Rachele Rose

Rachele graduated with her BSN and worked in a clinical nursing setting for the first half of her career, then found her passion working with students and health program management in higher education by 2016. She lives in Alexandria, VA with her husband and their dog, Camden, and enjoys reading, live music, and traveling in her free time.

Rachele Rose

Director of Institutional Effectiveness, Chief of Staff

Center for Student Success

First Information Session: The American Learning Environment

Hello everyone,

I am Rachele Rose, Director of Institutional Effectiveness, Chief of Staff. I know starting a new chapter in life can be daunting, even more so when it is in an entirely new country. Something that can make that less intimidating and ensure an easier transition and your own success is understanding the general etiquette and expectations that are a part of the culture in the new country.

To start, we can talk about basic dos and don’ts for the American college classroom, as the first part of a series of topics.

“Dos”

  • Do be polite and start the day with a good attitude. When you show others respect and act in a positive manner, you will receive that in return. Address instructors and staff formally with their title and last name.
  • Do attend required in-person courses, be punctual, and be prepared by completing all reading and coursework before the start of the class. Post in online discussion and turn in assignments on-time.
  • Do actively listen and participate in class discussions, following your instructor’s rules and waiting your turn to speak. Active listening can look like eye contact, writing notes, nodding your head.
  • Do keep your workspace tidy and respect others' space and belongings. When you leave a classroom or public space, be sure to clean up after yourself so everyone can enjoy it.
  • Do reach out to your instructor, advisor, or the Center for Student Success as soon as possible if you have an issue or need additional help. Your success is a priority and help is available when your need is communicated properly and promptly.

“Don’ts”

  • Don’t cause disruptions during lectures or classroom exercises. If you disagree with a classmate or instructor, you can always speak with them privately when it is not impacting the learning or time of others also in the class.
  • Don’t use others' work as your own. Academic integrity is very important; plagiarism can result in failure or expulsion. During exams, maintain silence and complete the work with your own knowledge.
  • Don’t bring food or drinks into the classroom.
  • Don’t leave class before it is over and the class is dismissed by the instructor. Follow your instructors’ rules if you need to use the bathroom or have another issue requiring you leave.
  • Don’t go around the chain of command when you have an issue. Speak first to your instructor for resolution of any issue and follow policy for a dispute you may have. Do not go to different faculty, staff, or leadership looking for different answers.

Please feel free to come and see me in my office (#234) or email me ( [email protected] ) with additional questions or concerns.

WUST is certified to operate by SCHEV. Accredited by ACCSC.

This institution is approved to offer GI Bill® educational benefits by the Virginia State Approving Agency. “GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Website at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/"