Grad orientation
700-plus welcomed at UD's new graduate student orientation
3:46 p.m., Aug. 27, 2015--The University of Delaware New Graduate Student Orientation, Getting Connected to UD, was held Wednesday at Clayton Hall and opened with remarks by Acting President Nancy Targett, who told the 482 master’s and 230 doctoral students in attendance that “as graduate students, you’ll be part of UD’s research enterprise,” with research being “a huge part of our mission.”
“We want our research to matter in the world, and that goes for both basic and applied research,” Targett said, noting that last year the University had $137 million in sponsored research expenditures.
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Doctoral hooding
She also encouraged the students to “be part of, and a contributor to, our community of scholars” by taking advantage of the resources UD makes available and by engaging with colleagues including professors, advisers and fellow students.
The daylong orientation event for full-time students was sponsored by UD Graduate and Professional Education and the Graduate Student Senate.
Students from 52 countries were welcomed, as were students from all regions of the U.S.
New graduate students include musicians and composers, a skydiver, a stand-up comedian, and a student whose family once owned a circus.
The opening session focused on information on policies, public safety, health services, parking and transportation, and student life. A separate breakout session led by faculty and student panels discussed getting started as a new doctoral student or as a new master’s student.
More than 30 service offices and student organizations were on hand during the lunchtime Resource Fair.
Afternoon sessions offered were titled “Beyond the Bookshelves.” “Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds,” and “Get Connected: Building an Inclusive Campus.”
“Beyond the Bookshelves” provided information on getting the most out of the University’s academic support services, and was presented by the University of Delaware Library, the Writing Center and Information Technologies.
“Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds” provided information on health services and insurance, and was presented by the Office of Risk Management, the Center for Counseling and Student Development, Recreation Services and insurance company representatives.
The orientation program ended the day with ice cream from the UDairy Creamery and the opportunity to receive a variety of raffle prizes.
Photos by Kathy F. Atkinson