PURPOSE OF GRADUATE SCHOOL

Ghana Technology University College

Part of the Presentation taken from the website of the Faculty of Graduate Studies at the University of British

Columbia, Canada.

www.grad.ubc.ca/new/welcome/GradSuccess.ppt

Graduate School: Not just more years of college!

The Undergraduate

Student

Breadth over depth

Recipient of

knowledge

Externally directed

The Graduate

From apprentice to

expert

Depth over breadth

Analyzer and creator of knowledge

Self-directed

What is the Purpose of Graduate Study?

To understand thoroughly and think critically about what is known in a particular academic field

To learn how to conduct research in that field (and perhaps prepare for PhD study)

To begin affiliating with the academic community of the field

The primary purposes of research-oriented, thesis-based Master’s programs (e.g., MA & MSc) are:

Different expectations for a grad student

Lack of direction (e.g., the never-ending thesis)

Feeling isolated or unsupported

Difficulties with supervisor, other students, etc.

Anxiety about getting through successfully

Funding constraints or financial difficulties

Unexpected personal problems or conflicting life commitments

Keys to Success in Graduate School

What kinds of challenges might graduate students encounter?

1. Be proactive – take responsibility for your own grad school experience

Think about what you really want from graduate school, and identify opportunities to attain those goals

Continue the mental transition from being told what to do, to deciding what to do

Don’t wait for faculty members to come to find you – take the initiative to build relationships

7 Keys to Success in Graduate School

2. Establish positive relationships with your supervisor and members of your committee

Schedule regular meetings with your entire supervisory committee – at least once a year

Have a clear purpose for each meeting, and communicate the agenda in advance to your supervisor / committee

Follow up on items discussed in meetings – keep your supervisor informed of your progress and challenges

Act as a “junior colleague” – ask questions, advance ideas, show interest and support for shared goals

7 Keys to Success in Graduate School

3. Embrace your academic community

Seek input and collaboration from faculty members and your peers – don’t isolate yourself

Attend optional seminars and lectures within and beyond your program or department

Attend and present at conferences

Begin thinking of yourself as a member of your profession and academic field

7 Keys to Success in Graduate School

4. Know your program requirements and timelines: Masters students

Your program may require any or all of the following:

Coursework A research thesis or major project Public presentation and/or defense of thesis or

project

7 Keys to Success in Graduate School

5.Create and follow an annual plan

Track your specific program requirements (e.g., courses taken, comprehensives, research, thesis, etc.)

Schedule meetings with your supervisor and committee

Publish articles and produce patents, copyrights, artistic works, performances, designs, etc.

Attend conferences and make presentations

Apply for fellowships, scholarships, and research grants

Take professional development courses

7 Keys to Success in Graduate School

6. Bring a professional approach to your studies and interactions

Key skills: organization, preparedness, collegiality, budgeting

Take workshops through the GTUC Professional Development Programmes and the Research & Consultancy Initiatives

Learn about research ethics and scholarly integrity

7 Keys to Success in Graduate School

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Research ethics and scholarly integrity All GTUC researchers are required to:

Give proper recognition to those who have made intellectual contributions to the content of your publication; refrain from representing others’ academic work as one’s own (this is plagiarism)

Conform to GTUC requirements for working with humans, animals, biohazards, radioisotopes, and the environment

Use scholarly and scientific rigor in obtaining, recording, and analyzing data, and in reporting results

7 Keys to Success in Graduate School

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7.Seek balance and support in your life

Remember that you have friends and family outside grad school

Seek out the many resources at GTUC that can help you through the tough times

Remember that this will be among the most inspiring and satisfying times in your life

And, because your mother isn’t here: “Get enough sleep, make time for physical exercise, and eat your veggies!”

Recognize that researchers before you have correlated adequate sleep, exercise, and healthy diets with critical analysis, innovation, and economy of effort

7 Keys to Success in Graduate School

4. Know your program requirements and timelines

5. Create and follow an annual plan

6. Bring a professional approach to your work and interactions

7. Seek balance and support in your life

3. Embrace your academic community

2. Establish a positive relationship with your advisor/supervisor and the members of your supervisory committee

1. Be proactive – take responsibility for your own grad school experience

Summary: Your 7 Keys to Success in Graduate

School