New graduate students welcomed to Purdue; event videos available

Jenny Mattson (right), fellowship operations administrator in the Graduate School, speaks with participants at the New Graduate Student Orientation Resource Fair held Aug. 20 in Stewart Center. (Photo by Samantha Herrington)

New graduate students at the West Lafayette campus took part Aug. 20 in the New Graduate Student Orientation hosted by the Graduate School. Over 830 graduate students attended the event in person, and 550 students attended via the live broadcast. Videos of the events are also available for those who were unable to attend or who would like to watch a session or presentation again.

Madelina Nuñez, president of Purdue Graduate Student Government (PGSG), presided. Students received a warm welcome and remarks from Linda Mason, dean of the Graduate School and professor of entomology, and Zenephia Evans, associate dean of students, education and advocacy.

Following a PGSG panel presentation on “Purdue Graduate Student Life & Traditions,” participants attended a Resource Fair where they could visit with representatives from nearly 40 campus and external programs and organizations, and a Meet and Greet, where they could chat with Mason and members of the Graduate School Dean’s Cabinet.

Afternoon sessions included a “Jeopardy!”-style “Great American Game Show,” hosted by International Students and Scholars, and professional development workshops, including “What Hats are You Wearing? Student, Employee, or Researcher? A Survival Guide,” “Imposter Syndrome” and “What I Wish I Would Have Known My First Year of Graduate School.”

Videos of the event, including the welcoming remarks, panel discussion, and professional development workshops, as well as an online Resource Fair, are at the New Graduate Student Orientation website.

Contact: Dyane Roesel, droesel@purdue.edu
Writer: Korina Wilbert, kwilbert@purdue.edu