1. Department of Genetics University of Georgia Dr. Robert Ivarie - Department Head Dr. Michael Bender - Associate Head, PI of NIH Training Grant Dr. Mary Bedell - Graduate Coordinator Fred C. Davison Life Sciences Complex

2. Current Graduate Faculty 19 core faculty 3 faculty with joint appointments 15 faculty with adjunct status Current Graduate Students 43 Ph.D. students 30 women, 13 men 27 domestic, 16 international General Information about UGA Genetics Graduate Program Median time to complete Ph.D. - 5.5 years Last 10 years - 43/48 completed Ph.D. in 6 years or less

3. The Two Sides of the UGA Genetics Department One of few NIH-supported training programs with integrated training across full spectrum of genetics In contrast to national trend: Different areas of Genetics split into separate departments Molecular genetics Population and evolutionary genetics

4. Our Strength Creates Some Problems!  different scientific approaches  different recruiting processes  different curricula  different sources of support How do we keep students from splintering into two social groups? We encourage overlap and little separation between the two sides, but there are: Molecular genetics Population and evolutionary genetics

5. Active graduate student association Two student reps Attend and vote at faculty meetings Organize student recruiting events Two student-invited seminar speakers per year Student Involvement in Department Activities

6. Involvement in student recruiting Current students host prospective students Current students take prospectives to lunch Evening reception for entire department Brunch for students only Current students are “buddies” for 1st year students More Student Involvement in Department Activities Involvement in faculty hires Student on each search committee Students have lunch with candidates & attend receptions Students can view application material (not rec letters) Students have a vote

7. Monthly meetings with member of Grad Affairs Committee Regular communication between students and GAC Students proposed curriculum changes Reduce differences between the two sides Changes in first year seminar course Organized a journal club for first year students Development of new course required of all students Even More Student Involvement in Department Activities Weekly social event - every 2nd Friday Not well attended by students or faculty Possible solution - change in venue Annual departmental retreat

8. UGA Genetics Department Annual Retreat Traditional format  Organized by faculty  Combined scientific presentations with social events  Heavy emphasis on science 15-20 minute talks by faculty and students Alternate years Out-of-town, Fri evening through Sunday lunch In-town, all day Saturday New format (2005 and 2006)  Requested by students  Completely organized by students  Heavy emphasis on social events with some science

9. 2005 and 2006 Genetics Department Retreats In-town, all day Saturday (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) Afternoon - Open forum and free time Newly-wed game “Races” Two people running without dropping a balloon Find chewing gum in bowl of whipped-cream  Games with teams of students + faculty Teams answer questions about posters Modified form of Pictionary (Genetics theme)

10. “The department is pretty “open” and whenever you feel like talking to a faculty member or other students they are usually available.” “The channels are open, it depends on whether you want to use them or not.” Comments from Students on Student-Faculty and Student-Student Communication “A lot of events are organized and spearheaded by a few enthusiastic people, but unless more numbers show up and participate it doesn’t fulfill the cause.”

11. Our Solutions and Areas for Improvement Molecular genetics Population and evolutionary genetics Continue to involve students in all aspects of department Support and encourage student ideas and leaders Improve participation in departmental activities Key factors:  Faculty listen and respond to students  Student leadership  Maintain interactions between both sides  Maintain “culture” of support