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Saturday March 10th, 2007

12 p.m., The Great Hall

A mini-conference for prospective Western graduate students 

This free afternoon event will provide you with insight and information on what it takes to succeed in graduate school. We will discuss topics such as work/life balance, building a positive relationship with your supervisor, and how to ensure financial stability while in graduate school.

The event is open to anyone who is considering Western as a destination for graduate studies.

Our goal is to answer all of your questions regarding graduate student life and to ensure that you are prepared for a smooth transition into graduate studies.

Mini-Conference Agenda:

The mini-conference will begin at 12:00 noon in The Great Hall of the Somerville House Building. For a map of campus click here.

Once in the Great Hall you will receive a light lunch and will have the opportunity to browse booths that will provide you with information on The Society of Graduate Students, TAships, Scholarships, The Faculty of Graduate Studies, The City of London and much more.

At 12:45 there will be a brief initial address followed by our first session at 1pm.

Session One: Strategies for Success in and after Graduate Schoo l – this session will look at some key strategies for timely degree completion, work/life balance, and the value of a graduate education.  Led by Clare Tattersall, Coordinator, Graduate Student Recruitment and Retention.

At 1:45pm – The first Break-Out Sessions will begin. You will have the choice to attend one of the following.

Getting Mentored in Graduate School – Managing expectations, understanding what is required of you and of your supervisor in order to build a positive and productive relationship.  Led by Dr. Betsy Skarakis-Doyle, Faculty Associate, Graduate Supervision.

Or

Financing Your Graduate Education – This presentation will look at numerous different sources of funding, External Scholarships, Western’s funding guarantees, and opportunities for GTAs and GRAs. Led by Paula Menzies, External Scholarship Coordinator in the School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies.

At 2:45pm – The second break-out sessions will begin. You will have the choice to attend one of the following.

The 360 ° Graduate Student Development Initiative –  A look at the comprehensive programs that address teaching preparation, cross-cultural communication, career development, and graduate supervision that are included in this initiative.  Understanding Western’s commitment to providing the best graduate student experience.  Led by Dr. Nanda Dimitrov of the Teaching Support Centre and Clare Tattersall, Coordinator Graduate Student Recruitment and Retention.

Housing Opportunities –  A look at on and off-campus options for graduate housing in London. Led by a representative from Housing and Ancillary Services.

At 3:30 there will be a panel discussion:

The Best Graduate Student Experience: A panel of current graduate students from a cross-section of programs will answer your questions about the graduate student experience at Western.

Throughout the day, you will have the opportunity to participate in a campus bus tour. 

Click Here to Register

For further information please contact Clare Tattersall, Coordinator, Graduate Student Recruitment and Retention, at ctatter3@uwo.ca ext 81130.