ACADEMICS @ GEORGIA STATE UNIVERSITY
Educational systems differ from country to country. Here are some things you need to know about academic life at GSU.
The Student/Instructor Relationship
The student/instructor relationship in the U.S. is generally more informal than in other countries. It is acceptable and expected for students to ask questions and discuss topics with the instructor. Some instructors don’t mind being called by their first name; they may even sit on the desk and walk around the room as they speak. In class, students may speak without raising their hand and be recognized. Depending on the rules of the classroom or building, some people eat and drink in class.
Tips for Academic Adjustment and Success
- Professors prefer it if students discuss ideas rather than just sit and listen. The manner in which you express your viewpoint is important, however. Show respect by acknowledging the professor or classmates’ point of view and then offer your opinion. Say, “In my opinion…” or “I think…” or “I feel…” or “I believe…”
- If you do not understand, ask. If you are not yet used to asking questions in class, make an appointment with your professor.
- At the start of each semester you will be handed a syllabus for each course. This is an outline of the course objectives, due dates for assignments, and much more. Keep the syllabus for the duration of the course and refer to it if you are not sure about assignment requirements. Pay close attention when the professor discusses the syllabus as he will often explain during this time how grades will be determined.
- Do not try to write down everything in class. Practice taking notes.
- You are expected to talk in class. A good rule to follow is to raise your hand to ask a question or make a comment at least once every week. If a professor calls on you to answer a question, you should say something. If you don’t know the answer, it’s alright to give a wrong answer. Participation may be included in your grade.
Missing Class
You are expected to go to class on time, to notify your teacher ahead of time if you will be absent, and to participate. It is better to be late to class than to skip class. If you must miss class because of illness, you may need a doctor’s excuse, especially if you have a long illness and you must miss several classes. You can ask for a doctor’s note at the Student Health Center after you have seen the doctor. Ask your professors for their policies on missing class. They may also be included in the syllabus. It is also recommended to notify your professor beforehand if you know you will be absent from a class. During this global pandemic, it is important to stay at home if you are feeling sick in order to keep everyone safe. Your professor will understand your situation if you keep an open line of communication with them. Let them know what is going on in your life so that they can help you succeed.
Grading
Grades are on a 4.3 scale, with grades ranging from A+ to F.
A+ = 4.3, A = 4.0, A- = 3.7
B+ = 3.3, B = 3.0, B- = 2.7
C+ = 2.3, C = 2.0, C- = 1.7
D= 1.0
F= 0
W = Student withdrew from class with a passing mark. This grade will not be included in the GPA. Before withdrawing from a course all international students have to consult the F- 1 Advisor.
WF = Student withdrew with a failing grade. The F will be averaged into the GPA.
I = Incomplete.
GPA = Grade Point Average is computed by multiplying credit hours by the class numerical grade and then dividing total credits into the total grade points.
Academic Honesty
A great deal of students are unaware of the consequences of their actions in terms of Academic Honesty. Academic Honesty is taken very seriously at Georgia State University. What constitutes academic honesty varies from culture to culture, and it is important to understand rules of academic conduct at Georgia State. All students are expected to do their own work. If you are caught cheating in any way, you will be severely penalized. Do not take the risk of copying anyone else’s work. Cheating includes, but is not limited to, the following:
- Violating course rules contained in the course syllabus
- Getting or providing unauthorized assistance from another student on a paper or project
- Providing or receiving information during quizzes and exams
- Falsifying, fabricating, or dishonest reporting of research results
- Taking the place of another student or enlisting another student to take your place in an exam
- Altering grades
- Plagiarizing
Plagiarism means using someone else’s work in your own papers without attributing the work to the real author. While you are expected to draw on many research sources to write papers, you must not claim their work as your own. This is considered stealing. If you plagiarize, you will suffer serious academic consequences. In the United States, students are expected to disclose and cite any information they received from another source, whether it was a book, an article, or an encyclopedia. Failure to give credit to the original author is considered plagiarism, which is a serious offense. For more information about plagiarism and how to avoid academic dishonesty, please visit: http://deanofstudents.gsu.edu/student-conduct/academic- honesty-policy/
Stress
Stress is a big factor of your well-being as a student. When some students are stressed, they are unable to think, focus or function and their academic take a hit because of it. If you are feeling stressed or overwhelmed, do not stop going to classes. This will make the situation more difficult.
Instead, talk to your professor about your situation. All professors have office hours when they are available to see students, and they encourage students to come talk to them. Don’t hesitate to visit or email your professors throughout the semester. Most of them are willing to help you if they see that you are making every effort to do well in their class.
Top 5 things to do around campus when feeling stressed/overwhelmed:
1. Go see a recent movie at CineFest, Student Center West.
2. Go swim, exercise, cycle or simply sit in the steam room at GSU’s Recreation Center.
3. Take a bit to eat at the many eateries around campus like Waffle House, Subway, Starbucks, Rosa’s Pizza, or Moe’s.
4. Go on the shopping shuttle to Edgewood Shopping Center.
5. Go to a football/basketball game at the Sports Arena/ GSU stadium.
Take advantage of the Counseling and Testing Center’s Relaxation Room if you are feeling stressed. It contains a state-of-the-art Massage Chair for you relax in between classes in a room by yourself. For more information, please visit: http://counselingcenter.gsu.edu/