October 2016 - Published periodically by the Office of Graduate Studies. | Issue 38 | |
Spotlight: The Office of Graduate StudiesNow Located in 120 White Hall, the Office of Graduate Studies (OGS) was founded to enrich the experience of all graduate students from the time they complete the admissions process until they graduate. The office is staffed by Tracy Balduzzi, Director of Graduate Program Operations and Megan Wilson, Program Coordinator. Both Tracy and Megan are alumnae of a Utica College graduate program, providing them first-hand experience of what it is like to be a UC graduate student. The mission of the Office of Graduate Studies is to provide a quality, streamlined graduate experience by supporting graduate students and faculty, administering effective and consistent policies and procedures, and connecting graduate students to each other and Utica College. In an effort to enhance services provided to all current Utica College graduate students, OGS assists in welcoming and orienting new graduate students to UC, overseeing the Graduate Catalog, Internal Review Board (IRB) submissions, Thesis and Capstone Project submissions, Graduate Commencement Ceremony. OGS strives to administer effective and consistent policies and procedures as they affect all graduate students – online and campus-based – by clarifying and streamlining them. They are always happy to assist students and faculty in navigating these policies and procedures. The OGS website Utica.edu/ogs is organized as a student handbook containing various important forms, deadlines, links to resources, and more. Our staff are here to answer any questions you might have and support you by removing obstacles to success. The Office of Graduate Studies is a valuable resource for all graduate students. The staff’s main focus is graduate student support and they want to see all students be successful. In addition to the services already mentioned, it is a great place to start if a graduate student does not know where to go to address a specific concern. If OGS does not directly handle your concern, they will find the answer for you or direct you to the appropriate office. In addition to ensuring that the daily needs of students, staff, and faculty are met, OGS’ top priority is to connect graduate students to each other and to Utica College. OGS is constantly working to improve communication and facilitate networking and social opportunities. In the past OGS has hosted events such as open house / welcome sessions, social hours, trivia night, bowling night, and multiple networking opportunities. The next event will be Game Night on Thursday, October 13 from 5-8pm in Pioneer. Please see the side article “Fun Fall Events” for more information about upcoming events, times, and locations. The Office of Graduate Studies appreciates student feedback, so please share your thoughts on how UC can better enhance your graduate student experience! The staff would love for you to stop by and introduce yourself when you’re on campus. OGS is located in 120 White Hall and can also be contacted by phone at (315) 792-3335 or via e-mail at ogs@utica.edu. Additional information is available online at utica.edu/ogs. Tracy and Megan (pictured above, left to right) are looking forward to hearing from you! Get to the Point | Important Dates:Please note upcoming deadlines: Oct. 15 - December application for degree deadline Oct. 21 - D1 courses end Oct. 24 - D2 courses begin. Oct. 28 - Last day to add/drop a D2 course Nov. 4 - Last day to withdraw from a full term course. Nov. 14 - Spring registration opens Nov. 23-25 - Thanksgiving Break for ground courses Nov. 28 - Last day to withdraw from a D2 course Dec. 11 - Full term courses end Dec. 16 - D2 courses end Dec. 16 - Final approved thesis or capstone project, Phase III form due for December graduation. Dec. 31 - December degree conferral date Fun Fall Events: The Office of Graduate Studies (OGS) is excited to announce monthly events starting this fall. Each month we will be hosting a game night in Pioneer Pub. The first game night is October 13th from 5:00-8:00pm. Stop in, play a couple games or just hang out, feel free to bring family and friends. OGS will also be hosting S’mores night October 22nd from 5:30-7:30pm on the field behind Strebel Student Center (Across from the fitness center). S’mores supplies, Apple cider, and pizza will be provided. All of these events are free and a great way to get out, unwind, and meet new people! |
Did you know:
Grad Connect is Moving. If you are reading this, you have probably noticed that the delivery method for Grad Connect has changed, it used to be delivered to your inbox as an html based email. Now Grad Connect will be based on its own webpage as a part of the Graduate Studies website. But how will you know when a new issue is available? Don’t worry, you will still receive an email notification when there is a new issue. The only difference is that the email will contain a web link directing you to a webpage with the newest issue as opposed to the issue contained in the body of the email. Another recent change to Grad Connect is its frequency. In an effort to ensure we are bringing you fresh and current content (and not overwhelm you with emails), we have moved from releasing new issues once a month to now only once every three months.
As the creators of Grad Connect, the Office of Graduate Studies is always looking for new ideas and inspiration. We would love to hear your thoughts and ideas, whether it be an article you have written, and idea for an article, or something you would like us to look into, we want to hear know what is important to you. Please send your feedback to ogs@utica.edu. Who knows maybe you will see your article or idea in a future edition of Grad Connect!