OGS New Graduate Student Orientation
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Price Center

9:00 - 10:00  REGISTRATION AND LIGHT BREAKFAST
Price Center West Ballroom A/B

10:00 - 11:00 WELCOME AND KEYNOTE
Price Center West Ballroom A/B

Welcome Remarks, Dr. Kim Barrett, Dean of Graduate Studies
Welcome Remarks, Dr. Penny Rue, Vice Chancellor Student Affairs
Welcome Remarks, Alex James, Graduate Student Association President
Keynote Address, Dr. Paul Drake, Senior Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs

11:00 - 12:00 PLENARY SESSION: KEY SERVICES AND RESOURCES

Price Center West Ballroom A/B

This session will provide an overview of the academic, financial and student affairs services provided by the Office of Graduate Studies (OGS). We will also review the fundamentals of student health insurance, and provide an introduction to the resources and services provided by the Graduate Student Association (GSA).

12:00 – 1:.00 LUNCH AND STUDENT RESOURCES FAIR
Price Center East Ballroom

Meet representatives from campus offices and organizations. Learn about campus resources, clubs, and organizations. Take your box lunch outside to enjoy the San Diego sunshine, or join us at the Meet and Greet, an informal opportunity to chat with other new graduate students.

Resource Fair participants will include:

Campus Community Centers
Career Services Center
Center for Student Involvement
Commuter Student Services
Counseling and Psychological Services
Environment, Health & Safety
Grad Parents Network
Graduate Christian Fellowship
Graduate Student Association
Hillel/Union of Jewish Students
Imprints
Office for Students with Disabilities
Office of Sexual Harassment Policy and Prevention
Ombuds Office
Recreation Services
Student Health Insurance Program
Student Legal Services
Transportation Services
UCSD Alumni Association
UCSD Craft Center
UCSD Entrepreneur Challenge
UCSD Extension
UCSD Libraries
Universities Allied for Essential Medicine

Afternoon Workshops: There will be 4-45 minute sessions.

1:00 – 1:45 SESSION #1 (Choose one workshop)

Q&A: Establishing California Residency
Learn the ins and outs of filing for residency at the University – from saving receipts to summer research, get the information you need to make the process as smooth as possible.

Student Health Services/Student Health Insurance Program*
Learn about the services provided through Student Health Service (SHS) and get important information about the Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP). From deductibles and co-pays to coverage for dependents, bring your questions and get answers!

Traversing Graduate School
All adventures into new territory require exploration, collaboration and negotiation. This workshop will help you develop strategies for preventing conflict and learn about the campus resources available to you as you navigate your journey.

Building Community at UCSD
The Women’s Center, the Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Resource Center, and the Cross-Cultural Center are collectively known as the Campus Community Centers. Together we facilitate interactive learning, promote self-awareness, foster leadership development, encourage dialogue, and challenge traditional notions of diversity. Learn about the programs and resources offered by the Campus Community Centers, and begin to build connections and community.

Presentation Skills for Graduate Students*
Graduate students are often required to present, either as teaching assistant or when disseminating the results of research to faculty and colleagues. This interactive workshop will review skills required to be an effective speaker and presenter, including nonverbal and vocal skills, designing powerful visual aids, answering audience questions, and managing stage fright and anxiety. Information will be provided on programs and services offered by the UCSD Express to Success Programs.

2:00 – 2:45 SESSION #2 (Choose one workshop)

Welcome to the Neighborhood
Learn about UCSD and City Services – from housing, on-campus parking to public transit, email accounts to DSL, voter registration, and more.

Student Health Services/Student Health Insurance Program*
Learn about the services provided through Student Health Service (SHS) and get important information about the Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP). From deductibles and co-pays to coverage for dependents, bring your questions and get answers!

Career Services Center/Center for Teaching Development*
It’s not too early to start thinking about life after grad school. This session will provide an overview of the services offered by the Career Services Center and the Center for Teaching Development. Learn what you should be doing now to position yourself for a successful academic or non-academic job search down the road. From CV-to-resume workshops to the Preparing Professional Faculty program, these resources can help you on your professional journey.

Getting Involved: Opportunities Outside Your Office or Lab*
You’ve arrived to a world-class research institute, but you’ve also arrived to whole new community to explore. Sit in as we scratch the surface of life at UCSD and ways to get involved and delve into a new (or not so new) space. A panel of current grad students will share their stories about connecting with campus life and taking advantage of the resources available to grad students.

Navigating the Ethical Waters of Graduate School
Beginning a graduate program in research or scholarship can be exhilarating, and also challenging. This session will provide an opportunity to think about some of the ethical challenges you might face, and offer some guidelines and resources to help navigate those challenges.

Finding Outside Fellowships and Grants*
Unfunded? Underfunded? Funded but eager to start on your own research? Fellowships offered by organizations outside of UCSD can provide a path to independence from teaching and other university funding obligations, and add a great line to your CV. Come hear about these awards and what the Office of Graduate Studies can do to help you apply for them. (Note: This workshop is primarily geared toward PhD students, though Masters students are welcome to attend.)

Presentation Skills for Graduate Students*
Graduate students are often required to present, either as teaching assistant or when disseminating the results of research to faculty and colleagues. This interactive workshop will review skills required to be an effective speaker and presenter, including nonverbal and vocal skills, designing powerful visual aids, answering audience questions, and managing stage fright and anxiety. Information will be provided on programs and services offered by the UCSD Express to Success Programs.

3:00 – 3:45 SESSION #3(Choose one workshop)

Live Well in Grad School*
Being a new grad student at UCSD means accomplishment, excitement, and meeting new people; but it also can mean academic pressure, lack of time, and stress! Discover the importance of wellness in mind, body and spirit. In this session you will assess your vulnerability to stress and learn practical tools and strategies to stay balanced. This session includes a demonstration of how to make better food choices, quick and healthy snack ideas, and “yoga on the go”.

Library Services Overview: Science/Engineering
Learn about library collections, subject databases, e-journals, free book and article delivery services, off-campus access authentication, and more at this informative session designed for students in science and engineering fields.

Library Services Overview: Social Sciences/Humanities/Arts
Learn about library collections, subject databases, e-journals, free book and article delivery services, off-campus access authentication, and more at this informative session designed for students in the social sciences, arts, and humanities.

Career Services Center/Center for Teaching Development*
It’s not too early to start thinking about life after grad school. This session will provide an overview of the services offered by the Career Services Center and the Center for Teaching Development. Learn what you should be doing now to position yourself for a successful academic or non-academic job search down the road. From CV-to-resume workshops to the Preparing Professional Faculty program, these resources can help you on your professional journey.

Getting Involved: Opportunities Outside Your Office or Lab*
You’ve arrived to a world-class research institute, but you’ve also arrived to whole new community to explore. Sit in as we scratch the surface of life at UCSD and ways to get involved and delve into a new (or not so new) space. A panel of current grad students will share their stories about connecting with campus life and taking advantage of the resources available to grad students.

4:00 – 4:45 SESSION #4 (Choose one workshop)

Live Well in Grad School*
Being a new grad student at UCSD means accomplishment, excitement, and meeting new people; but it also can mean academic pressure, lack of time, and stress! Discover the importance of wellness in mind, body and spirit. In this session you will assess your vulnerability to stress and learn practical tools and strategies to stay balanced. This session includes a demonstration of how to make better food choices, quick and healthy snack ideas, and “yoga on the go”.

Finding Outside Fellowships and Grants*
Unfunded? Underfunded? Funded but eager to start on your own research? Fellowships offered by organizations outside of UCSD can provide a path to independence from teaching and other university funding obligations, and add a great line to your CV. Come hear about these awards and what the Office of Graduate Studies can do to help you apply for them. (Note: This workshop is primarily geared toward PhD students, though Masters students are welcome to attend.)

Student Panel: Science/Engineering – PhD Students
Join a panel of current graduate students in Science and Engineering fields to get the inside scoop on UCSD, living in San Diego, the grad student experience, and more!

Student Panel: Science/Engineering – Masters Students
Join a panel of current graduate students in Science and Engineering fields to get the inside scoop on UCSD, living in San Diego, the grad student experience, and more!

Student Panel: Social Sciences/Humanities/Arts
Join a panel of current graduate students in the Social Sciences, Humanities, and Arts to get the inside scoop on UCSD, living in San Diego, the grad student experience, and more!

5:00  GSA’s ORIENTATION SOUTHERN BBQ

Meet new and returning graduate students at GSA’s BBQ! Enjoy complimentary beverages, ribs, veggie options, pulled pork, baked beans, endless Caesar Salad, and much, much more. Bring your digital or phone camera for a networking activity!