The Graduate Student Experience initiative has launched its renewed effort for the 2024-25 academic year.
In an official kickoff event, the initiative welcomed new and returning members, provided updates on progress from the previous year, and laid out plans for a new academic year of work in support of graduate students.
Dean Beth Mayer-Davis opened the event by laying out the goal behind the initiative.
“We believe that we can have high academic rigor here at UNC along with student wellbeing,” she said. “It’s possible to have both of these, one does not need to detract from the other, but we have to be intentional to make sure that happens.”
“That’s how our students will become the leaders in their fields and serve the state, country and beyond.”
Provost Christopher J. Clemens gave remarks at the event and discussed the lessons he learned from challenges he faced in own experience as a graduate student.
“Grad school is hard, so we need a support network for our students,” Provost Clemens said. “Graduate students will advocate for themselves, but we need to be looking institutionally at what they face to help them navigate it and become successful scholars.”
John Easterbrook, executive director of strategic initiatives at The Graduate School, celebrated the launch of gradstudentcare.unc.edu, a new web page that serves as a hub of resources for graduate and professional students related to a wide range of concerns, including mental health, financial challenges, academic support and others.
“I’m excited to welcome new and returning members and continue our work on behalf of current and future grad students,” Easterbrook said. “We hope to make an immediate impact on grad student lives, enabling them to be successful in graduate school and become the scholars and researchers who will solve the world’s greatest challenges.”
Easterbrook laid out goals for each of the GSE’s working groups this year. He announced the formation of a new working group focused on graduate student working conditions.
The GSE working groups will focus on these goals for academic year 24-25:
- Teaching Assistant Training Working Group: Finalizing content for TA trainings
- Student Life & Wellness Working Group: Facilitating delivery of mental wellbeing services
- Faculty Mentor Training Working Group: Developing mentorship training and guidance for individual development plans and mentor agreements
- Graduate Student Working Conditions Working Group: Collecting data to gain a clear understanding of graduate student working conditions at UNC-Chapel Hill
The GSE welcomes comments & feedback from all members of the Carolina community through the GSE feedback form.