The International Study Center (ISC) at James Madison University has created a special series of advising sessions to help students in their final semester of the International First Year. These sessions will help international students meet all the requirements for degree matriculation and prepare them for a successful transition to James Madison University the next semester. Some of the tasks that all International Study Center students must complete prior to matriculation into the sophomore year at James Madison University, include: institutional TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) submitting an on-line application to James Madison University registration for sophomore classes

Heather Patterson, Academic and Career Advisor, presents information on JMU's academic programs, with a focus on choices for a major.

• counseling for the selection of a major
• a formal portfolio presentation
• James Madison University Tech Test (word processing, graphics presentation and spreadsheet skills)
• Information Seeking Skills Test

Achieving all of these milestones in addition to passing all the required freshman courses can be very challenging. Therefore, the International Study Center provides guidance in weekly classroom and computer lab meetings.

JoAnn Benjamin, James Madison University's International Transfer Advising Coordinator, and John Niblett, ISC English and writing teacher, are collaborating to plan the advising program for spring 2012 with the goal of ensuring that each International Study Center freshman has all the help needed to successfully matriculate.

Students completed a survey to find out how much they knew about the wide choices of majors and undergraduate programs at James Madison University. Following the survey, JoAnn and John recognized that although most students had already chosen a major, they wanted more information about the University's offerings. So they invited key University staff as guest speakers, including:

• Heather Patterson, Academic and Career Advisor
• Dr Herb Amato, Associate Dean of University Studies
• Jon Kratz, Assistant Director in the Office of International Programs

In addition to the guest speaker sessions and classroom meetings, computer lab sessions will help students with the James Madison University application process, registration, and technology tests.

One of the most important events for the completing freshmen is the portfolio presentation on April 5, 2012. During this formal and well-attended event, the students will present detailed posters displaying their academic achievements and future goals to guests including many University officials, professors, and students. Several advising meetings will be held to guide students in planning their displays and speeches.

JoAnn Benjamin welcomes the opportunity to work with ISC students. She said, "I'm thrilled to be working with such a bright and eager group of new advisees this semester. With these advising sessions, the prospective ISC graduates are well on their way to reaching the next milestone in their academic career here at James Madison University."

ISC Director, Adam Copeland says "As the James Madison University ISC continues to grow, I'm excited to see additional collaboration with the University that further prepares students for the transition to full-time study at James Madison University. These sessions enhance the student experience in the International Study Center, which will lead to greater success at James Madison University."

The end of the spring semester 2012 will mark the ISC's largest group of graduates to date for the International First Year, with 30 students eligible for matriculation. The advising sessions, held weekly throughout the spring semester, will help each student reach this goal.

More about progression to James Madison University degrees