Florida A&M University’s School of Graduate Studies and Research will host their annual Graduate Student Appreciation Week between April 2-6.
Dr. Reginald Ellis, associate professor of history and coordinator of the Graduate Feeder Scholars Program, stressed the purpose of the week’s activities.
“Graduate Student Appreciation Week is a week designated by the School of Graduate Studies and Research in conjunction with the Graduate Student Association and Student Government Association to celebrate the accomplishments of our graduate students here at FAMU,” Ellis explained.
Paris Ellis, a first-year master of business administration candidate, appreciates what the School of Graduate Studies and Research is coordinating for graduate students.
“I think it’s pretty awesome that someone is dedicated to ensuring that students from all over the world are appreciated and welcomed into their grad programs,” Paris said.
The week’s events will include panel discussions as well as workshops that will focus on the programs FAMU’s School of Graduate Studies and Research offers.
“Throughout this week, we aim to showcase our graduate students’ research to faculty, staff, students at FAMU (and other students),” Dr. Reginald said.
Graduate student researchers will participate in events such as “Research Poster Competition” and “Three Minute Thesis Competition,” presenting their high-level research that comes along with their respected field of study.
Graduate Student Appreciation Week is not only for graduate students. Undergraduate students are also encouraged to attend events that will help prepare them for the transition into graduate school.
With different workshops like “Graduate School 101: Preparing an Effective Graduate School Application” and “The Graduate School Funding Process,” undergraduate students will receive first-hand advice of how to properly apply for graduate school and become better prepared for the next steps in their academic careers.
Junior English student, Erica Barnes, is looking forward to interacting with current graduate students and faculty to gain knowledge of the steps towards attending graduate school.
“I would most definitely be interested in attending a 101 workshop,” Barnes said. Being that every student is not the same and has taken different paths through their years of undergrad, having 101 sessions can only help when deciding which school is best for myself.”
For the students that are unsure of what graduate programs FAMU offers, a recruitment fair will be held from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on April 5 in the Grand Ballroom to help them identify which program is right for them.