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.

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 Masters 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 Dont 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 – dont 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 >>>

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 ones 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 >>>

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 isnt 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