School starts in 11 days, and here I am wondering if I need to start another countdown.  My ever-growing task list tells me I have more important things to do.  So far, I’ve helped launch the Graduate School’s new webpages as part of College of Charleston’s overhaul.  If you haven’t seen it yet, you should take a moment to browse the new site.  I also sent our new information pieces out to print, and am working the behind-the-scenes work for Tuesday’s launch of our new information system, Banner. Don’t even get me started on my Fall travel schedule.  I haven’t RSVP’d for one Graduate & Professional School Fair!

I am also getting ready for something even more important: Graduate Student Orientation.  If you’re a new graduate student, don’t forget that we are hosting Orientation on Thursday, August 20 at 6:00 in Wachovia Auditorium.  The Graduate Student Association will also host their Meet & Greet at Yo Burrito following the Orientation.

For all graduate students, please check your Edisto email account.  You’ll see an invitation to September’s Responsible Conduct of Research seminars.  These seminars are strongly encouraged for all graduate students, and we are offering two opportunities to attend next month. The first is Tuesday, September 8, and the second is Saturday, September 12.

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.

I would like to invite you all to a meet and greet with the new graduate students of this semester. It will be at 7pm on Thurs. at Yo Burrito.

I would like to see at least one  representative from each program there. This way the new students can meet their representatives and get more involved in the GSA. Remember, if we don’t try to connect to the new students, the GSA will not continue to survive and grow.

In addition, there is a CofC basketball game next Mon. Jan 12th. at 7pm. Admission is free with a CofC ID. It is supporting Dance Marathon that night, but even if you are not attending Dance Marathon, a group of us will be attending and I am sure it will be a good time.

Oh, and keep this in the back of your mind. When we volunteered at the Lowcountry Food Bank a couple of months ago, they said that during Jan and Feb, there are few donations and the same demand. Therefore, to help them out with this, we will be having a food drive. More details to follow soon.

More events to come,

Bryan Danson
Chair of GSA Social Activities and Student Outreach Committee
bryan.danson@gmail.com

I’m sure you’re eagerly working on planning and sticking to those resolutions, and we want to help.  If you’re thinking about going back to school and want to know more about our programs or what materials you need to submit with your application, feel free to ask.  You can call us (843.953.5614), email us, or even stop by.  We are located in room 310 of Randolph Hall (#40 on any campus map) and are open from 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.  If you can’t get downtown during those hours, we are open until 7:00 p.m. on the third Monday and Thursday of each month.  And if that still doesn’t work for your schedule, just let us know and we’ll schedule an appointment with you for after hours.

If you’re a new student, be sure to register for orientation if you haven’t already!  Orientation is this Thursday, and check-in begins at 5:30 p.m. in the Robert Scott Small Auditorium.  The presentation will begin promptly at 6:00.  And be sure to stick around after Orientation for the Graduate Student Association’s meet & greet at Yo Burrito.

Happy New Year!

While everyone’s getting ready to visit friends and family for the holidays, it may be easy to forget a few last minute tasks like registering for orientation.

All new graduate students are encouraged to attend graduate student orientation on Thursday, January 8.  Check-in begins at 5:30, and the presentation begins at 6:00.  Be sure to plan on sticking around after Orientation so the Graduate Student Association can get to know you better at a local haunt, like Yo Burrito on Wentworth Street.

Tell us you’re coming by registering online.  Thanks!