Your Time for Advising
In general, students experience greater success in college when they know what to expect. How to Get Good Grades offers six ideas for what to expect in college. Expect to find the following in college:
- Varying class sizes. College classes can have anywhere from 15 to 200+ students. While most classes have fewer than 30 students, class sizes vary depending on the college and the course.
- The need for critical thinking skills. College students do a lot of reading, and they are expected to be able to understand and remember what they read. Students also need to know how to draw conclusions, form opinions and evaluate ideas.
- More emphasis on tests and less on busywork. Homework grades will often only account for a small portion of your final grade. In many cases, the midterm, a research paper or the final exam will make up the majority of your final grade.
- The need for personal responsibility. Students have a tremendous amount of freedom in college. You are responsible for monitoring your progress, going to class and doing your assignments.
- Consequences for low grades. All colleges have academic standards that students must meet in order to stay enrolled. Students who let their grades fall below a certain point are generally put on academic probation. Kent State University requires that students on probation improve their grades by the end of the following term.
- Less time in class and more independent study. Expect to do most of your learning on your own. For every hour in class, you should plan to spend two hours out of class reading, studying and completing assignments.
According to the 2011 Higher Education Research Institute Study, almost 71 percent of students believe their academic ability is at least above average. The same study found that almost 61 percent of first-year college students spend less than six hours per week doing homework in 12th grade. Academics in college are more difficult than in high school and to succeed at Kent State, you will need to spend more time on your school work to achieve the same grades that you earned in high school. The consequences for low grades are high, but knowing what to expect can lead to far greater success.
Finding Your Path
"I sit with my advisor for life talks. She helps me identify and work on activities to keep me moving toward my goals."
— Miranda Bodziony, Kent State student studying peer mentor and biology/pre-med major
Overview
The purpose of this form is to notify International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) of your intention to take either a leave of absence or withdraw from Kent State University.
Instructions
- If you are applying for a leave of absence or withdrawal before the semester begins:
- Complete the Leave of Absence Form found here.
- If you are in the U.S., depart within 15 days of your Authorized Early Withdrawal.
- If you are applying for a leave of absence or withdrawal during the semester:
- Complete the Leave of Absence Form found here.
- Make an appointment with an ISSS advisor using Web Scheduler found here.
- Withdraw from all of your classes after only ISSS approves your request. The Registrar’s Office can help you, if necessary. If the semester’s withdrawal date has passed, you will need to complete a “Petition for Exception to Registration.” More information can be found on the registrar's website here.
- Depart the United States within 15 days of submission of this form.
- If you are planning on re-entering the United States following your leave of absence:
- If you will not be out of classes for more than five months: enter with your current I-20 and a valid travel signature. Notify ISSS thirty (30) days in advance of the start of the semester for which you wish to return to ensure your record will be returned to ACTIVE. Please email us a confirmation of your return ticket to the U.S.
- If you will not be in classes for more than five months: contact ISSS at least two months prior to your return. You will need a new SEVIS record and I-20. The Department of State advises students to apply for a new visa at a US Consulate or Embassy before re-entry if returning from a leave of greater than five months with initial attendance I-20s.
Note: If you wish to return for the summer semester you must be registered for classes full time during that semester.
Begin Leave of Absence Request
Leave of Absence or Withdrawal Guide
What to Expect
- Varying class sizes. College classes can have anywhere from 15 to 200+ students. While most classes have fewer than 30 students, class sizes vary depending on the college and the course.
- The need for critical thinking skills. College students do a lot of reading, and they are expected to be able to understand and remember what they read. Students also need to know how to draw conclusions, form opinions and evaluate ideas.
- More emphasis on tests and less on busywork. Homework grades will often only account for a small portion of your final grade. In many cases, the midterm, a research paper or the final exam will make up the majority of your final grade.
- The need for personal responsibility. Students have a tremendous amount of freedom in college. You are responsible for monitoring your progress, going to class and doing your assignments.
- Consequences for low grades. Students who let their grades fall below a certain point are generally put on academic probation. Kent State University requires that students on probation improve their grades by the end of the following term.
- Less time in class and more independent study. Expect to do most of your learning on your own. For every hour in class, you should plan to spend two hours out of class reading, studying and completing assignments.