State of the University Address: Response by Graduate Senate

Graduate Senate President Michael Willits

Editor's Note: As part of the series on the State of the University Address, undergraduate and graduate student representatives were given the opportunity to discuss their initiatives related to the address. Below is the submission from the graduate student representatives.

The State of the University address highlighted Ohio University's distinctiveness in graduate education by emphasizing the development of innovative graduate programs across campus.

The Graduate Student Senate (GSS) is excited to be part of this challenging initiative. To foster excellence in graduate education, we must begin, as a University, by defining a clear vision of "distinctive" graduate education. It is imperative we seek answers to the question of how we define excellence in graduate education. The issues we face in this task are numerous, but not insurmountable.

Currently, the GSS is actively addressing the challenges presented to us by the President, particularly in investigating how to maximize learning opportunities for graduate students. Consistent with the President's mission, the GSS is in the early stages of championing an annual "student showcase," which will exhibit undergraduate and graduate scholarship in all areas of academic study. We expect the program to validate the visionary research conducted by undergraduates and graduate students on campus.

In addition, the GSS is committed to fostering meaningful professional development for graduate students. We are currently assisting the Office of Graduate Studies in the development of an advanced pedagogy series to be offered to graduate TAs in the winter quarter. This course series will address fundamental issues in teaching including learning communities, learning styles, the use of technology in the classroom and the creation of professional teaching portfolios.

As we make the transition toward increased student engagement, we must understand that achieving excellence requires a serious commitment to providing sufficient resources for basic graduate student needs, such as healthcare. Excellence and distinction will come from identifying who we are, what we do and how we should position ourselves for the future. This was clear in the President's address, and serves as the impetus for our senate this year.