While incoming students are embarking on their own individual academic journeys, the University of Delaware’s New Graduate Student Orientation, held at the Trabant University Center on Jan. 29, indicated they wouldn’t undertake it alone. Hosted by the Graduate College, the afternoon of welcome, which featured a resource fair, student panel and networking opportunities with fellow graduate students, underscored the support available as they pursue their career goals.

“One of the messages I want to leave you with today is to think of us as a partner in your success, and we’re really here to help you break barriers, answer questions and support your growth and success as researchers,” said Miguel Garcia-Diaz, vice president for research, scholarship and innovation.

To kick-start that partnership, students received advice from administrators and other leaders about cultivating success and preparing for the academic challenges awaiting them in their first semester.

Utilize UD resources 

A common recommendation shared throughout the day was to take advantage of the multitude of resources available at the University. During the welcome presentations, José-Luis Riera, vice president for student life, reviewed the opportunities for support available at UD, including Student Health Services, the Center for Counseling and Student Development Services, the Career Center and graduate student lounges in the Perkins Student Center, Alison Hall and Morris Library.

Centered on bolstering the student experience and establishing quality connections, Riera also highlighted the value of Graduate Student Organizations, which allow students to find community outside their departments, and the Graduate Student Government (GSG), which works with campus leaders to shape student life. 

“If there’s a resource you need that’s not available, Graduate Student Government can help point you toward that resource or assist in the advocacy or creation of that resource,” said Stephanie Kuntz-McAllister, president of the GSG.

Build your community with intention 

From attending football games to joining one of the many student organizations on campus, Kuntz-McAllister stressed the importance of building a support system while earning your degree — both personally and academically. 

Whenever you’re overwhelmed by classwork or research, Kuntz-McAllister suggested putting in the extra time to maintain friendships and family connections, a small gesture that refills her cup. In addition to fostering a relationship with your advisor, she also encouraged establishing informal relationships with faculty, especially instructors from whom you’d like to learn new skills.

“Thanks to graduate school, I have an amazing support system of wonderful friends, brilliant scholars and compassionate mentors who will help me walk through the next stages of my life and career. I encourage you to be intentional about building those relationships because this is an excellent opportunity to create connections,” said Kuntz-McAllister.

Set work-life boundaries 

During the graduate student panel, Max Bobbin, vice president of the GSG; Emmanuel Adebayo, president of the African Graduate Student Organization; and Kuntz-McAllister shared their perspectives on graduate student life and one of its biggest challenges: setting boundaries for your work and personal life. 

“One thing that has helped me consistently is to set systems,” said Adebayo, advising fellow students to begin setting boundaries immediately. These systems include scheduling blocks of time for work rather than waiting for motivation, and planning family time, which Adebayo manages remotely as an international student. Other suggestions included putting your phone on “do not disturb” at work, and likewise restricting access to work apps and emails at home.

“If you think about the muscles in your body when you're trying to balance, it's a constant struggle to retain that balance, and our work-life balance is the same. We have to constantly be intentional about it. Your first semester will probably be pretty tough trying to figure out what is going to work best for you,” said Kuntz-McAllister.

Find places to unwind

“There’s a reason the programs are measured in years,” said Bobbin, warning students that working 14-hour days to accelerate progress on a project is the quickest way to burnout. With this in mind, finding time — and your own special space on campus — to unwind and recharge from the workday is an essential part of long-term success. 

Each panelist shared their favorite spots on campus to relax, including sunbathing on The Green, a trip to the UD Dairy Farm to watch the cows graze or a nature hike through White Clay Creek State Park or along the Newark Reservoir. Given Delaware’s central location on the East Coast, they also suggested making a day trip to neighboring major cities like Philadelphia, New York City or Washington, D.C.

Not all advice is worth taking

While she notes it may discount her previous advice, Kuntz-McAllister also reminded the incoming students that not every piece of wisdom will be pertinent to their own story.

“You don’t have to take everyone’s advice. What works well for one person may not work well for you. It’s important to be mindful of the unique trajectory that you're on and that has brought you here. No two paths are going to be the same,” said Kuntz-McAllister, telling students to appreciate the opportunity ahead and recognize their own unique potential that earned them a place at UD.