CGS Newsletter - March 2015

What: Center for Graduate Studies will

host a portion of the 4th annual TESA

conference!

When: April 10th and 11th, 2015

Where: Satterlee Hall

This conference is free and open to all

current undergraduate and graduate

students.

Events include:

Italian buffet dinner on Friday

Continental breakfast and lunch on

Saturday

Keynote Speaker—Dr. Richard

Wiesenthal

Am session with administrators

(SUNY Potsdam alumni)

Pm sessions with educators

To register contact:

Nicole Feml

TESA Faculty Advisor

[email protected]

315-267-3022

Saterlee 112A

Although it may not feel very spring-like gear up with the Center of Graduate Studies Team as we prepare for the stretch run towards the end of the semester. As the weather warms, we hope to see each of you lock in on your studies. Please feel free to stop by as we are here for you and your academic success.

In this issue we will provide information about upcoming events, spotlight one of the students from our graduate program, and highlight our English & Communication program. New to the issue is a trivia section with questions made by our very own Annie Butterfield. We encourage all to answer. We hope you enjoy!

As many of you already know, Kyle Fennell, our Coordinator of Graduate Recruitment has left the Center for Graduate Studies and has begun working in the undergraduate admissions office beginning March 16th. During his time, Kyle was instrumental in launching our student ambassador program, as well as various reporting and outreach efforts. His gregarious demeanor and work ethic will most certainly be missed, but we wish him nothing but the best as we know he will continue to do the important work of attracting students to Potsdam! You will always be part of our family!

Best,

The Center of Graduate Studies Team

Inside This Issue

Upcoming Events P.2 Program Highlight P.4 Student Spotlight P.5

Does grad pay off? P.6 Trivia P.7

KEYS Notice P.8

TESA Conference

Graduate Studies Connections A Newsletter from the Center for Graduate Studies

March/April 2015 | Spring 2015

Spring is Coming!

http://www.potsdam.edu/graduate

Calendar of Events/Important Dates

Academic Calendar or Deadlines

“Bear-A-Bilities” (Professional Dev.)

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

8 9 10 11 12 13 14

15 16 17 18 19 20 21

22 23 24 25 26 27 28

29 30 31

March 2015

All professional development details

and registration info, including time

and location, in greater

detail on our website at:

www.potsdam.edu/graduate

March 25th: Lunchtime Roundtable:

Preparing for Teacher Certification Exam

March 26th: Grad Finale

April 3rd: Last Day to Withdraw from a

Class or Elect the S/U Grading Option

April 4th-7th: April Recess

April 8th: Classes Resume

April 18th: Earth Day Cleanup

April 20th: Lunchtime Roundtable:

Preparing for Teacher Certification Exam

May 8th: Last Day of Classes

May 9th-10th: Academic Preparation

May 11th-15th: Final Examinations

May 16th: Undergraduate Honors Con-

vocation

May 16th: SUNY Potsdam Master's Com-

mencement

May 17th: SUNY Potsdam Bachelor’s

Commencement

May 20th: Final Grades Due

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 2 3 1 2 3 4

5 6 7 8 9 10 11

12 13 14 15 16 17 18

19 20 21 22 23 24 25

26 27 28 29 30

April 2015

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 2

3 4 5 6 7 8 9

10 11 12 13 14 15 16

17 18 19 20 21 22 23

24 25 26 27 28 29 30

31

May 2015

April Recess

Spring Recess

Final Examinations


Career Planning is Here to Help! Career Planning offers many programs to help students prepare for life during and after college.

This semester, Career Planning is currently holding dates for career/major explorations, resume building, and

job search workshops. Workshops will be held in 206 Sisson Hall. Make sure to register for the workshops at

[email protected] or by calling 267-2344. The dates and times of the events are below. After attending a

workshop, be sure to meet with a professional staff member to continue your exploration or resume building!

Resume Workshop

Date Time

Friday, Mar. 27 3:00

Monday, Mar. 30 2:00

Thursday, Apr. 2 9:00

Wednesday, Apr. 8 11:00


Monday, Apr. 13 9:00

Tuesday, Apr 14 1:00



Tuesday, Apr. 28 11:00

Friday, May 1 1:00

Monday, May 4 2:00

Thursday, May 7 3:00

Career/Major Exploration

Date Time


Friday, Apr. 10 1:00

Monday, Apr. 13 2:00



Friday, May 8 3:00

Job Search

Date Time

Tuesday, Mar. 31 11:00


Friday, Apr. 17 10:00



Monday, May 4 1:00

We want to spotlight The Master of Arts program in English and Communication. This program challenges

students to develop integrated competencies in the highly sought skills of reading, writing, and speaking.

The program focuses attention on the many uses of language and on the nature of language itself. It

requires students to become familiar with the connections between the written and the spoken word, and

with the varied ways that language is shaped to serve aesthetic, social, and practical ends. By fostering

research and analytic skills, the program prepares students for a variety of career opportunities.

Working closely with faculty, each student designs and completes an individual culminating thesis project

that crosses traditional disciplinary boundaries. The MA in English and Communication is for students

pursuing various educational, intellectual, and career goals. The program welcomes part-time students, and

most classes are scheduled in the evening to accommodate those with daytime employment.

We welcome applicants from diverse disciplines: Applicants should normally have earned a bachelor's

degree with a major in English, Communication, or Writing. Applications are welcome from those who have

degrees in humanities and social sciences fields such as History, Philosophy, Politics, Sociology, and

Women's and Gender Studies. Additional coursework might be required of these applicants.

We look at your recent academic performance: Applicants should have a minimum GPA of 3.0 in the junior

and senior years or final 60 credits of undergraduate work. (Applicants with a lower GPA may be admitted

provisionally, under special circumstances.)

We accept applications year-round. The GRE is not required.

For more information contact:

Dr. Sharmain van Blommestein, Graduate Director

Morey 249, (315) 267-3258

[email protected]

Q & A with Sharmain

1. How do you help students in this program as the grad director?

I act as a mediator between the student and the Center for Graduate Studies for our MA English and

Communication. I guide them in filling out the application forms, answer necessary questions and concerns

they may have. When they become students, I advise and direct them in choosing their

courses and advisors up to the thesis phase.

2. Do you have any recommendations to prospective students?

Most Importantly students should submit a strong writing sample, have the necessary

recommendations and hopefully it’s a professor familiar with their research writing

skills and work on acquiring the required GPA.

3. What advice can you give to current undergrads who are currently pursuing their

bachelor’s in English or Communication to help better prepare for graduate school?

First, make sure you are on track with your major requirements. Use everyday as an opportunity. Get to

know your professors. Work hard in preparing a writing sample since it is required for the application.

Program Highlight!

In light of Women’s History Month, we want to spotlight Katie Binder, one of our current

graduate students. Katie is in her first year of the M.S.T in Childhood Education program

certification for grades 1-6. She attended Roslyn High School in Roslyn Heights, NY near her

hometown of Long Island. Katie chose SUNY Potsdam for her undergraduate degree to be a

dance major. She loved that the school encouraged opportunities for student leadership on

campus. After completing her masters Katie decided to stay in Potsdam for her graduate

experience. She chose the M.S.T program because they encouraged using the arts and

academics in the classroom.

“I also love teaching young students because elementary school is where they build their foundation for knowledge, which

I think is quite remarkable!”

Here is a Q & A with Katie

1. How was the grad program helped you?

This program has helped me use my knowledge of dance and movement to make the classroom experience exciting. This

makes students excited to learn and encourages them to think on a higher-level.

2. What do you plan to do with your masters?

Work in a school that encourages the use of dance and movement in the classroom. or that has an after school program

with dance.

3. Do you have any recommendations for students looking into this program?

If you are looking for a program where faculty support you the MST program is definitely the place for you. I suggest that

if you are thinking of applying to the program to come and visit. I am also a student ambassador for the MST Childhood

Education program.

4. In honor of Women’s History Month, what does it mean to you?

Women’s History Month means to look back at the stories of women’s lives that have changed our nation. This month

inspires me with empowerment to strive to be like women whom were teachers and advocates that helped advance

learning in the past.

5. Can you name someone (female) that has influenced you in your life? Why?

My grandmother has influenced me in my life. She has always made sure I believe that education is valuable and essential.

This has made me strive to be highly motivated to learn and to always to be open to new knowledge in all aspects of my

life. She has influenced me to be the woman I am today.

Happy Women’s History Month!

Happy Women’s History Month! Center of Graduate Studies recognizes and thanks the

contributions of women to events in culture, history and society. The purpose of Women's

History Month is to increase consciousness and knowledge of women's contributions to

our past and our future. To the future leaders, we encourage you to learn more about this

important aspect of the history of women, learn from our past pioneers and continue

contributions in culture, history and society.

Student Spotlight!

6 Reason Why Graduate School Pays Off!

Here are a few reasons why grad school—today and in the future—makes a difference in your

career and your earning potential:

1. Personal growth: The process will help you grow. For these individuals, a graduate

education offers the opportunity to add to their knowledge reservoir, challenge them

academically, and develop the mind in a structured way that can deliver great personal

satisfaction.

2. Greater employment opportunities: Unquestionably, an advanced degree makes a

difference on an résumé. It says something about who you are and the dedication you have to

your chosen field. It gives your greater recognition and credibility.

3. Greater career advancement: Earning a graduate degree is evidence of persistence,

determination, intellectual prowess, and the ability to handle challenging environments.

These are all sought-after qualities potential employers look for. An employee who has

demonstrated success in a long-term situation that requires stamina, discipline, leadership,

and the ability to work well with others is going to be in line for growth opportunities within

his or her organization.

4. Financial reward: Anyone considering graduate school would be less than wise if he or she

did not consider the return on investment. Completing a graduate degree can make a positive

impact on one's financial situation.

5. Sense of accomplishment: The feeling of personal satisfaction one gets from walking

across the platform to receive a masters or doctoral degree is overwhelming. The effort put

forth to complete your studies, despite moments of doubt and uncertainty, will stand as a

central character-building life experience.

6. Role Model: Whether for your family or friends, completing your masters can have a

positive influence on others.

TRIVIA

1. Graduate course(s) started being taught in: _____________

1). 1947 2). 1800 3).1492

2.Who created the first Graduate Studies Department: __________________

1). Dr. Thomas Stowell 2). Dr. O. Ward Satterlee 3). Julia E. Crane

3. The first Graduate course was: ___________________

1). Special Training of Method Teachers & Critics 2). Effective Critics & Supervisors

3). Purposes & Techniques of the Potsdam Program

4. There are currently how many Master Degree programs? _________________________

1). 18 2). 20 3). 10

*First person to answer all four questions correctly wins a prize! Post the answers to our Facebook page

at facebook.com/CGSPotsdam

On April 18th from 10:30 - 12:30pm, the Center for

Graduate Studies will be hosting our bi-annual

highway cleanup! The graduate community holds

two miles out on route 11 between Potsdam and

Canton. We will meet in the lobby of Satterlee Hall

to carpool to our site. As we are currently planning it

is helpful to know how many are participating.

Please let us know by RSVP'ing at http://

potsdamgraduatestudies.eventbrite.com. Thanks,

and we look forward to seeing you there!

Earth Day Clean-Up!

Calling all members of the graduate community!

Enhancing LEarning with StandardS:An Academic Perspective

Please join faculty from our three schools in a discussion about learning in the context of standards. The workshop

will be held in the Knowles Conference Center on Friday, 17 April 2015, starting at 1:00 p.m.

The emerging standards (Common Core English Language Arts and Mathematics, the Next Generation Science Standards,

and the Social Sciences Frameworks) will have a direct impact on the knowledge and skills of the students we matriculate

as well as a potential impact on our curriculum. Our teacher candidates in all disciplines will be assessed,

in part, on their ability to facilitate student leaning in the context of the emerging standards. This workshop

is designed to explore the academic development of the standards and discuss the impact on higher education.

We have invited four guest speakers, regional experts in their respective disciplines, to help us understand

the impact of the standards on current and future students.

Common Core, ELA: nicoLE J. KELLEy, responsible for helping teachers from 18 districts transition to Common Core shifts and standards

Common Core, Mathematics: darrEn BurriS, Director of Instruction for Science, Technology, Engi-neering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM), Boston Collegiate Charter School, Boston, MA

Next Generation Science Standards: MichaEL occhino, Director of Science Education Outreach Center for Professional Development and Education Reform at the University of Rochester

Social Science Frameworks: Patricia (dynSKi) PoLan, Associate in Instructional Services, Office of Curriculum and Instruction, New York State Education Department

Why should you attend? For your students; our teacher candidates will be assessed on how well they are able to teach the content knowledge we provide.

For yourself; our future students will have been educated using the new standards as the transition is completed in New York State.

TO REGISTER, please send a request to Nancy Hess in the CLEAR office ([email protected])

Include your academic department, and your name as you prefer to have it listed on a name tag

Registration is first come, first served and will terminate on Tuesday, 14 April 2015

STOP BY THE UNION FOR PRE-SALE TICKETS

OR TO MAKE A DONATION!

We will be tabling in the Union during the month of March! If 70% of

your group (greek, club, etc.) registers, the cost goes down to $10 a

person! (Group must register at once and a list of all members must be provided)

Check out our page for more info about tabling and the event:

www.99pledges.com/fund/A5K

GIVE A HOOT AT THE

A5K FOR LITERACY !

$12 Pre-Sale (Includes t-Shirt)

$14 at the event

SUNDAY, APRIL 19 @ 1:00SUNY POTSDAMALL PROCEEDS GO TO THE SHEARD LITERACY CENTER ON CAMPUS !

http://www.99pledges.com/fund/A5K









Satterlee Hall Suite 238

44 Pierrepont Ave.

Potsdam, NY 13676

315.267.2165 (ph)

315.267.4802 (fax)

[email protected] (em)

CENTER FOR GRADUATE STUDIES

CGSPotsdam

@sunypotsdamgrad

CGSPotsdam

Center for Graduate Studies @ SUNY Potsdam

Office Hours

Monday—Thursday: 8:00AM—5:00PM

Friday: 8:00AM—4:30PM

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