Section A · Page 4
The University Daily Kansan
Wednesday, June 21. 2000
KU grad students give whiz kids head start on college
Alan Helm, 12, Orlando, takes notes during the class discussion of "Dr. Strangelove." Helm is part of a class of gifted students studying international. Photo by Jamie Roper/Kansas
As he sat in a circle with 15 students, Mark Harvey led a discussion of the film Dr. Strangelove, on a Friday morning in Learned Hall. Raising their hands often, students volunteered answers to Harvey's questions. Bursts of laughter also could be heard, especially when bodily fluids became a discussion topic.
By Karen Lucas
writer@kanson.com
Kanson staff writer
"You guys are hitting a lot of good points," said Harvey, Shawnee graduate student and course instructor.
But these are not KU students. Harvey is teaching an international relations course in a summer program for gifted 12- to 16-year-olds, which is offered through Duke University's Talent Identification Program.
To participate in the program, which also is available at five other college campuses, students must meet score requirements for either the SAT or the ACT, said Rob VanCleve, on-site coordinator for the program. For example, if students take the SAT in the seventh grade, they need to get a 500 or higher on the math and verbal sections.
Participants take intensive courses on subjects ranging from drama to aerospace engineering, most of which are taught by KU graduate students, VanCleve said. While studying on campus, participants also live in a residence hall and attend dances, movies and other events.
"The philosophy is to help gifted students to develop on an intellectual, emotional and social level," VanCleve said. "We're trying to give them an experience they couldn't get in the normal classroom."
Tuition and room and board for a three-week session is $1,700. Some scholarships are offered. VanCleve said. About 125 students are on campus for the first of two sessions, which runs June 8 to June 9.
Harvey, who also taught in last year's program, spoke highly of his students.
"These students are as bright as the best of my undergraduates," he said.
Harvey also said he thought an informal teaching style worked best with the class. He even dressed like most of his students — in shorts, a T-shirt and athletic shoes.
"I'm a cool big brother as opposed to a teacher in a suit and tie," Harvey said.
Noel Davies, 13, of Fort Myers, Fla., said he enjoyed being in Harvey's class.
He's educated and he's really funny, Noel said. One of Harvey's class assignments is a three-to-five page research paper.
"Right now, my thesis is improving slums in Third World countries where terrorists spring up." Helm said.
Alan Helm, 12, of Orlando, Fla., is writing about terrorism.
Anna Meyer, 14, of St. Louis, said she was doing research on genocide.
The class also will participate in a mock United Nations, with each student representing a country.
"We try to give them the tools to understand how they should behave during those sessions," said Geoffrey Peterson, a Lawrence graduate student and Harvey's assistant.
Kevin McMurtrey, 14, of Coconut Creek, Fla., will represent China.
"China is a cool country because it's communist and very powerful, and it's the most populated," he said. Students have experienced college life in other ways as well.
"China is a cool country because it's communist and very powerful, and it's the most populous island."
Residence hall food has not displeased Neeti Reddy, 12, of Brownsville, Texas.
Saudi students adjust to American life
"They change the menu every day, so there's something to look forward to." Reddy said. "It's not exactly like gourmet food, but it's fresh, which makes it even better."
Students also take part in another college ritual—washing their clothes.
"I did my laundry last night." Anna said, "and it didn't turn pink."
—Edited by BriAnne Hess
Orientation program helps summer students ease into cross-cultural transition
By Jenny Barlow Special to the Kansan
The University of Kansas is playing host to 18 Saudi Arabian students in a joint program with the School of Engineering and the Applied English Center to introduce the students to the American way of life.
"The students will spend the summer studying English and engineering while the orientation program will talk about transitions," said Christa Hansen, special program coordinator for the Applied English Center. "Cross-cultural issues will be discussed as they adjust to American life."
The Kansas Orientation Program for Engineering is sponsored by the Aramco Oil Company of Saudi Arabia and includes an orientation class twice a week, English four days a week and Calculus five days a week. The program is in its second year.
"In Saudi Arabia, we prepared at Aramco's College Prep Center and took classes in English, math and culture," said Abdulrahman Bajabaa, KOPE student.
The KU orientation class prepares the students for what they will experience at an American university.
"The students will be learning about many cultures, including life at KU, in Kansas and in America," said Mark Algren, language specialist for the Applied English Center.
Topics such as how an American university
operates, teacher expectations of students, communication styles, ways to break into American society and how to get to know people to form relationships will also be discussed. Aleren said.
The KOPE students have already noticed some marked differences in culture since beginning the program.
"I am surprised by the freedom here in America," said Abdulaziz Al-Meer. "Things like tattoos and piercings are not allowed in Saudi Arabia like they are here. And fashions for men and women are more mixed here."
Cultural differences in privacy were also a surprise.
"I went swimming at Robinson Gym the other day," said Thamer Al-Sanouna, KOPE student, "and the locker room was strange to me because I'm used to being more private."
Also, the Saudi students must adjust to different daily schedules.
"Templin [Hall] is a nice place to live, but Mrs. E serves dinner around 5 p.m. and I am used to eating much later like around 9 to 10 p.m." Al-Souna said.
America is also presenting new ways for the KOPE students to spend free time.
"Ienjoy playing soccer, but Frisbee is new and fun," Bajabaa said. "Also, I spend time playing video games on a Playstation."
The students were accepted into the program after responding to an Aramco advertisement and passing a series of tests.
"The selection process for this program was extremely rigorous," Algren said. "Aramco chose students, not only as a result of high academics, but because (the students) showed interest in the U.S. and had a perceived ability to adjust to the culture."
"I am surprised by the freedom here in America. Things like tatoos and piercings are not allowed in Saudi Arabia like they are here and fashions for men and women are more mixed here."
Abdulaziz Al-Meer
KOPE Student
"About 7,000 students applied for the program and only around 500 passed," said Majel Al-Suwailem, KOPE student. "Then Aramco chose the top 150 students for the award."
After completing the program, the Saudi students will find out from Aramco which U.S. university they will attend for the next four years, Hansen said.
"We had a choice of many different U.S. universities to choose from, including KU," said Essam Rafie, KOPE student. "We made a list of our top three choices and Aramco will let us know where we will go in a few weeks."
The students began the program on May 31 and will conclude July 30, when they will leave for their assigned university in time for their fall courses.
About 15 Saudi Arabian students participated in the KOPE program last year and 5 of those students stayed to continue their education at KU, Hansen said.
- Edited by Ben Embry
Fiery advertising
A Lawrence firefighter sprays down a sign that caught fire located at 6th and Florida. The fire was due to a short in the electrical wiring. Photo by Aaron Lindberg/KANSAN
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