Symposium on Graduate Education
Journeys in Graduate Study: Exploring Ways to Improve the Graduate Student Experience
A symposium for graduate faculty, students, and alumni
Monday, February 20, 2006, 1:00-5:00 p.m.
Illini Union Rooms A,B, & C
A surprisingly high proportion of doctoral students never complete their degree. Why do students leave? Is some attrition okay? This event, sponsored by the Graduate College, will explore what faculty and students can do to proactively improve the graduate student experience.
A surprisingly high proportion of doctoral students never complete their degree. Why do students leave? Is some attrition okay? This event, sponsored by the Graduate College, will explore what faculty and students can do to proactively improve the graduate student experience.
1:00 p.m. WELCOME & INTRODUCTORY REMARKS
Richard Wheeler, Dean of the Graduate College
1:10 p.m. Keynote Address:
CHARTING A COURSE THROUGH DOCTORAL STUDIES
Dr. Chris M. Golde, Senior Scholar at the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching.
2:15 p.m. NAVIGATING UNEXPECTED DETOURS & MAKING GOOD CHOICES: FOUR PERSONAL NARRATIVES ON THE DOCTORATE
Pursuing a doctoral degree can be a grueling experience that lasts for several years. During that time, many students may experience a "crisis of confidence," in which they question their ability to complete the PhD or change career goals. In this session, four University of Illinois alumni will explore the challenges of doctoral study and provide graduate students-and faculty-with advice about deciding whether or not to finish the degree, setting goals, and getting what you want out of graduate school.
Paula Havlik, AM 1979, Associate Director, University of Illinois Alumni
Association, Moderator
Tyson Miller, PhD 2005, Assistant Professor of Chemistry, University of
Connecticut
Rakhi Sen, PhD 2001, Clinical Counselor, University of Illinois Counseling Center
Jill Schreiber, AM 1993, MSW 1996, Mentor and Volunteer Coordinator for Champaign
Unit 4 Public Schools
3:15 p.m. BREAK
3:25 p.m. ASKING FOR DIRECTIONS: HOW TO INFLUENCE GRADUATE STUDENT SUCCESS
Students and faculty are partners for graduate student success. Students must be proactive, energetic, and take responsibility for charting their own course of study and research agenda. Faculty must be responsive, supportive, and available. This session will discuss the challenges that graduate students might face and explore the reasons for these challenges, including contradictory student and faculty expectations, the importance of clear communication, and different faculty advising styles. Graduate students and faculty will meet in two separate rooms but will explore the same case studies and discussion questions. We encourage you to continue these discussions-between faculty & students-at the reception that follows.
Student Session
Kim Graber, Associate Professor, Department of Kinesiology and Community Health, Moderator
Faculty Session
Dr. Chris M. Golde, Senior Scholar at the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, Moderator
