What is BU First Class

BU First Class is an online, noncredit, pre-arrival orientation course developed by Global Programs in 2016 to prepare incoming international students for their transition to the Boston University (BU) classroom and community. The course is delivered on Blackboard, and is comprised of written information, short videos, and self-checks.

There is a second course, titled BU First Class ISSO Immigration Overview for Students,  developed by the ISSO. This course is also on Blackboard and delivers important information for international students about maintaining their immigration status while at BU. Students can learn where to find key information on the ISSO website, the types of employment they are eligible for while a full-time F-1 or J-1 student, and the steps they need to take if they plan on traveling outside the U.S.

For the fall and spring, all incoming international students receive information on how to participate in the two courses, and why they are of value to them.

Below is a summary and a sample video of each BU First Class unit.

 

Unit 1. The BU Classroom

This section encourages students to think critically about the education system or systems they grew up in and compare their academic background with the academic expectations at BU. The section introduces students to common terms used in the BU classroom, the importance of class participation, and how to use office hours. After completing this section, students should have a better understanding of what to expect in a variety of classroom settings and should be more comfortable interacting with BU professors and understanding how they will be assessed.

Watch: The American Way of Learning

Unit 2. Academic Integrity and Expectations

This section introduces BU’s Academic Conduct Code and why it is important. It outlines the most common Academic Conduct Code violations, such as plagiarism and misrepresentation of data, and potential consequences. It introduces students to University services and resources, including BU Libraries, the Educational Resource Center, and the CAS Writing Center, to help students write with integrity and avoid plagiarism.

Watch:  Citation, Quotation, and Plagiarism

 

Unit 3. Transition to Campus

This section presents unique content to undergraduate and graduate student populations. Information that is common to both populations focus on how to prepare for arrival in the U.S., how to navigate academic, community, housing, and employment resources using the Compass, as well as how to locate health and wellness resources and services offered on and off campus.

Undergraduate students receive information about how to sign up for programs designed to support their transition to BU, including the International Peer Mentor Program and FY101 First Year Experience courses. Graduate students receive information unique to graduate student life at BU, such as student groups and organizations, graduate students with children resources, and financial support.

Watch: What to Expect at the Port of Entry

 

To experience BU First Class or BU First Class Immigration Overview, please email Sheila Hernandez at sheilahz@bu.edu.