Studying in the US

Laptops and other technology are very common. Your professor may have specific guidelines on how technology (including cell phones) can or can’t be used in a specific class, but almost every course uses an online platform (such as Blackboard) to deliver course content. If you do not have your own laptop, there are computers labs on campus that you can use for free.

• WKU’s campus is casual. Students commonly wear shorts/pants and t-shirts, though dressier attire is perfectly acceptable. Students often express their personality through their clothing and accessories.
• Socially, you can expect mixed groups of men and women hanging out with each other. Women who are friends often greet each other with a hug; men are more likely to greet each other with a handshake. Women and men are each free to begin a conversation, and upon meeting a new acquaintance, it’s common to ask questions to get to know one another (where they’re from, what they’re studying). In our region of the US, strangers commonly make eye contact and say hello.
• Students on campus are involved in a variety of fun activities (such as campus clubs or events) and often attend sporting events. This is a great way to meet new people!

• Your professor will provide a course syllabus that outlines specific expectations for each course. Generally, grades are based on completion of required assignments as well as participation in class.
• Professors host office hours (scheduled time when they are available to meet with students) and students are encouraged to use this time to discuss any questions or concerns. There is no shame in asking a professor for help; it is seen as a positive strategy to be successful in a course, and it is better to ask for help early rather than wait until problems develop.
• American universities value independent thinking, and your professor is interested in hearing your ideas (whether in assignments or in class discussion) based on your study and research
• Professors want to address you correctly, so if they struggle with pronouncing your name, they will appreciate you helping them understand how to say it correctly. This is not seen as rude – it is helpful!

• American universities are typically led by a president, with several vice presidents and deans who oversee different parts of the university. WKU is led by President Timothy Caboni.
• The campus is divided into five academic colleges, with several departments in each college:
  • List/link to colleges
• WKU is a regional university that is situated close to the center of Bowling Green. Campus activities often interact with the community, so it is not uncommon for community members to attend on-campus events or for students to go off-campus socially or for projects.

• Student participation in the form of questions, comments, or debate is encouraged. Your professor will set guidelines for the class (for example, they may allow questions at any time, or set aside a certain part of class for discussion, etc), but it is expected that you will participate in class discussion and it is often a part of your grade.
• You are free to respectfully express differing opinions and ask questions of the professor and other students. This self-expression and exploration is a foundational part of education in the United States.
• American universities also may have more assignments in a single class than you have experienced before, including homework assignments, quizzes, and projects that are factored into your grade in addition to larger papers or exams.
• American university classes are not always lecture-based (a method where most of the class involves the faculty member speaking), so you will often have classes that are structured around projects, discussions, or workshops.

• Academic integrity includes submitting original work for your classes and not copying (plagiarizing) someone else’s work. Academic dishonesty, cheating, and plagiarism are not tolerated and can result in consequences both from your professor and from WKU.
• When quoting, summarizing, or paraphrasing someone else’s words in an assignment, you must always identify the material and indicate which research source you found it in.
• Students are responsible for completing their own assignments, and doing someone else’s assignment for them or copying someone else’s work is considered academically dishonest.
• Resources
  • Plagiarism overview
  • WKU Writing Center (can assist with properly citing sources)

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• Campus police officers are helpful and approachable. You are encouraged to contact them if a safety problem arises.
• Residence halls are accessed using your campus ID, which you will obtain when you first arrive on campus. This ensures that only the correct people have access to living spaces on campus. Classrooms and other buildings are locked overnight.
• WKU offers a bus system that services campus and the surrounding community, so it is not necessary to own a vehicle (though it is possible, after obtaining a US driver’s license).

Many American universities have a set of “general education” requirements – courses that all students are required to take, no matter what their major is. These include courses such as math, English, history, science, etc.

At WKU, these courses are part of the Colonnade Program. This program creates well-rounded students and ultimately thoughtful citizens by helping students explore a diverse list of subjects, not just focus on their major courses. Colonnade courses are spread throughout your time at WKU, though you will take several of them in your first year on campus.

• The academic year at WKU starts in August of each year and ends in May of the following year.
• The 2022 fall semester is August 22 – December 9
• The 2023 spring semester is January 17 – May 5
• You will enroll full-time in fall or spring for your first semester. WKU also has short winter and summer sessions, but these are not required and are often online.
• Most residence halls close during the winter break, but a few remain open to accommodate students who cannot travel home.