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Graduate School News

Registration Open for January Mentor Training Session

December 01, 2021 by White, Brian

The Graduate School will offer Mentor Training for graduate faculty Jan. 7, 9:30-4:00. The session will be held face-to-face in the Student Union.

Join the 170 faculty who have already completed this training and rated it a good use of time. The curriculum comes from the Center for the Improvement of the Mentored Experience in Research (CIMER) at the University of Wisconsin. It is highly interactive and includes a variety of useful resources and tools.

Attendance is limited to 16, so please sign-up early using this form: https://forms.gle/RskUcL6TzS3RNkmy5

Note: All participants are asked to wear a mask.

ISSO Updates International Students on COVID-19 and Entry Requirements

December 01, 2021 by White, Brian

As of Nov. 8, foreign nationals including all F-1 students are required to present proof of COVID-19 vaccination to enter the U.S. For purposes of entry into the United States, the accepted vaccines will include FDA approved or authorized and WHO Emergency Use vaccines. In addition to proof of vaccination, travelers entering the U.S. must also show proof of a negative COVID PCR-test administered within the 3 days prior to travel to the U.S.

Travel restrictions are in place for countries where the Omicrom variant has been discovered. These countries include South Africa, Mozambique, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Lesotho and Eswatini.

The International Student and Scholar Office (ISSO) has communicated frequently with newly admitted, currently enrolled, and OPT international students regarding changing requirements for COVID-19 vaccination and entry requirements.

The following is a list of messages and content that have been shared with targeted students to-date:

Message for newly admitted students who accepted their admission offers
Stand-alone message for enrolled students and students on OPT
Monthly newsletters (October/November) containing the announcement for all enrolled, OPT students and visiting scholars
Updates to the ISSO website to reflect the latest CDC guidance on vaccination requirements and travel restrictions

Students with concerns or questions may reference the ISSO website for information or contact the ISSO office (intlsso@uncc.edu, 704‑687‑7781) to schedule an advising appointment.

Slate, the New Admissions CRM, is Live

November 30, 2021 by White, Brian

Graduate Admissions migrated to Slate, the new admissions CRM, the week of Nov. 21. Details about the system implementation as well as the system login and training materials are available in GPDNet under GPD News/Resources.

Take Part in Giving Tuesday

November 29, 2021 by White, Brian

The annual global day of generosity GivingTuesday begins Nov 30. As in the past, UNC Charlotte is fighting food insecurities for our Niners by supporting the Jamil Niner Pantry and Niner University Elementary.

Make your gift today or help stock shelves by shopping for items via Amazon wish list. All items purchased will be shipped directly to UNC Charlotte and delivered to the pantries. Let’s support one another and ensure all Niners have a happy holiday.

Get Ready for Fall Commencement

November 22, 2021 by White, Brian

Commencement is planned for Dec. 17-18 in the Dale F. Halton Arena located in the James H. Barnhardt Student Activity Center.

Graduating students can pick up their regalia (caps and gowns) at the campus bookstore, located in the Popp Martin Student Union, through November 30.

Academic Affairs provides more information on Commencement Ceremonies and how to reserve your cap and gown.

Eastern North Carolina Career Fair Planned

November 19, 2021 by White, Brian

The Eastern North Carolina Career Alliance (ENCCA) will host an online career fair Feb. 16, 11-4.

The event will provide an opportunity to connect with a diverse group of students and alumni from ENCCA’s eight member institutions:

Barton College
Campbell University
Methodist University
University of Mount Olive
North Carolina Wesleyan College
Saint Augustine’s University
Shaw University
William Peace University

Top majors include biology, business, communications, criminal justice, education, exercise science, game development, interactive design, healthcare administration, information technology, psychology, social work, and sport and recreation management.

To register, visit the ENNCA Career Fair.

Sargent Leads 3MT Competition

November 16, 2021 by White, Brian

Amanda Sargent, Ph.D., Organizational Science, was selected the first place winner of the 2021 3-Minute Thesis (3MT) competition with her presentation, “What is it about “Who You Know” That Gets You Ahead?”

Other winners included:

Farida Yasmin, Ph.D., Biology – 2nd Place for “Into the Wild: Wild Soybean as our Savior!”

Shanique Lee, Ph.D., Curriculum and Instruction – 3rd Place for “Loving and Leaving the Classroom: Contextualize the Attrition of Black Women Teachers in Urban Schools.”

Kelsey Sikon, M.S., Civil Engineering – People’s Choice Award for “Presence of Microplastics in Wastewater Treatment Plants.”

The event recording is available on YouTube. Read more about the 3MT at the Center for Graduate Life and Learning.

Migration to Slate Begins Today

November 16, 2021 by White, Brian

AdmissionsPros was decommissioned at 11:59 pm on Nov. 15 so the migration to Slate can begin. Slate “Captains” Kathy Giddings and Ash Bowers anticipate a Slate go-live on Monday, Nov. 22.

eGA Upgrade Planned

November 11, 2021 by White, Brian

eGA, the electronic graduate assistantship system used to hire over 1,800 graduate students as RAs and TAs each semester, is getting an upgrade. The user experience in the new eGA has been greatly improved and will remind users of the eGPS and Academic Petition systems. The target go-live date is Feb. 7. The current eGA system will be taken out of service Feb. 5 to migrate data to the new and improved eGA system.

The Graduate School will schedule training sessions as the go-live date draws near.

Q&A sessions covering a wide range of Graduate School funding topics are held regularly on the first and third Monday of the month (excluding holidays). The sessions provide an opportunity to ask about the changes and see a demonstration of the the new eGA system. The schedule and Zoom links can be found on the GPDNet Calendar.

Urge Admitted Students to Attend Graduate School Information Session

November 10, 2021 by White, Brian

Graduate Admissions will offer an information session Nov. 17 at Noon to help admitted students who are undecided about accepting their offer of admission.

Graduate School staff and current graduate students will share information to help admitted students make a decision to continue their education at Charlotte. Graduate Admissions counselors will review the decision letter, connecting with the program, accepting admission, funding and more.

Please encourage your newly admitted students to register for this informative session. Registration for admitted students is available at mygradschool.uncc.edu..

Training Sessions Planned for Slate Admissions System

November 09, 2021 by White, Brian

As the new Slate admissions system goes live Nov. 22, a series of training opportunities have been scheduled to help ensure a smooth transition. The training, led by Associate Dean Johnna Watson, is highly recommended.

Participants may choose from a live, face-to-face session, online Google Meet session and Q&A session. To register, please visit the Graduate School.

Please note that if you register to attend but can’t make it, please let contact Cherie Ellerbe, ellerb4@uncc.edu, Administrative Support Specialist.

2022 First Destination Survey Launched

November 09, 2021 by White, Brian

The 2022 First Destination Survey, designed to offer insight to shape future curriculum, has now launched.

Faculty is encouraged to promote the survey to graduating students and an example message is provided below:

Graduating this semester? Take the First Destination Survey at https://firstdestinationsurvey.uncc.edu to let us know what you plan to do with your UNC Charlotte degree! The survey will ask you about your plans for post-graduation employment or further academic study, your experiences in our academic programs and the resources you used while you were a student. Completing this survey enhances the value of your degree by supplying us with information to accurately tell the story of a UNC Charlotte education.

A series of reminders will be sent to students who do not complete the survey after the initial email. The first reminder email will go to students on their UNC Charlotte addresses on Dec. 17 (graduate students) and Dec. 18 (undergraduate students).

The spring 2022 survey will be distributed mid-March.

Session Helps Students with Common Interview Questions

November 08, 2021 by White, Brian

In this CGLL course Nov. 11 at 4 p.m., students can learn how to prepare and practice answers to commonly asked interview questions. Facilitated by Karen Arrington, Assistant Director and Career Coach at the University Career Center. The session will be held in Cone 268.

To register, please visit the Center for Graduate Life and Learning.

EducationUSA Offers Europe Open Office Hours for Recruitment Assistance

November 02, 2021 by White, Brian

Join advisers from across Western and Northern Europe for open office hours on Dec. 7 and 9. The advisers will be ready to answer questions from representatives from U.S. higher education institutions about recruitment strategies, scholarship programs, upcoming events, and other items. Dates, times, and countries featured on each day are listed below.

Dec. 7 (Tues.) | 11–12:30 p.m. EST | Featured countries: Sweden, Netherlands, Switzerland, France, Belgium, Luxembourg | https://iie-org.zoom.us/j/96208267010

Dec. 9 (Thurs.) | 11-12:30 p.m. EST | Featured countries: Finland, UK, Portugal, Ireland, Norway, Germany, Spain | https://iie-org.zoom.us/j/95713161140

Germany to Hold Graduate Studies Recruitment Fair in November
EducationUSA will host its first virtual Graduate Studies Fair for Germany on Tues., Nov. 23, 4-8 p.m. CET. U.S. higher education institutions will have a virtual booth and host group and one-on-one sessions with Germany’s top students. EducationUSA advisers will facilitate the event and share educational and funding opportunities. For more information on how to participate, please contact germany@educationusa.org.

Portugal to Hold Recruitment Fair in November
The Fulbright Commission and EducationUSA Portugal are inviting U.S. higher education institutions to join the EducationUSA Portugal Fair, which will take place virtually Nov. 18. The fair will offer an opportunity to connect with prospective undergraduate and graduate students. Registration is now open. For more information about the event, please contact EducationUSA Portugal adviser Dorian Rosca.

ISSO Details COVID Travel Rules to Incoming Students

November 02, 2021 by White, Brian

The International Student and Scholar Office (ISSO) recently reached out to new students who intend to enroll for the spring 2022 semester to explain new requirements relating to the COVID-10 pandemic.

Following is the text of the ISSO message:

As the Spring 2022 semester approaches, we look forward to welcoming you to UNC Charlotte. As you can expect, COVID-19 will impact your travel plans. Please review the information below BEFORE you commit to international travel. Obtain your COVID vaccine(s) before entering the U.S. After November 8, 2021, all foreign nationals, including F-1 and J-1 students wishing to enter the U.S. must show proof that they are FULLY VACCINATED against COVID-19. See the U.S. government’s October 12, 2021 announcement. In addition to proof of vaccination, travelers entering the U.S. must also show proof of a negative COVID test administered within the 3 days prior to travel to the U.S.

Documentation requirements: Your COVID vaccine must be FDA or WHO approved Your vaccine and COVID test documentation should be hard copy (not on your phone) and in English It is fine to carry back up electronic copies on your phone Your name on your records should match your name as listed on your passport. Note: ISSO staff are not healthcare professionals; you should research what works for you in consultation with your doctor or medical care provider.

What should NEWLY ADMITTED students consider when planning travel to the U.S.?
1. Complete the Financial Certification Form (FCF).
2. Apply for the F-1 or J-1 visa at a U.S. embassy/consulate.
3. Pay the SEVIS fee online 3-5 days before your visa appointment and print out the receipt.
4. Follow the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services’ CDC Requirement for Proof of a Negative COVID test before entering the U.S.
5. Upon entering the U.S., carefully follow the CDC ‘After International Travel’ instructions and obtain a COVID test 3-5 days after travel.
6. Arrive in Charlotte (Charlotte Douglas International Airport-CLT) by January 5th. Arriving by this date allows you to participate in international student orientation before classes begin on January 10th.
7. Follow UNC Charlotte On-Campus protocols, such as wearing a face covering while participating in UNC Charlotte indoor activities.

Check official websites for up to date information: COVID related travel requirements can change quickly. Therefore, be sure to check official websites for update to date information before you leave home. We hope you all are staying safe and well,

Updated U.S. Travel Policy Requires Vaccination

November 01, 2021 by White, Brian

On Oct. 25 the White House and Centers for Disease Control announced a new vaccination policy that will go into effect for international travelers to the United States on Nov. 8 at 12:01 a.m. EST. As of that date, foreign national air travelers will be required to be fully vaccinated and provide proof of vaccination status prior to boarding a plane to the United States. The guidelines also include new protocols for testing. Exemptions will be made for noncitizens who are citizens of a foreign country where the availability of COVID-19 vaccination is limited. Details can be found on the U.S. Department of State’s website.

Admissions Application and eGRAD Unavailable Nov 16-21 for Slate Migration

November 01, 2021 by White, Brian

Graduate Admissions is transitioning to a new recruitment and admissions system (Slate) and mygradschool.uncc.edu AND eGRAD will be brought down on Nov. 16 at 12 am.

Graduate Program Directors are encouraged to make recommendations on all Ready for Review applications prior to Nov. 16 or wait until after the Slate go-live on Nov. 22.

All current eGRAD users will have access to Slate as soon as the system is live; training documentation for decision makers and committee members will be provided online. Virtual and face-to-face Slate training will be available beginning the week of Nov 22. Details will be provided soon.

Prospective students are encouraged to submit their application and supporting materials (via mygradschool.uncc.edu) on or before Nov. 16, otherwise they can submit materials in Slate beginning Nov. 22. Similarly, recommendation providers who have not submitted a reference for a prospective student are encouraged to do so by Nov. 16. Otherwise, they will be sent a link to complete the recommendation in Slate.

Between Nov. 16-21:

Data and supporting documents in AdmissionPros will be migrated to Slate
Prospective students for 2022 will be emailed new system credentials to access the system
Recommendation providers who have not submitted a reference will be provided information to do so in Slate
Graduate Program Directors and admissions committee members will be emailed the link to access Slate.

Finalists Named in 3MT Competition

October 26, 2021 by White, Brian

Finalists selected for the 2021 Three-Minute Thesis (3MT) final competition Nov. came from a wide range of programs.

The finals competition, which begins at 4:30 p.m. Nov. 12 in the Rowe Auditorium (130), will include:

Roshanak Ashrafi, Infrastructure & Environmental Systems
David Brown, Bioinformatics
Varsha Godakhini, Nanoscale Science
Shanique Lee, Curriculum and Instruction
Jeanne-Marie Linker, Bioinformatics
Rittika Mallik, Bioinformatics
Keith Murphy, Health Services Research
Amanda Sargent, Organizational Science
Kelsey Sikon, Civil Engineering
Samantha Taylor, Bioinformatics
Farida Yasmin, Biology

The 3-Minute Thesis (3MT), hosted by the Center for Graduate Life and Learning (CGLL), is an international academic competition that challenges graduate students to describe their research in three minutes or less, using only one static slide. 3MT allows our graduate students to practice communicating the importance of their work to policy makers, potential funders, and the media.

For more information, please visit the Center for Graduate Life and Learning.

Reports Out on Student Loan Debt, Enrollment and Degrees

October 26, 2021 by White, Brian

2020-2021 and 2019-2020 Graduate Loan Summary Report

This report, available for download, provides details on federal loan debt by students in graduate programs based on enrollment status by aid year. Have questions about the data? Insights into how the information should be considered and/or compiled for 2021-2021? Join the Graduate School for a Graduate Student Debt Question and Answer Workshop on Wednesday, October 27th, between 11 am and noon. Feel free to drop in (virtually!) anytime.

CGS/GRE 2020 Survey of Graduate Enrollment & Degrees
The downloadable document is the only national survey that annually collects data on first-time and total graduate enrollment across 1) all fields of study and 2) by degree level. The Fall 2020 survey was sent to 763 U.S. institutions and received a 73.1% response rate.

Message on Projections from Johnna Watson

October 26, 2021 by White, Brian

Dear Colleagues,

The Projections Manager, located in GPDNet, is now open for enrollment and graduation projection submissions. The information you provide is used to help guide efforts to effectively manage your graduate program enrollment; it’s also vital from a University perspective to better understand program capacity/delivery, future enrollments/graduations, and resources required to support graduate education.

Based on information provided last year, the Graduate School made a request for resources to help two programs grow enrollments, which Academic Affairs provided beginning fall 2021. Additionally, resources and training were strategically provided to support students and programs and aid work to increase recruitment and retention. Given the University’s strategic plan to enroll 7,613 graduate students by 2031, careful planning to achieve the goal is more important now than ever.

Similarly, affirming UNC Charlotte’s commitment to foster access, diversity, equity and inclusion in graduate education, please pay particular attention to ways your program enrollments might reflect a breadth of gender identities, races and ethnicities, nationalities, faith traditions, and other social categories and backgrounds. A new question has been added to better understand program efforts in this regard.

Four open swims are planned to help program directors establish projections and answer any questions related to program capacity and effective enrollment management. For details on the workshops as well as the projections process, please see the attached document. In advance, thank you for your strong support of graduate education and your participation in this year’s cycle to better understand opportunities and challenges in building and retaining the graduate class next year.

Warm regards,

Johnna Watson

P.S. – More details are available for download.