1. Dr. Gian Pagnucci Chair of English
2018 International Student Orientation Tips for Academic and Life Success
Dr. Gian Pagnucci
Chair of English

2. Welcome to IUP! This is a great university
You are going to have a fabulous time here
Success depends on you!
Work hard to collect lots of great memories and experiences

3. Take a Few Chances You’ve come a long way to get here
Raiders of the Lost Ark
Take a Few Chances
You’ve come a long way to get here
You’ve embarked on a great adventure
Make the most of this opportunity
Not many people get this chance
View yourself as an adventurer
In your role of adventurer you can be a little braver than you were before you left home
Raiders film clip

4. Actively Talk in Class
Let people hear your voice so they get used to how you sound
Talk all you can in small groups
Volunteer to be the person who reports back to the class
Try to say something in full class discussions
Write down your comment if that helps you to have confidence to speak

5. Class Readings Look for main concepts and key terms
It isn’t critical to read and understand every word of an article
Write a brief summary of the main ideas from each article
Keep a References List where you record the citation for articles so you will have it for writing your papers
Make note of 2-3 important quotes from each reading

6. Non-Class Readings
You need to read more material than the assigned class readings
Professors often mention additional sources
Try to read some of these materials
Identify key journals related to the course
Review the last 3-5 issues of the journal to learn about research topics and writing style

7. SHHHHH!: Secret Tip for IUP Success
IUP is a Doctoral/Research University
That means IUP faculty regularly
publish scholarly articles
So look them up through IUP library
or at
Read some of your professors’ works and you’ll get an insight into how they think
Then quote your professor in your next course paper to earn mega brownie points 

8. Writing Papers Don’t worry, you can do this
Your professors know English is not your native language
Pick a current topic
Create an outline
Start writing and don’t try to make everything perfect in the first draft

9. Writing Papers
Divide your paper into multiple sections and use headings to label each section of your paper
Use your outline to create a map in your paper where you explain how your paper is organized
The map should include all your headings
Make your ideas clear
Show which ideas come from other sources
Use lots and lots of sources

10. Use of Sources in Papers
Use current sources, preferably from within the last 5 years
Summarize each source in about 1 paragraph
Explain how each source relates to your paper’s topic
Also explain how the sources relate to each other or why you feel one source is better than another
Buy an APA and MLA handbook
Buy a grammar handbook

11. Get Help! (It’s Why You Pay Tuition)
Once you have your topic and outline, make an appointment with your professor to discuss your paper
Have an American student read a draft of your paper
If your paper gets a low grade, ask your professor to identify 2 or 3 language issues you can work on for next time

12. Visit the IUP Writing Center
Located in 218 Eicher Hall, library satellite, & online
Trained tutors will read your paper and give you feedback
Provides assistance with all varieties of writing
Houses computers and writing reference materials
Used for a variety of writing workshops
Writing Center Director: Dr. Ben Rafoth

13. Take Chances to Practice Your English
Talk to the American students in your classes
Get in groups with American students
Repeat your name a lot so people learn it
Volunteer to be the group note taker
Have another person check to make sure you are doing ok with the notes
Be sure to talk in the group
Volunteer to be the group speaker
Have the group help you to know what to say and write some notes

14. Have Some Adventures Outside of Classes
Attend department events, especially speakers
Attend campus events
Join an IUP club
Read The Penn (IUP’s free student newspaper)
Go to IUP football and basketball games
Try some new foods
Watch a Steelers game with some American students
Take trips to Walmart and Martins
Travel to Johnstown, Pittsburgh, and Washington, D.C.

15. Be an Ambassador Talk a lot
People get better at understanding World Englishes the more they encounter different English speakers
Tell Americans where you are from and what your country’s traditions are like
Share some of your country’s foods
Be proud of your name, your country, your culture, and your voice
Invite your new friends to come visit you when you return home
Send back a postcard to your new friends and your IUP teachers

16. Your IUP Adventure Awaits
In the words of IUP English Professor Jane Leonard ( ): “Go forth. Be brave, be proud, be true!”