Sep23 Written by:SPP Blogger
9/23/2008 12:00 AM
We've had a very good start to the new academic year, including welcoming a record number of incoming students to our five master's programs. Just before the start of the semester the School hosted an orientation for the entering students, beginning with a welcome breakfast with the Dean and faculty. Students then broke into smaller groups and were guided through various information sessions to equip them for dealing with all the rigors of graduate study. Students enthusiastically embraced this opportunity to launch their graduate careers with confidence and to settle into a new experience.
Including the 140 students in the SPP doctoral program, the School now has just shy of 1,000 students in all. Our strong growth in student numbers in a relatively short time is encouraging, particularly at a time when the need for policy professionals trained to analyze, understand and explain policies and their impacts is greater than ever. These challenges, combined with enthusiastic students and engaged faculty, make for a highly stimulating learning environment in the classroom.
Outside the classroom, the calendar is filled with curriculum-related events which add to the learning experience at SPP. These activities range from student service and career development events to seminars and information sessions on a wide range of topics, examples of which can be seen on the calendar. The School also hosted a welcome event for our international students to introduce them to their new environment in the national capital region. Additionally, both the SPP Student Association and the SPP Alumni Chapter are active, adding another dimension to the SPP experience.
Thys van Schaik
Associate Dean for Academic Affairs
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