New Graduate Students Prepare for SPP Program at Orientation

More than 200 students turned out for the new master’s student orientation held at the Arlington campus on Wednesday, Aug. 25.

The event began with a reception, allowing attendees to mingle with other students and faculty members while sampling drinks and hors d'oeuvres.

During the reception, new students and faculty members nibbled on shrimp cocktail, cookies, fruit, cheese and other hors d'oeuvres.

Later, the new students heard presentations from Leslie Levin, associate director of Graduate Admissions; Dean Kingsley Haynes; Jill Emerson and Jennifer Sherwin, directors of Student Services; and Heather Gaillard, director of Career Services and Alumni Relations.

The speakers provided an overview of the School of Public Policy (SPP), student resources and academic expectations. Dean Haynes welcomed the new students. “I really am delighted you’re here. This is a very excellent program…and I think you’ll find it exciting and interesting,” he said.

Dean Kingsley Haynes welcomed the students and provided background about the SPP program and faculty members.

For the last event of the evening, the students met with their program groups, getting more details about courses and expectations from each of the six master’s program directors.

The reception allowed new students to meet with faculty members for the first time.

The event marked the beginning of a long and exciting academic journey for the students. “I’m really excited,” said Sung-Hye Yun, who recently moved to the Washington, D.C., area from Seoul, Korea. “The curriculum is really special, and I’m expecting good classes and lots of international friends.”

Fellow student Juan Salazar added that he plans to “learn as much as I can and hopefully use it in the future…to improve my surroundings.”

Elisha Kitula from Tanzania looks forward to participating in an “engaging” program at Mason. To hear him speak about his goals, click here.