At Kookmin University(KMU), all freshmen should enroll in the S-TEAM Class. Yet when students search for extracurriclar programs, they also see Plus Alpha program. This begs the question, what are these programs and which can you attend.  

Extracurricular programs are geared toward students who want to improve their capabili-ties, capabilites that they might not be able to improve through regular courses. If students engage in 60 hours worth of extracurricular programs, they can get two credits for the Plus Alpha program. By attending those programs that they are intereste d in, students can earn credits. The following is a chart of programs in which you can participate;

1. At Sungkok Library, the library staff offers a variety of different programs every month. In April, the library held a program titled ‘How to Use Sungkok Library?’ The program taught students both about the library and about the school. For example, students were told that they could not only borrow the books but that they could also watch lectures; online, read previous students; theses, watch movies, and reserve study rooms. The library also helped students get additional information and helped them study.

In May, library staff held the “Plagiarism Prevention Education” program. This was for students who were writing reports or their theses. They taught students how to quote sources, as well as how to cite references. For freshmen, writing reports and theses might be a first, so the program is designed to increase the quality of their writing. 

2. At the Office of Career Department, the staff hold the “How to Get Scholarship?: for different majors. Students are given the opportunity to talk with seniors who already have careers. The seniors explain how their companies work and give tips to students as to how they might enter similar companies. Those students who attend typically do not have much

experience or information about their future jobs. Through “Invite Alumnus Relay Special Lecture.” students are able to take a step closer to their dreams.

3. At the Student Support Team, the “How to Get Scholarship?” course is offered. In this course, the team discusses how to get scholarships and shows the difference between last year and this year. Each scholarship has different criteria, so you need to search for the one that is best suited for you. At KMU, there are many types of scholarships; academic scholarships, departmental scholarships, and outside scholarships, to name a few.

<Types of scholarships>

4. At the MyeongWon Folk House, a number of program and gatherings available, including “Arts and Culture House”, “Spring Subscrip-tion”, “Traditional Culture Experience Study” and “K-MUSE Coming-of-Age Ceremony”. At the Myeongwon Folk Museum, there are also regular classes-students can learn about the tea culture, for example I think “Traditional Culture Experience Study” will be helpful for foreign students, since the course teaches about Korean emotions and customs. Many students also go to Gyeongbok-gung Palace to see traditional Korean cultural. Yet students can also see and learn about such trandition nearby. 

5. Students can learn how to print in 3-D at the Engineering Building. Students can learn the basics of the 3-D printing in order to use the machines. If students want to learn more, they can enroll in intensive courses. To use 3-D printers, they first have to listen the safety rules. These days, 3-D printing is becoming increasing-ly popular, so it is a useful opportunity to learn the skill. Through these many opportuni-ties, you can acquire a lot ofdifferent and useful information. To enroll in these courses and programs, you should apply for the Plus alpha program. Then, you should take at least 60 hours worth of whichever programs you choose. You can apply to extracurricular programs in K-Star Track. You'll be then be able to get your two degree as well. But freshmen enroll in this class. Be careful-take a look at the course you're interested in first and please enjoy it.

Ji-su Han
The Kookmin Review Cub-Reporter
jisusarah@kookmin.ac.kr