Information for International Graduate Students at Purdue

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Attention Purdue Faculty:  Click here to learn more about having your students volunteer for the OEPP

Earn a certificate of recognition after volunteering only 10 or more hours.

• participate in a volunteer opportunity on campus that doesn't require a lot of time?
• meet people from different countries and cultures?
• earn a certificate of appreciation and build your resume?
• help international graduate students become effective classroom instructors at Purdue?

You can!  Volunteer to participate in classroom presentations, conversation activities, or the OEPP's undergraduate roundtable discussion groups.  Read on...

Classroom Presentations
Can you play the part of an undergraduate student?

An important component of ENGL 62000, "Classroom Communication for International Teaching Assistants," are the presentations prepared by the students in the course.  The presentations give our students practice speaking English in front of an audience. To make this exercise as realistic and beneficial as possible, we ask Purdue undergraduates to come, observe, and take part in the presentation.  For example, volunteers may be asked to participate in a question and answer session. Volunteers observe 2 or 3 presentations in a 50 minute class period, and complete a brief written evaluation for each, stating what was good, and where improvement is still needed.  Some of your instructors may offer extra credit to undergraduates who observe presentations -- be sure to ask.  You will be given a participation memo after volunteering as proof of your participation.  To receive the participation memo you must arrive on time, stay for the entire session, and actively participate. 

Spring 2012 Presentation Dates

Volunteer participation and feedback is very important to our students.
When you register we reserve a seat for you.
If after registering you find you cannot attend, please
cancel your registration so that your space
may be filled by another volunteer.

"Cookies and conversation"
Undergraduate Roundtables
An informal opportunity to meet and talk with international TAs

Undergraduates are needed each semester to participate in the Undergraduate Roundtable hosted by the OEPP.  During the roundtables, international teaching assistants (ITAs) meet with a group of undergraduate volunteers for informal conversation and questions and answers.  ITAs may ask questions about American college life, and what students think makes a TA a good instructor.  Because many international students come from backgrounds that are vastly different than those of American students, this forum also allows both the ITAs and undergrads to gain a better appreciation of each others' cultures and life experiences.  In addition, roundtables also give the international students in the OEPP's class, ENGL 620, a chance to practice speaking English in a comfortable setting. 

Come and enjoy an hour of light refreshments, friendly conversation, and the opportunity to learn more about your fellow Purdue students from around the globe.

Come back later for Fall 2012 dates.

EARN A CERTIFICATE OF RECOGNITION

Undergraduates who volunteer for 10 or more hours per academic year can earn a Certificate of Appreciation and the right to list their volunteer service on their resume.  Volunteers with 10 hours earn a bronze level certificate, 20 hours a silver level certificate, and 30 hours earns a gold level certificate.  Here is how you can earn a certificate:

• Register on-line and attend presentations throughout the academic year.  Hours earned in Summer 11, Fall 11 and Spring 12, for example, apply toward a certificate, but hours will not carry over into the next academic year. 
• The OEPP classroom instructor takes attendance and the OEPP office keeps track of your volunteer hours. 
• To receive volunteer credit, you must register on-line, actively participate in the class, and complete the written evaluation form.  We cannot give participation credit to students who doze off, come late or leave early, do not fully complete the written evaluation form, or in any other way fail to contribute to the classroom experience. 
• You will receive a Participation Memo as proof of your attendance.  You will need to give this slip to your instructor if he or she is offering extra credit for your participation.
• The OEPP Office will contact you at the end of the spring semester to let you know you have earned a certificate.  If you are a December graduate, it is your responsibility to contact the OEPP office to let them know you need your certificate in December instead of May.
• If you have questions at any time, please e-mail oepp@purdue.edu.
   

University Policy on Oral English Proficiency

OEPP Staff