From the Dean: February 2024

Greetings students, 

The spring semester is here in full force. I’ve seen and heard about so much excitement from graduate students across our University, and that energizes me. Many graduate student organizations are gearing up for hosting conferences and events throughout the semester, and I encourage you to read our monthly newsletter to learn more about these events. Finding connections and supporting peers can truly enhance graduate school for you.  

Here in the Graduate School, we have been excited to launch our new Three Minute Thesis (3MT) competition, and I was excited to see sixty students from forty-two graduate programs and three campuses registered for this inaugural, University-wide event. 3MT is a tremendous opportunity for a challenging professional development opportunity to build communication and presentation skills. Be sure to watch for more information about how you can view the final round on March 23 and vote for your favorite presentation.  

Later this month, we’ll also be hosting a forum on the importance and power of Historically Black Colleges and Universities, and I invite all graduate students to attend. It will be a great forum and conversation around how to form partnerships, and attendees will have the opportunity to hear from a panel that comprises Penn State faculty and graduate students who are HBCU alumni, in addition to scholars who conduct research in this area. 

I extend my gratitude to all graduate students who have participated in our monthly Coffee Chat with the Dean series, contributing their thoughts and concerns. Your engagement is invaluable, and I want to assure you that I am actively listening to your feedback. Collaborating with partners across the University, we are committed to addressing these concerns and exploring potential solutions. For instance, ongoing discussions with Penn State Global aim to tackle issues highlighted by students. Additionally, we have recently launched a new Graduate Faculty newsletter. This newsletter, distributed twice per semester, is tailored specifically for graduate students and contains pertinent information that faculty can share. Please understand that certain matters may require more time for thorough discussion and resolution, but rest assured that by bringing your comments to my attention, you are initiating the process of advocacy on your behalf. 

I invite you to join the next coffee chat on February 20 in 118 Chambers Building to share your input. It will be hosted with leadership from the College of Education and is open to all students.  

As we navigate through the semester, I'd like to share a valuable tip with you: prioritize developing reliable time management strategies. The relationship between effective time management and academic success is undeniable. Fortunately, in today's digital age, there is an abundance of tools, apps, and technologies at your disposal. If one method doesn't quite suit your needs, don't hesitate to explore alternatives. For example, seek advice from friends, family, and peers to discover different approaches. Through experimentation, you'll discover a strategy tailored to your unique style, ultimately enhancing your student experience. 

If you find yourself grappling with time management, remember that support is readily available at the University. I encourage you to reach out to Jacqueline Jones, our associate director for student life and well-being. Jacqueline is here to lend an ear to your concerns and, where necessary, guide you to additional resources within Penn State. 

As you navigate this semester, perseverance is key. Stay motivated and committed to your goals. If you have any questions, suggestions, or ideas, please don't hesitate to contact me at graddeansoffice@psu.edu. Your input is valuable, and I'm here to listen. 

Let's make this semester a success together! 

Best,

Levon T. Esters, Ph.D.
Vice Provost for Graduate Education and Dean of the Graduate School