan your curriculum you are charting a path toward your career after you leave Rutgers. To assist you in this very important component of your academic life, the university provides a comprehensive career service for all students. The Career Services Office offers on a regular basis seminars, workshops, and special programs designed to meet the needs of undergraduate students and students with advanced degrees. Individual counseling is available by appointment.
The activities of the office are designed to help students explore career options and identify suitable positions. The areas covered include choosing a career, job hunting, resume writing, job interviewing, and selecting and applying to graduate school.
Career libraries house resource materials to assist in the career development and job search process. These include career planning books, current job listings, employer directories, federal and state job information, company literature, testing information, and internship, fellowship and grant information.
A credential service is available for students and alumni who wish to compile letters of recommendation for future use in applying for employment or advanced degree programs.
For further information concerning career services, visit one of the three career service offices at 46 College Avenue, 932-7997; Busch Student Center, Busch Campus, 445-6127; or 61 Nichol Avenue, 932-9742.
Academic adviser: the professional staff or faculty member who helps you plan a course of study and who provides information regarding the academic requirements and opportunities in your field of study.
Auditing: observing or sitting-in on a course rather than a participating in the class for a grade. You do not get credit for auditing a course, and you must have permission from the instructor to do so.
College: the university is divided into different colleges -- for example, Rutgers College, Douglass College, the College of Engineering, etc. Students also frequently use the term "college" to refer to undergraduate education in general; thus you hear someone say "Rutgers University" in response to the question, "Where did you go to college?"
Course: a single class which meets regularly over the period of a semester. Math 121 is a course. "Math" alone is not a course but a field of study.
Credit/credit hours: each course carries a certain number of credits; credits are accumulated over a period of academic study until you have the necessary number for graduation. The number of hours a class meets per week most often determines the number of credit hours a course is assigned.
Electives: courses which are not required for a degree in your particular field of study, but for which you generally can get credits toward your degree.
Faculty: professors, instructors, and sometimes researchers, i.e., academic personnel; also as used in the name "Faculty of Arts and Sciences," a division of the university.
Major: the field of study in which a student specializes and receives a degree.
Plagiarism: the reproduction of the ideas, expressions, or words of another person and use of them as if they were one's own original thoughts. American universities impose severe penalties, including expulsion, for plagiarizing.
Registration: the process all students must go through to officially establish their student status with the university. Registration occurs at the beginning of each semester and is not complete until payment for the semester is made.
Requirements: courses that must be taken to graduate with a particular major and degree. Requirements vary according to major.
Transcript: an official record of courses taken and grades received. Copies of transcripts are obtained from the Registrar.
Tuition: the cost of your academic program only. Tuition does not cover the cost of housing, meals, books, or anything other than academic course costs.