graduate studies connections: feb 2015
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The Center of Graduate Studies would like to welcome back all returning faculty and students, and welcome new students and faculty to the Potsdam communi-ty! We hope that everyone has had a great start to the New Year. Although it may not feel very spring-like yet, we are excited for the semester and hope you are too.
In this issue, we will provide information about upcoming events, the graduate student travel grant, career conversation, teacher recruitment days and highlight one of the students from our graduate program.
As always, please feel free to stop by our office and update us on any changes and development in your lives. As a staff we are excited to meet with each of you and assist you in achieving your academic success and enhance your entire gradu-ate experience.
We hope this year ahead will provide greater learning opportunities and accom-plishments toward reaching your educational and professional goals.
Best,
The Center of Graduate Studies Team
Inside This Issue
Upcoming Events P.2 Meet Ashley P.4
Meet Latesha P.5 CSR Travel Grant P.6
Career Conversation P.7 Bear-A-Bilities P.8
It’s almost here! Are you ready?
If you will be graduating in May, August or December 2015, you must apply to graduate ASAP!
You may do so by going online to: http://www.potsdam.edu/offices/registrar/graduation/
March 26th—Grad Finale
May 16th—Master’s Ceremony
May 17th—Bachelor's Ceremony
For more information, visit: http://www.potsdam.edu/current/commencement/
“There is a good reason they call these ceremonies commencement exercises. Graduation is not the end; it’s the beginning!”
Commencement
Graduate Studies Connections A Newsletter from the Center for Graduate Studies
February 2015 | Spring 2015
Welcome back Faculty and Students!
Calendar of Events/Important Dates
Academic Calendar or Deadlines
“Bear-A-Bilities” (Professional Dev.)
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
8 9 10 11 12 13 14
15 16 17 18 19 20 21
22 23 24 25 26 27 28
February 2015
All professional development details
and registration info, including time
and location, in greater
detail on our website at:
www.potsdam.edu/graduate
February 24th: Preparing a Successful
IRB Proposal and Thesis Writing Tips
February 25th: Lunchtime Roundtable:
Preparing for Teacher Certification Exam
February 27th: Early Alerts Due
February 28th-March 8th: Spring Break
March 11th: Lunchtime Roundtable:
Preparing for NYS Teacher Certification
Exam
March 12th: Spring Networking Gala:
Graduate Studies 360
March 18th: A New Game for Education:
Good Apples/Bad Apples
March 19th: A Conference Attendees
Experience: Science Teachers Association
March 20th: Last Day to Withdraw from
a Class or Elect the S/U Grading Option
March 25th: Lunchtime Roundtable:
Preparing for Teacher Certification Exam
March 26th: Grad Finale
April 4th-7th: April Recess
April 18th: Earth Day Cleanup
April 20th: Lunchtime Roundtable:
Preparing for Teacher Certification Exam
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
8 9 10 11 12 13 14
15 16 17 18 19 20 21
22 23 24 25 26 27 28
29 30 31
March 2015
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1 2 3 4
5 6 7 8 9 10 11
12 13 14 15 16 17 18
19 20 21 22 23 24 25
26 27 28 29 30
April 2015
April Recess
Spring Recess
Career Planning is Here to Help! Career Planning offers many programs to help students prepare for life during and after college.
This semester, Career Planning is currently holding dates for career/major explorations, resume building, and
job search workshops. Workshops will be held in 206 Sisson Hall. Make sure to register for the workshops at
[email protected] or by calling 267-2344. The dates and times of the events are below. After attending a
workshop, be sure to meet with a professional staff member to continue your exploration or resume building!
Resume Workshop
Date Time
Wednesday, Feb. 18 9:00
Thursday, Feb. 19 3:00
Tuesday, Feb. 24 2:00
Thursday, Feb. 26 11:00
Wednesday, Mar. 4 3:00
Thursday, Mar. 5 9:00
Tuesday, Mar. 10 2:00
Thursday, Mar. 12 11:00
Monday, Mar. 16 1:00
Wednesday, Mar. 18 10:00
Tuesday, Mar. 24 11:00
Friday, Mar. 27 3:00
Monday, Mar. 30 2:00
Thursday, Apr. 2 9:00
Wednesday, Apr. 8 11:00
Thursday, Apr. 9 10:00
Monday, Apr. 13 9:00
Tuesday, Apr 14 1:00
Wednesday, Apr. 22 3:00
Thursday, Apr. 23 10:00
Tuesday, Apr. 28 11:00
Friday, May 1 1:00
Monday, May 4 2:00
Thursday, May 7 3:00
Career/Major Exploration
Time Date
Friday, Feb. 20 1:00
Wednesday, Feb. 25 10:00
Monday, Mar. 2 2:00
Friday, Mar. 13 3:00
Wednesday, Mar. 18 11:00
Tuesday, Mar. 24 2:00
Wednesday, Apr. 1 9:00
Friday, Apr. 10 1:00
Monday, Apr. 13 2:00
Tuesday, Apr. 21 11:00
Wednesday, Apr. 29 10:00
Friday, May 8 3:00
Job Search
Date Time
Monday, Mar. 23 1:00
Tuesday, Mar. 31 11:00
Thursday, Apr. 9 3:00
Friday, Apr. 17 10:00
Wednesday, Apr. 22 9:00
Tuesday, Apr. 28 2:00
Monday, May 4 1:00
Ashley Thayer is in her first year, second semester, of the Community Health
program. She attended high school at St. Lawrence Central in Brasher Falls,
NY. Upon graduating, she was recruited to play softball for several colleges.
Unsure of what she wanted to pursue and study, Ashley decided to stay local
and chose Potsdam to continue her education and softball career. During her
time as an undergraduate, Ashley enjoyed her collegiate softball career. Alt-
hough her team did not perform to its capabilities, she described it as one of
the best times in her life. Off the field, Ashley fell in love with the Community Health under-
grad program.
“I really like the undergrad program, and it’s a first year masters program so it actually
worked out really well. It’s a easy transition from my undergrad to my grad work.”
Although Ashley is undecided on what she wants to pursue with her degree, she is
working on a professional project for a local health agency around the area, where she
hopes to gain several opportunities from and network. She recommends to students to real-
ly look into obtaining their Masters in Community Health here at Potsdam.
“The professors are great, and it’s more hands on! It is a great learning experience.”
Even though she is in her first year of the program, Ashley feels she will be better pre-
pared to enter the real world after achieving her masters. Good Luck Ashley!
M.S. Community Health
The Community Health program is in its first year, and we continue to encourage pro-
spective undergrads to explore the program. It is a two year, four semester program, that
prepares public health professionals to address public health issues in diverse populations.
Graduates of the M.S. program will be prepared to identify, present, and solve health prob-
lems, as well as develop and evaluate health-related programs and policies, especially those
affecting rural health populations. It is designed to meet the needs of both part-time and full
-time students. That’s unique! The Community Health program offers internships that can be
instrumental to one’s success. The goal of the internship is to provide the student with expe-
rience in practical real-life working environments, give them
an opportunity to develop skills through the health educa-
tion responsibilities and competencies, and gain broad ex-
posure to the field of community health.
For more information, visit: http://www.potsdam.edu/
academics/SOEPS/CommunityHealth/upload/Jan13SSMl.pdf
Meet Ashley Thayer!
In light of Black History Month, we want to spotlight Latesha Fussell, an alumni of
the graduate program. Since the summer of 2011, Latesha completed her Masters
of Science for Teachers (MST) in Childhood Education, as well as her Masters of Sci-
ence in Education for Inclusive and Special Education. Her graduate experience has
given her the opportunity to travel to Queensland, Australia, and Port of Spain, Trin-
idad to teach. The experience, described as being “phenomenal”, has helped her
grow both as a person and professionally. “Graduate school has taught me that
people learn differently. A great educator must be receptive to different learning
styles.” Upon earning two master’s degrees, Latesha has gained plenty of insight on
how to approach a grad program and hopes to pass her knowledge to prospective
students. One of the main lessons she learned was to focus on the content and not
the grade. “Your grade will not reflect your expertise in the specific content that you are exploring. Yes, a 4.0 will look re-
markable on your transcript, but going into an interview and articulating your knowledge based on your studies will
demonstrate excellence.” She also believes in creating long lasting relationships with your peers and faculty and currently
Latesha, well-known in the Potsdam community, is now part of the faculty working as an Educational Opportunity Pro-
gram (EOP) counselor for the college. As a counselor, she provides academic support and financial aid to students who
show promise for mastering college-level work, but who may otherwise not be accepted. Here is a Q & A with Latesha:
What does Black History month mean to you?
I think it is important to celebrate the history of a specific culture throughout the entire year. Before entering college, I
had this perception that I am only supposed to celebrate my culture in February. I got this idea from my previous educa-
tors in New York City. The only time my school would highlight Black culture was in February. I did not think this was odd.
It was not until I met an upperclassman at SUNY Potsdam, Elijah Foulks. He said to me that I am black 365 days out of the
year, why would I just celebrate myself, my culture only in 28 days.
Name someone that has inspired you and why?
Assata Shakur has inspired me. Assata Shakur is an African- American activist and member of the
former Black Panther Party and Black Liberation Army. Her role as a black woman in the 60’s and
70’s was powerful. She was passionate, vibrant and vocal. She was both a leader and a supporter
of social change. She made sacrifices that some would have never made if they were part of that
time period. I hope to be as passionate, vibrant and vocal as she has in my lifetime. She taught me
through her legacy, to not sit around and become a spectator.
What is the importance of Black History Month to the Potsdam campus?
I think the importance of Black History Month to the Potsdam campus is to allow everyone to stop and reflect on the past.
Hopefully, this month allows some to realize that our past is similar to our present. Our black youth are not safe, and it is
time to collectively come together to educate them about their past. Knowledge is power, and providing that knowledge
to our campus is vital for personal growth.
As an EOP counselor, explain the importance of EOP and bringing diversity to campus.
I believe the diverse pool of students that we accept, and their exposure to one another in an intimate setting throughout
our orientation helps them become exposed to diversity. We create that common ground for them, which is being in EOP.
Since they have that common ground, then some of the students are willing to share their differences. Their differences
are appreciated and celebrated amongst themselves and through the staff of EOP. The students of EOP are then more
equipped to accept and support safe spaces for other students of the campus community.
Meet Latesha Fussell!
Travel Grant for Grad Students!
The Center for Student Research is pleased to announce the availability of funds to support faculty/
student travel for the Spring and Summer 2015 semesters.
The Center for Student Research (CSR) has a Graduate Student Travel Grant to help support
students travel for their research projects. The Center for Student Research expects all of their students to
engage in research projects at some point during their college career, especially graduate students.
The goal of the grant is to offer support to graduate students incurring expenses while traveling to pro-
fessional meetings and conferences. Students of all majors are eligible for funding. Funds may support registra-
tion, travel, hotel and food costs.
Eligibility
The award is available to students in good academic standing who are:
A. Attending a conference to present co-authored research papers (poster or oral presentation)
B. Attending a conference to participate in a panel discussion
C. Performing a creative or experiential activity based on research
Applications
Applications are available online at: http://www.potsdam.edu/academics/specialprograms/cur/funding/
upload/GradStudentTravelGrant.pdf
Submission
Completed applications should be sent on to Dr. Kelly Bonnar, Director of the Center for Student Research, in
102 McVicar Hall. Please contact [email protected] with any questions about the application process.
The Center for Graduate Studies also offers Professional Development funding, similar
to these research grants. Applications are found in the Center for Graduate Studies
office in Satterlee Hall 238. Feel free to pick up an application if you need help funding
your research project!
Career Conversation
What Can I Do With A Graduate Degree In My Field?
Start off by treating your career exploration as another research project and follow these steps:
1. Conduct background research:
Identify your strengths, skills, priorities, and career interests.
2. Identify a research question or hypothesis:
Based on your self-knowledge, formulate a specific, focused hypothesis or question, such as “A con-
sulting career is a good match for my skills and interests.” or “Is it possible to get a job in publishing
with my skills and education?”
3. Gather information to answer your question or prove/disprove your hypothesis:
Gather information and data by talking to individuals in the field, reading books and websites, and find-
ing information about employers, positions, or career fields.
4. Evaluate your findings:
Did you get a definitive answer, or do you need to gather more information or develop a new question/
hypothesis?
5. Publish your results:
Shared through your job application materials, typically a resume and cover letter, that are submitted to
a potential employer.
Held at SUNY Cortland on Thursday and Friday, April 16th and 17th
> Registration begins Monday, February 23rd and ends Tuesday, March
17th
> Registration and information can be found at www.cnytrd.org.
> Eligible students include: December 2014, May 2015, August 2015
graduates who will be certified to teach in September 2015.
> Student should submit a resume for critique to Career Planning by
March 27th.
*SUNY Potsdam students, who attended last year’s TRD, had
206 interviews at this event!
Teacher Recruitment Days 2015!
Satterlee Hall Suite 238
44 Pierrepont Ave.
Potsdam, NY 13676
315.267.2165 (ph)
315.267.4802 (fax)
[email protected] (em)
CENTER FOR GRADUATE STUDIES
CGSPotsdam
@sunypotsdamgrad
CGSPotsdam
Center for Graduate Studies @ SUNY Potsdam
Office Hours
Monday—Thursday: 8:00AM—5:00PM
Friday: 8:00AM—4:30PM
https://thegraduatestudiesadvocate.wordpress.com/