Graduate Welcome

Dear New Graduate Student in the Center for International Studies,

Welcome!  We are happy that for Fall 2022 we will be returning to a normal, fully in-person semester here at Ohio University with all campus activities coming back, and we are able to welcome you to Athens in a traditional way. 

You have made an important step forward for your future by choosing to embark on a career enriched with a global-studies academic degree from the distinctly interdisciplinary Center for International Studies (CIS) at Ohio University.  By joining CIS, you are now part of an outstanding graduate program that attracts students from across the state of Ohio, the U.S., and around
the globe.  

I am certain that you will find your program challenging and rewarding, and you most certainly will make long-lasting friendships as you become a member of our vibrant and diverse OHIO Bobcat community.  Leading our programs are faculty members from academic departments all across campus. Also supporting your success are a team of dedicated staff.

All incoming CIS students, both U.S. students and international students, are required to complete and attend the Center for International Studies Hybrid Orientation Programming. These meetings are an opportunity for each program to outline important requirements that you must meet to qualify for the MA degree and to initiate the process of enrollment. You will receive instructions on course selections, the on-line registration process, and other information.

Please see the schedule below for our orientation sessions and pay particular attention to those activities that will be synchronous and those that will be asynchronous.  In August, expect a calendar invitation for all these events in your OHIO email.

• Asynchronous sessions: starting Monday, August 8, 2022
  • Delivered through a Blackboard course, these sessions will give an overview of academic programs at the CIS, financial aid requirements, the academic calendar overview, and expectations for working with faculty.
  • You are expected to complete the course by August 19, 2022.
• Synchronous in person orientation: Friday, August 19, 2022
  • This is an orientation session for all new graduate students in International Studies and an opportunity to meet your program director, other faculty and staff, and other students. Please look for the agenda for the day in your calendar invite.
• CIS GA/GRS Training: Friday August 19, 2pm- 3pm
  • This session will cover the requirements that come with your
    graduate appointment. Social security letters will be available the first week of classes (there will be more information on this process during the training).

I look forward to meeting you in August! In the meantime, please follow us on social media, where we post notices of important information of which we want you to be aware:

·         Facebook: https:/ww.facebook.com/ohiouCIS/

·         Twitter: https://twitter.com/ohiouCIS

·         Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cisohiouniversity/

·         Web:  https://www.ohio.edu/global/cis/

Best wishes,

Dr. Patrick Barr-Melej
Interim Executive Director
Center for International Studies
Professor of History