27 Ph.D. Students
Welcomed at New Student Orientation
The School
of Public Policy’s 27 new Ph.D. students came
together to learn about the SPP program at an orientation
on Aug. 27 and 28 at the Fairview Park Marriott in
Falls Church.
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The
two-day orientation offered a variety of opportunities
for new Ph.D. students to get acquainted with
the SPP program, faculty members and their
classmates. |
During
the event, students learned about program requirements,
policies and course scheduling. However, most students
seemed more excited than intimidated by the challenging
road ahead. “This is a bit overwhelming because
it’s a lot of information, but it’s also
comforting to get a direction as to where I’m
going in the next three years,” said Phillip
Magness, who recently graduated from SPP’s master’s
program.
Throughout
the program, several faculty members, including Dean
Kingsley Haynes, Professor Roger Stough and Professor
David Armor, spoke to students about everything from
research opportunities to scholarly ethics. In addition,
on Friday night, a group of experienced Ph.D. students
led a discussion called “Survival Tips 101.”
Faculty members also spoke about course concentrations
and SPP’s five research centers. During breaks,
meals and a social reception on Friday night, new
students and faculty members had an opportunity to
meet and discuss the program in more depth.
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Professors
David Armor(standing) and Roger Stough prepared
doctoral students for the work they will have
to complete
to
earn
their
degrees. |
On Saturday
afternoon, students departed the orientation eager for
classes to begin. Pritam Banerjee, who moved from Calcutta,
India, to attend Mason, said that he is ready to get
started on his degree. In the long term, he said that
he hopes to do “some good work and contribute
a few publications.”
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New
students spoke with their advisors and other
faculty members during lunch on Friday. |
For Ghazia
Aslam, who recently arrived from Pakistan, the day marked
just the beginning of an exciting new path in her academic
career. “I’m really looking forward to [the
semester],” she said. “This program was
one of my first choices…and I’m really glad
to be here.” |
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