Academic Resources

Entering into a new educational system can be challenging.  DePauw University provides many support options to help international students better adjust to the American and liberal arts style of education.

You and Your Professors
It is important to understand the relationship between you and your professors. Professors at DePauw are very interested in your academic performance in their classes and expect you to seek help from them if you have any questions and/or if you do not understand course materials. Office hours are available from all the professors so that you can meet with them individually to discuss any concerns or issues. It is your responsibility to maintain open communication with them about your grades and to make appointments to discuss your performance in their classes. Please take advantage of this personal approach to higher education that is a hallmark to DePauw University.

English Courses and Language Support
All English composition courses begin with critical thinking. Their aim is to teach college level thinking through college level writing. Courses are designed to position students for academic success. First year international students will be required to take a written and oral assessment upon arrival on campus. If it is determined that the student would benefit from supplemental English Language assistance to increase his/her language skills, the student will be placed in English 110 or 115.

ENG 110 Writing Seminar for Non-Native Speakers of English I, and ENG 115 Writing Seminar for Non-Native Speakers of English II are offered as prerequisites for College Writing II (ENG 130) for international students. These English courses are aimed at strengthening existing language skills and developing new skills necessary for academic success. Placement in the appropriate English courses is made based on three criteria: 1) English language assessments administered on campus 2) recommendation from the English language coordinator, and 3) confirmation by appointed faculty representing the English department (department chair, W Center director, etc). Successful completion in each course is required to advance to a higher level course. Students are expected to complete ENG 110 or 115 in the semester assigned.

The Academic Resource Center (ARC)
The Academic Resource Center provides all students with a variety of support services including writing and speaking tutoring, programs on note-taking, learning skills assessment, time management, graduate school testing and more. Included in the ARC are: The Writing (W) Center, The Quantitative Reasoning (Q) Center, and The Speaking and Listening (S) Center.  All of these services are free.

To ensure that you are meeting all of the academic requirements for your intended major, be sure to refer to the Academic Catalog.

S Center's Conversation Partners
DePauw offers additional language practice through its Speaking and Listening "S" Center. International students can schedule appointments for conversations with the Center's student tutors, either individually or in small groups. If a student is also taking pronunciation lessons, he/she can practice with a student tutor. Besides practicing the English language through enjoyable conversations, friendships are developed throughout the semester and beyond.

ACADEMICS AT DEPAUW

Advanced Preparation
To prepare yourself for courses in general, read as much material in English of an academic nature as you can.  Some faculty members make assignments for the first class; faculty members will normally email you at your DePauw email account to notify you of this. 

Selecting your Courses
Courses at the 100 level generally assume that students will have little or no background in the subject.  Courses at the 200 level may require students to complete prerequisites before taking this course.  All courses at the 300 and 400 level assume that the student has extensive knowledge in the subject matter.  Students should be mindful of this when they submit their course preferences.

It is not advisable to list courses from only one or two subject areas.  For example, it is rare that a student can get into more than two courses in economics or communications.  Please try to choose a variety or courses that are of interest.  If a course is absolutely necessary for you to transfer back to your home institution, please specify this; we will do our best to accommodate your request.

Students must enroll in at least three DePauw credits each semester.  Take care to review how much credit each course is worth; courses range from .25-1.00 DePauw credits.  Most students take between 3.5 and 4.0 credits each term.

Course Registration
Four-Year Degree Student
Four-year degree seeking students will receive instructions on making course requests via email at the end of May.  This email will include a link to your class website where you will find the information you need to request courses.  Using your e-Services account, you will submit your course preferences online, including rankings for your first-year seminar.  Course requests will be due in mid-July.

Visiting Students
Visiting students will need to submit course preferences to the international student adviser by June 1.  To see what courses are being offered for a particular semester:

  1. Go to e-Services. 
  2. Select the tab marked “Courses (SOC)” 
  3. Select the term that you are enrolling in (i.e., Fall or Spring)
  4. Find the section of “Departments and Interdisciplinary Studies” and choose “Change.” 
  5. Select each subject area that you are interested in then submit your choices. 
  6. You will see which classes are being offered in your chosen areas during that particular semester. 
  7. Click on the course number to see the course description and the prerequisites.  You can also see the instructor’s name, the number of seats available and the time the course is offered. 
  8. Email your top 10 courses to the international student adviser.

Note: Some courses will be full or “closed.”  This means that the course has attained full registration.  The University values interpersonal interaction and therefore tries to keep class size small.  Because some classes may become closed, this means that you may not get all of your preferences.  However, we will work to ensure that you find a schedule that meets your needs.  Visiting students are not eligible for a first-year seminar course.  

Schedules can be adjusted upon your arrival.  Some courses such as language classes require a placement test which can be taken during orientation.  All students must meet course prerequisites.

 

Special Programs

DePauw Leadership International is a program launched in the fall of 2007. The DePauw international student is poised for a rigorous and provocative experience learning how diverse ideas in America contribute to the fabric of American culture and to the exploration in a global society.

Through seminars, students increase their awareness of and gain knowledge in local, state, national and international topics. Participants gain first-hand exposure to innovative ideas and diverse viewpoints from experts that lead to a better understanding of American culture. Seminar topics focus on American economic, political, educational, social and cultural issues. Students develop a network for life-long friendships. The common goal of DePauw Leadership International's participants is to lead their countries into the future through ethical and peaceful leadership practices.

Students Click Here for Additional English Language Resources