Graduate Forum March 22

Diversity and graduate education is the theme of the second annual Graduate Forum Tuesday, March 22, in the Pollak Library. Mark Hugo Lopez, associate director of the Pew Hispanic Center, is the keynote speaker.

The daylong program kicks off with an 8:30 a.m. welcome by Steven Murray, acting vice president for academic affairs, followed by opening remarks by Dorota Huizinga, associate vice president for graduate programs and research. Lopez speaks at 8:45 a.m. followed by three panel discussions:

• 10:15 a.m. — “Student Voices: Diversity and Access” moderated by Minerva S. Chavez, assistant professor of secondary education
• 1:15 p.m. — “Research and Careers” featuring Marco Angulo, a UC Irvine medical student; Donna Nicol, assistant professor of women’s studies; and Jennifer A. Yee, assistant professor of Asian-American study. Moderated by Dawn Person, professor of educational leadership.
• 3 p.m. — “Diversity and Civic Engagement” with Tu-Uyen Nguyen, assistant professor of Asian-American studies; Sharon Quirk-Silva of the Fullerton City Council; Raphael Sonenshein, professor of political science; Alexandro Gradilla, assistant professor of Chicana and Chicano studies; and moderator April A. Bullock, associate professor of liberal studies.

• 6-8 p.m. — Student research exhibits and presentations

Kick-Off Event

A Student Workshop Kick-Off Event will be held Monday, March 21, in Room 130 of the Pollak Library. Scheduled workshops are:

• 3-4 p.m. — “Graduate Student Panel: Student to Student Voices” — panel of current graduate students share their stories and experiences about balancing family and personal commitments, course work and research interests.
• 4:30-5:30 p.m. — “Financing Your Graduate Education” — Campus professionals will discuss a multitude of opportunities available to students that will aid in financing graduate school. Presenters will present information regarding scholarships, loans, graduate assistantships and monetary research opportunities.
• 6-7 p.m. — “Considering Your Next Educational Steps?” — Discussion that includes an overview of what a doctoral degree program entails, including the transition from an undergraduate or master's degree program to a doctorate program, what a student can do currently to become marketable, and what one should consider when searching for the right program.

Both programs are sponsored by the associate vice president for Graduate Programs and Research, and the Office of Graduate Studies with support from a U.S. Department of Education grant, Enhancing Postbaccalaureate Opportunities at CSUF for Hispanic Students. For more information, call 657-278-2618.

March 15, 2011