UNC Charlotte’s Graduate School will welcome its new class of master’s and Ph.D. students at its annual New Graduate Student Orientation scheduled for 9 a.m., Saturday, Aug. 17.
The event draws more than 600 new graduate students who attend an introduction presented by Tom Reynolds, associate provost and dean of the Graduate School, before they break into a series of student-led panels.
A relatively new feature, the panels will be comprised of graduate students from a variety of disciplines and degree levels who will offer their expertise to the incoming class. Students meet with others in their specific degree program for interactive panels. Doctoral students cover topics such as writing, funding through assistantships, choosing an advisor and navigating the dissertation process. Master’s students discuss similar topics, geared toward the kinds of research and practice opportunities open to master’s-level students. Certificate and post-baccalaureate students have the opportunity to hear from a panel of their peers as well as an associate dean of the Graduate School on the admissions process for those interested in pursuing a degree.
"The Graduate School is committed to helping new students understand the expectations of faculty and of the level of work required by graduate students," said Graduate School Assistant Dean Katherine Hall-Hertel. "Orientation is our first opportunity to share important information and help students understand the graduate culture at UNC Charlotte. We believe that by using current students the information is perceived as more authentic and credible. All in all, the panels prove to be a great success."
Additional information about the New Graduate Student Orientation is available online.