The Graduate School Blog

As John Adams wrote his wife Abigail,

The second day of July, 1776, will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more.

Mr. Adams was a little off on the date, but he was most certainly right in believing that the Independence of America would be celebrated for centuries.  As such, the College of Charleston is closed today and will reopen for business on Monday, July 6.  Whatever your plans, please be safe and have fun.

If you have that nagging feeling that you forgot something this morning, I hope it’s not because you forgot to submit your application for grad school.

Submitted your application already? Don’t worry - you probably just left the coffee pot on.

Your loyal blogger is out on vacation this week, but never fear! I have a few blogs all ready to release this week.  Plus, our grad assistants have agreed to monitor our Twitter account while I’m away.  Be sure to say hello and keep them on their toes.  And I fully expect there to be more fans on our Facebook page when I get back.

See you in July!

Thanks to The Citadel Graduate College for this wonderful invitation to the 2009 Leadership Seminar!  Be sure to reserve your seats today.

The Krause Center for Leadership & Ethics and The Student Government Association of The Citadel Graduate College will host the 2009 Citadel Graduate College Leadership Seminar at no cost to participants.

The Seminar will be held Wednesday, July 22, 2009 from 9am - 4pm in Mark Clark Hall on The Citadel campus. This dynamic program is open to graduate students of The Citadel and The College of Charleston. Lunch will be provided.

This seminar was created in response to strong graduate student participation in the “Principled Leadership Symposium” held this past March, and demand for more opportunities to explore graduate-level leadership issues and opportunities.

With its interactive format, the sessions include two keynote speakers:
Colonel Allison Dean Love, CGC alumnus, Executive Director of SC Insurance News Service and CGC member of The Citadel’s Board of Visitors.
Dr. Nancy McGinley, Superintendent of Charleston County School District

You will participate in personal leadership assessments, engage in group decision-making exercises, and use real case studies to develop team project presentations.

Act now - the last day to register is July 15^th and seating is limited! Take advantage of this special opportunity to give your career a competitive edge in today’s demanding market.

You can review the full agenda and register today by visiting http://www.citadel.edu/krause-center/latest-news/65-the-2009-citadel-graduate-leadership-seminar.html.

Grace Beahm/The Post and Courier

I heard about this on the news this morning, and am sharing with you in case you haven’t heard yet.  Below is an email sent to the College of Charleston community by the Associate Director of Undergraduate Admissions.  Please be sure to think of Philip Simmons as you walk through our campus today.

Hello All,

The Office of Admissions and the Division of Marketing and Communications would like to inform you that 30+ white bows will be placed on gates around campus in remembrance of Philip Simmons, the famed Charleston blacksmith who passed away Monday evening.

An article in the Post and Courier this morning elaborates on the symbolism of the white bows in reference to Simmons’ work.

One little known fact about legendary blacksmith Philip Simmons is that he wasn’t crazy about his work being painted black, although much of it was. Instead, he preferred it be painted white. Philip Simmons, 97, passed away Monday evening. That’s why the city of Charleston plans to tie white ribbons to Simmons’ ironwork in tribute of his passing Monday at age 97. It’s the first of several tributes expected in the coming days as the Lowcountry bids farewell to one of its most talented and beloved craftsmen. Simmons died at 9:30 p.m. Monday, and those who were influenced by him remembered him as a father figure, mentor, teacher and friend. Charleston Mayor Joe Riley said Simmons was “at once a very gentle man and a great life force. His beautiful artistic creations, made out of wrought iron, grace the Holy City of Charleston throughout the downtown area and beyond.” Riley invited others to honor Simmons by tying white ribbons on their wrought iron gates or railings, regardless of who forged them.

Amber and I first met at a graduate school fair in the mountains of North Carolina, and I couldn’t be happier that she chose to attend The Graduate School of the College of Charleston.  Not only did she choose College of Charleston, but she also chose to work with our office as a graduate assistant.  “Miss Amber” as we call her around the office, is full of energy and always has a smile ready for anyone that walks through the door.   Below is her account of her first year as a grad student.

One Year Down!

Upon entering the history graduate program at the College of Charleston, two more years of school seemed like a lifetime!  But here I am, the first year flew by, and I’m no worse for the wear.

I improved scholastically and met some incredible people!

The GSO Grad Assistants, Bree, Amber, Bonnie, Gwen and Tiffany

I moved from a small mountain hamlet to Charleston, South Carolina.  Before the school year began, I was hired as a graduate assistant.  Through this quirky office setting, I found a surrogate family.  The ladies keep me laughing and the impressive career of a gentleman in the office, reminds me what I have the potential to accomplish.  The position keeps me in contact with prospective students, current students, and faculty from our 28 different programs.  I am exposed daily to the exciting projects and research happening throughout the College.  The most important thing I learned in this office is that the faculty is dedicated to student success.

Joi, Chris, Amber, Gwen and Eric

Initially afraid that dedicated, academic pursuit might limit opportunities to make friends, I soon experienced quite the opposite.  The first-years in my program bonded during class discussions, over research, and even an occasional beer.  We ran the gauntlet of a staggering workload and survived!  (”Survive” may seem like a strong word for me to use, but there were definitely times we wondered whether or not we’d make it)  Once we realized that we could survive, my fellow first-years and I relaxed.  We became friends.  We continue to hone our academic skills.  On a professional level, we learned one another’s research interests and career goals.  My colleagues and I share ideas, pass along readings, and support each other.  And when our brains need a rest, we get to play in Charleston!

Joi, Kristin, and Amber

I am so fortunate to have these friends and colleagues in my life.  When I left my small home town for the first time, I was convinced that making friends in graduate school would be impossible.  But I found them and am better for it.

Related Posts:
Keeping it all together, by Regan Fantry
In her words, by Kellee McGahey
The rantings of a thesis writer, by Bree Tomlinson
Wherever you go, go with all your heart, by Kolo Rathburn
Why she chose South Carolina over Michigan, by Bree Tomlinson

Wake up.  Work.  Go to class.  Leave campus.  Run errands.  Get home.  Do chores.  Sleep.  Wake up– and do it all again. 

That was my life during the Fall 2008 and Spring 2009 semesters.  Not only do I work at the Graduate School as the Director of Student Records, I’m also a part time student in our very own MPA program, and I got married at the end of the Spring semester on May 30.

The lives of graduate students can be complicated.  In addition to going to school, many of us work full time, have families, have more than one job, or responsibilities to other people– with big life events to boot!  And we have to find the time (and learn to manage it) to study and keep our grades up in addition to everything else.  Our lives can turn into juggling acts that should surely qualify us to be in one of the rings for the circus!

The hardest thing to do was remembering what I had to do in each role.  My job didn’t wait for school, school didn’t wait for all of the responsibilities that come with pulling together an event as big and a wedding.  And did anyone remember to call the caterer?!

I kept lists.  A lot of lists.  Reminders on my work calender and PDA.  Emails to myself.  Emails to people helping to remind me of my “goals of the week,” and keep me on task (thank you Mom).  Wedding planning spanned three spreadsheets.  It helped that I was marrying someone who was willing to step in and steer the ship when things became too much, or that paper was proving hard to write.

The most important thing that you can remember is to ask for help, and accept it when it is offered.  And breathe.  Breathe in, breathe out.  It’ll be ok– even if the napkins don’t exactly match the dresses, or page 10 of that paper was a little shorter than it could have been, and the conclusion a little less wordy.   

And don’t forget to stop and enjoy life.  Just keep that PDA handy and take that fascinating book on networks and organizations to the beach!

Someone once made the statement that I “make coffee nervous.” Which, coincidentally just happens to be a quote from one of my all time favorite movies.*

Well, Kellee McGahey doesn’t quite make coffee nervous, but I have absolutely no idea how the woman finds the time to sleep.  Not only is she the Assistant Director of the Lowcountry Graduate Center, but she is a grad student in our Communication program and serves as the Chair of the Charleston Young Professionals.  If you’re at a Chamber meeting, an AMA meeting or any other meeting, don’t be surprised if you see her there.

Kellee recently opened up about balancing work, life and graduate school in Smart Family magazine.  You can find her two-page spread starting on page 74, including three reasons why you should go back to school.  Other women featured include Shari Bouis, Principal at Cario Middle School; Heather Woolwine, Media Relations Director for MUSC; and Lisa Wade, Social Work Case Manager for the Ryan White HIV Care program.

Balance is a delicate thing, but something you can certainly achieve when you’re a grad student.  Take the time to talk with friends and family that have received their degree, or are in the middle of their program.  See what works best for them.  Also, use social media to your advantage.  There are so many groups out there dedicated to helping graduate students like GradShare, LinkedIn, and Mom it Forward.  If you’re stuck, you can always talk with your program director.  S/he might know of a student in a similar situation, or might even have similar experience of his/her own.

Related links:
Rantings of a Thesis Writer
A comic for your Monday
One working professional’s path to a master’s degree

*The first person to email me with what 1998 movie that quote is from will receive a free GRE or GMAT book.

There are only two weeks remaining until applications are due for the Fall semester, and just under ten weeks until classes start.  It’s been so quiet around campus this summer that I’ve considered starting a countdown to August 25.  Much like the running countdown until my vacation (9 days), my birthday (48 days) and Christmas (190 days).  But really - who’s counting?

Things get a little quiet for us during the summer, which is when we really start planning our events for the Fall.  We’ve added a few new things for new and returning students, and I figured I’d give you a bit of a sneak peak.

In August, we’ll welcome new students the week before class at our annual Orientation.  This year is going to be a little different because we’ll have representatives from ORGA present to talk about various fellowships, scholarships and grants.  Of course, the Graduate Student Association (GSA) will welcome all new students after Orientation at their impressive Meet & Greet at Yo Burrito on Wentworth Street.

The GSA will also welcome all students back to their annual Welcome Back party.  In the past, this has been hosted on Ft. Johnson where our Grice Marine Lab is located.  You couldn’t ask for a better view, and the band is usually one of the hottest in the Lowcountry.

Later in the semester, we’ll host a mandatory Responsible Conduct of Research workshop for all new students.  I’ve been to three so far, and each workshop has progressed to best equip our students with the knowledge needed for research in every industry - including the humanities.

ORGA will sponsor its first grant writing workshop for graduate students this semester, as well as a workshop for nationally competitive fellowships and scholarships.  I met with them a few weeks ago, and was happy to have finally met the team that has helped our students secure Knauss Fellowships, NSF grants, Fulbright Scholarships, and other very impressive opportunities.

Graduating students will also have the opportunity to attend a Thesis writing seminar, hosted by Regan Fantry.  She’ll walk you through the ins and outs of our newest system which allows you to submit your thesis online.

Many of our programs host events for their students, so be sure to check your email (preferably your Edisto account) to hear about all the programs, workshops and events we’re hosting this Fall.

Remember that time I flew the South Carolina Flag out the Dean’s window, just because I could? Well, it looks like the chances of that happening again are minimal.

Randolph Hall is rumored to be the oldest American building still in use in all of academia.  It survived earthquakes, hurricanes and wars.  Numerous movies and televisions shows have been filmed inside Randolph Hall, as well as on the Cistern.  Political candidates have also graced our campus, including John McCain and Barack Obama.

According to our walking tour, when College of Charleston was still small and private in the mid-twentieth century, the student body attended convocations in Alumni Hall.  During these services, the president would lead the students in prayer at which time students were required to stand and turn around, thus keeping their “prayers down South.”

This 181 year old building happens to be the heart of our campus, and College of Charleston is going to give it a little bit of TLC starting this summer.  Nearly four million dollars have been appropriated for this project, and will cover the repair of the stucco, stone stairways, handrails, gates, window sills, windows, shutters, columns, caps and cornices.  According to College of Charleston’s employee newsletter, the project should only take 9-12 months.  However, because the Cistern and Randolph Hall serve as prime places for events like graduation, the project will need to work around those events.  Therefore, the repairs could spread over three years.

College of Charleston has been in a constant state of repair and construction for some years now, but still maintains a historic feel.  What more could one ask for?

Related links:
Inside the Cistern - Post & Courier
It’s raining in Charleston. Break out the amphibious ATV.
Moving to Charleston?