Featured

Ventureprise Launch NSF I-Corps Seeking Research Ideas

Ventureprise is seeking particpants for its fall 2018 Ventureprise Launch National Science Foundation I-Corps cohort. The six-week program provides UNC Charlotte faculty, staff and students with commercialization training and an initial $3,000 in NSF funding.

The goal of the program is to identify potential commercial uses and prepare for more substantial commercialization funding opportunities, including a six-month $50,000 NSF I-Corps Teams grant.

Applications are due September 14 and the cohort begins September 21.

For a complete schedule and application, please visit the Ventureprise Launch site.   For more information, contact PI Devin Collins at devin.collins@uncc.edu or 704-687-8058.

Student Blue for DE, CoOp, Interns and GTAs

Distance Education, Co-op, Student Interns, and Student Teaching students are eligible to enroll in Student Blue health insurance

Distance Education, Co-op, Student Interns & Student Teaching students can now enroll in Student Blue.    Special Instructions on how to enroll for this group of student, are on the Student Health Center’s insurance website under the link Distant Education & Co-op Students. The deadline to enroll in Student Blue is September 10, 2018 for the fall semester and January 31, 2019 for the spring semester.  If you have students who fall into these categories, please let them know of this opportunity.

Review Your Program Dashboard

As we begin a new semester, it’s a good time to review the information on your Program Dashboard.  Many of you experienced a website migration over the summer, which caused your program’s web link to change.  You can also update contact information or your program description.  Here are some helpful instructions. Note:  Because it can be confusing to the reader, it’s best not to use your Graduate Catalog page feed for this particular purpose, but instead direct students to a page within your program/department/college website.  From those pages you can link to the Catalog.

Remember, the information found on your Program Dashboard, is pushed to the Graduate Admissions website for prospective student use.  Should you have any questions, please use the Comment box below, or contact us in Graduate School Communications.

 

Misconduct Case Takes Toll on Research Program

Earlier this year, important cancer research findings were retracted and the lead researcher was forced out of his job at Ohio State University after an investigation discovered evidence of falsified data in eight papers spanning as many years.*

At UNC Charlotte we have solid policies governing the conduct of researchers and an educational program to ensure research teams understand those policies.  We also have instituted a Research Integrity Office to coordinate investigations into cases of possible research misconduct.

Headed by Associate Provost and Dean of the Graduate School Tom Reynolds, the Office is responsible for investigating allegations of plagiarism, falsification, and fabrication of research materials.

“Fortunately, we see few cases of suspected misconduct,” Reynolds said.  “And the ones we investigate we often can resolve without damaging the reputation of our researchers or hampering progress of the research. Still, we must be vigilant to avoid even the appearance of misconduct.”

Information on how to safely and confidentially raise questions or report possible research misconduct is located on the Graduate School’s website.

* https://news.osu.edu/news/2018/03/30/misconduct-investigation/

Assessments Needed for International TAs

The Office of International Programs recently sent a reminder to international teaching assistants calling attention to the requirement to attend an English language assessment and to complete an I-9 form that is available from U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

This reminder went out to those whose assistantships are already listed in Banner. Please share this information with any newly hired ITAs in your department whose names are not yet in Banner in order for them to set up their assessment. OIP will also continue to send out notices directly to ITAs as their names appear in Banner.

Your past help with ITA compliance has been extremely valuable, and OIP thanks you in advance for your help with Fall’s efforts.  Please contact ITASupport@uncc.edu for a list of available dates and times.

Team Up with the Graduate Admissions Staff at Popular Recruiting Events

The Graduate Admissions team is holding seats at two popular recruiting events, but they will go fast.

Tables are reserved for the already sold out Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minority Students (ABRCMS) in Indianapolis Nov. 14-17 and for the annual conference of the Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS) set for Oct. 11-13 in San Antonio.

Events such as these provide an excellent opportunity for program directors to recruit bright, motivated, and academically excellent students to graduate programs at UNC Charlotte. Participants are typically from underrepresented minorities with strong academic potential. The SACNAS conference typically draws over 4,000 participants pursuing careers in STEM fields. ABRCMS is one of the largest communities of underrepresented minorities in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

More details on these recruitment events and other local and out-of-state opportunities are included in the Fall 2018 Recruitment Events list, which is updated regularly.  Graduate Admissions sends a representative to a select number of recruitment events, and will provide recruitment materials to faculty, staff and students to support recruiting efforts at the program level.

To reserve your spot for ABRCMS or SACNAS, or to request materials to support your recruitment, contact Maryanne Maree-Sams, MaryanneMaree-Sams@uncc.edu or 704-687-7243.  The Graduate School provides

Dávalos, Phippen Take Dissertation Awards

Dr. Eleonora Dávalos, Public Policy, and Dr. Britney Phippen, Biological Sciences, are recipients of the 2018 Dean’s Distinguished Dissertation Award.

This award is presented each year by the Graduate School to recognize outstanding research and scholarship by a doctoral student at UNC Charlotte.

For details, check out the Recent News  on the Graduate School home page.

Access to McNair Scholars Available

Graduate Admissions can provide access to the McNair Scholars program, an excellent source of exemplary students for graduate recruitment.

The Ronald E McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program helps prepare eligible participants for doctoral studies through involvement in research and scholarly projects. Participants are typically from a disadvantaged background, generally from underrepresented segments of society, and have strong academic potential.

Graduate Admissions actively recruits at the McNair regional conference each summer, and routinely waives application fees. If you are interested in recruiting McNair participants for your program, contact Maryanne Maree-Sams, MaryanneMaree-Sams@uncc.edu or 704-687-7243.  Maryanne maintains access to a database of McNair Scholars.

Please note: The fee waiver must be requested by the applicant prior to submitting the application for admission.  To request a waiver, applicants should contact Maryanne directly, and forward their letter of participation in the McNair Scholars program.

For more information on McNair Scholars and other recruiting tips, visit GPD News & Info and select the Recruitment link on the left panel.

Higher Ed Reacts to Travel Ban Decision

The travel ban to the U.S. placed on seven countries is responsible for a steep decline in the number of international students and visiting scholars at U.S. universities, according to an article in Inside Higher Ed.

The article says a high level of opposition to the ban exists among academic institutions that consider the move discriminatory and detrimental to higher education.

Justice Sotomayor, in her published dissenting view, “cited difficulties in recruiting and retaining students and faculty members as being one among a number of irreparable harms caused by the travel restrictions.” the publication said.

Share your thoughts on the issue in the space below.  To view the original article in its entirety, please visit Inside Higher Ed.

 

 

 

Graduate Education Brochure a Great Tool for Recruiting

The Graduate School makes available an attractive, professionally produced brochure that delivers key information on the University and the city.  Use it as an introduction through recruitment fairs, information sessions, open houses and conferences.

You can also get quantities to share with your colleagues at feeder schools.  Send your request to Maryanne Maree-Sams in Graduate Admissions.

For more great ideas to boost graduate recruitment, visit  GPDNet’s Recruitment section located behind the GPD News & Info tab.

 

 

 

Graduate Residency Determination Moves to NC State Agency

Beginning Monday, July 2, 2018, residency determinations for graduate students at UNC Charlotte will be centralized at the statewide North Carolina Residency Determination Service (RDS) rather than determined locally on campus. New applicants claiming NC Residency as well as currently enrolled students who wish to apply for in-state residency for tuition purposes will be required to do so through the RDS. The change took place for undergraduate students early last year.

Residency determination affects in-state tuition benefits and state-funded financial aid. The change is part of a statewide effort to centralize and simplify the residency determination process. Under the RDS, students no longer need to apply for residency determination multiple times if they apply to more than one public educational institution.

All inquiries about initial residency determination, reconsideration or appeal should now be directed to the RDS, the sole authority for residency determination. The RDS website also has FAQs that answer many of the questions students may have about the process to apply for NC Residency, as well as details about State residency laws and policies, residency guidelines, and tuition benefits. Contact the RDS at (844) 319-3640 or by email: rdsinfo@ncresidency.org.

2018 Grad Ed Summit Planned

Mark your calendar for the GPD Graduate Education Summit, Sept. 14, 9-12 in the Lucas room, Cone University Center.This year’s summit will focus on plans to improve graduate education in the coming year and provide an opportunity to raise questions and issues for discussion.

Giles Fellowships Awarded to Four Students

Four graduate students received the 2018 Lucille P. and Edward C. Giles Dissertation-Year Graduate Fellowship.

The STEM-focused award went to:

  • Ravil Bikmetov, Ph.D., Optical Science and Engineering
  • David Burlinson, Ph.D., Computing and Information Systems
  • Katlyn Erickson, Ph.D. Nanoscale Science
  • Daniel Yonto, Ph.D., Geography

More on the Giles winners is on News section of the Graduate School home page.

Mays Takes DoD SMART Scholarship

Joseph Mays, Ph.D. a student in Optical Science and Engineering, recently was awarded the DoD Science, Mathematics and Research for Transformation (SMART) Scholarship. Mays applied through the Graduate School’s Fellowship Application Incentive Program (FAIP).

Read more about the SMART scholarship award on the Graduate School’s News page.

 

12 Receive Reynolds Fellowships

The Reynolds Research Fellowship was awarded to 9 doctoral and 3 masters student researchers for projects ranging from the study of infanticide in Victorian-era Britain to a new military helmet designed to repel rifle bullets.

For more on the awards and winning research projects, look for Recent News on the Graduate School site.

 

 

Grad Student Takes P.E.O. Scholarship

Mukulika Bose, doctoral student in Biological Sciences, received the 2018 P.E.O. International Scholarship from the P.E.O Sisterhood, an organization focused on helping women around the world participate in graduate study in the U.S. and Canada.

Mukulika participated in the Graduate School’s Fellowship Application Incentive Program, which provides a cash incentive and assistance for students to seek out and apply for financial support.

For more information, please check the news section on the Graduate School’s home page.

 

 

 

Huerta to Head the Center for Graduate Life

Dr. Jill S. Huerta joins UNC Charlotte’s Graduate School July 2 as Director of the Center for Graduate Life (CGL).  Jill will assume overall responsibility for the strategic direction and day-to-day operations of the CGL.

The Center for Graduate Life provides professional development, support and sense of community to help prepare 5,000 graduate students for productive roles on the job, whether their career plans involve business or academia.

“To be successful in their careers, graduate students must have not only excellent academic preparation, but also the opportunity to think, to explore, and to do their best work,” said Tom Reynolds, Associate Provost and Dean of the Graduate School. “The CGL provides that opportunity.  We’re excited to have Jill join that effort.”

Huerta joins the Graduate School from the University of Michigan where for the past five years she has served as the associate director of the MBA program for the Stephen M. Ross School of Business.  She has also served as instructor for Eastern Michigan University, Adrian College, Mott Community College and for Michigan State.  Huerta received her Ph.D. in History from Michigan State University.

Huerta will assume her new role in July, in time to oversee orientation for new graduate students in August.  Among her initial top priorities will be reaching out to campus partners to establish collaborative opportunities to support student success.

Noted Author Laura Micheletti Puaca to Speak

Categories: Featured

Award-winning author Laura Micheletti Puaca will speak on campus and during the Discovery Place Science + Society 2018 event Tuesday, April 24.

More information is available on the Graduate School’s website.

2018-19 Graduate Fellowship Recipients Named

The Graduate School has announced recipients of the donor supported fellowships for 2018-19.  For a list of winners and other details, please visit the Graduate School’s Funding site.

 

 

Female Researchers Sought for Projects in Germany

The not-for-profit Women in Research  (WiRe; womeninresearch.org) organization is offering postdoctoral fellowships for female researchers at German Universities.

 

Based at the Westfälische Wilhelms-University (WWU) Münster/Germany, Women in Research offers support to women researchers on legal issues, Visa questions, insurance and financial aid.

 

The fellowships focus on female postdocs or professors in STEM-related fields. Fellowships offer up to 2000 € (approximately $2,500) per month for a period of  1-6 months.  An additional 500 € ($617) per month is possible to cover child care.

 

For more information contact Women in Research.  You may also download an application form.