A general orientation session for all graduate students might replace departmental orientations next fall, and the merits of both were debated at last night's Graduate Student Senate meeting. Michael Mumper, senate advisor and associate provost for graduate studies, presented the idea of one orientation to senators.
In the past
the graduate departments have had different levels of orientation he said. We are toying with the idea of an all-new orientation for all students next fall.
Senator Allyson Kozak said a general orientation would be valuable for incoming graduate students.
Since my (chemistry) department held a very thorough week-long orientation
I can't understand why some departments have no orientation program
Kozak said. A general orientation would help with the transition to graduate studies.
Senator Steve Siff said he thought a general orientation would waste time and resources.
Orientations for graduate programs are poorly attended already
Siff said. A general orientation wouldn't be any different.
The Graduate Student Senate also passed two resolutions, one to ratify 14 new members and another to dissolve the Ohio Program of Intensive English committee and to establish a health insurance committee. In Graduate Student Senate's Sept. 26 meeting, Mumper said graduate students were not given sufficient time to consider alternative insurance options that would potentially present lower costs. The new committee will explore other options.
Senate President Mark Mecum announced that OU Provost Kathy Krendl will attend the next meeting to discuss Vision Ohio, a comprehensive plan for the future of OU. Mecum said Krendl will discuss Vision Ohio's emphasis on graduate programs and its effect on students.
-Ashley Herzog
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Ashley Herzog
