Graduate orientation
The Graduate School welcomed more than 700 graduate students at an in-person orientation on Wednesday, August 10; they join nearly 2,500 incoming graduate students from all areas of campus. Chancellor Kevin Guskiewicz welcomed graduate students to campus in a statement. “You are our next generation of leaders, public servants, and scholars,” he said. “You play an essential role in serving our University’s mission of research, teaching, public service, and solving the grand challenges of our time. I wish you the best as you embark on your graduate studies.”
The day’s events
The annual graduate orientation event, hosted for the first time in person since 2019, included brief presentations, a resource fair, and social event. Graduate orientation also featured faculty and student panels from areas around campus, including the UNC School of Social Work, the Gillings School of Global Public Health, the UNC School of Government, the College of Arts and Sciences, and beyond. Dean Suzanne Barbour provided words of wisdom from her time as a graduate student.
Dozens of University organizations, including the Heels Care Network, Campus Health, and the UNC Visitors Center joined the resource fair. Campus tours held in the morning and in the afternoon drew more than 200 graduate student participants.
Building our community
Breakout sessions included imposter syndrome, resource sharing for international students, and finding community and well-being.
“The social interactions and relationships you’ll begin to build today with your fellow graduate students, university faculty, and administrators are invaluable, and may remain with you for many years following the completion of your degree,” said Kate McAnulty, associate dean for student affairs with The Graduate School. “It is my hope that you’ll make connections with me and others within The Graduate School following Orientation and throughout your time here.”
