The Starting Mark to Greatness
Over 1,000 new graduate students participated in three major events held from August 15 to 17: a Virtual Orientation, Doctoral Orientation and Welcome Reception. These events provided essential information about available resources and organizations that help graduate students navigate their academic journeys. Led by the Thomas L. Reynolds Center for Graduate Life and Learning (CGLL), along with Graduate School and other campus entities, the sessions addressed students’ questions and helped prepare them for the fall semester. The vibrant atmosphere at the events was filled with positive energy and memorable experiences to kick off the fall semester.
Virtual Orientation
The Thomas L. Reynolds Center for Graduate Life and Learning (CGLL) recently hosted a dynamic virtual orientation that drew more than 560 students and showcased Charlotte’s commitment to supporting its graduate community.
Graduate School Dean William Tolone expressed his gratitude to students for choosing UNC Charlotte and emphasized the extensive resources available to promote their academic and professional success. He highlighted collaboration with academic colleges to create innovative curricula that prepare graduate students for real-world challenges. The event included informative panels featuring university leaders Jill Huerta, assistant dean and director of the Reynold Center of Graduate Life and Learning, Katherine Hall-Hertel, current associate dean of graduate academic and student affairs and Jen Amano, associate university ombuds.
Current graduate students also shared insights, research and experiences, creating a welcoming networking atmosphere. This virtual event was more than an orientation; it was an influential outlook on a community that believes in its students’ dreams.
Doctoral Orientation
The Doctoral Orientation welcomed over 100 new doctoral students at the Harris Alumni Center, offering an informative experience with peers and graduate staff.
Presenters Dean William Tolone, Assistant Dean Katherine Hall-Hertel, Associate Teaching Professor of Writing Lisa Russell-Pinson and Head of Research Services Garrison Libby laid a solid foundation for academic success. Dean Tolone assured students of robust support at Charlotte, while Hall-Hertel emphasized the community’s wealth of resources for their success. Pinson and Libby introduced essential tools like the writing center and library research support.
Beyond the insightful presentations, attendees networked, enjoyed refreshments and explored organizations like the Reynolds Center of Graduate Life and Learning and the Graduate and Professional Student Government. Charlotte empowers doctoral students with a robust support network and essential resources to elevate groundbreaking work in their fields.
Welcome Reception
The Hauser Alumni Pavilion hummed with excitement as the Graduate School welcomed students to a new academic year, with an invitation to connect with faculty, administrators and peers. Members of the CGLL and the Graduate Life Fellows warmly greeted over 250 graduate students, and encouraged them to visit more than 15 organizations tabling at the event.
Amid refreshments and lively conversations, over 250 attendees networked about the journey ahead. The CGLL also orchestrated a lively photobooth and other engaging activities that captured the evening’s celebratory energy. ver. As the celebration concluded, the event stood as a testament to Charlotte’s status as an R1 institution, one where graduate students make indelible contributions to the teaching, service, and research of the University.