Graduate Student Symposium

The Graduate Student Symposium (GSS) is a symposium designed to support masters-level graduate students by providing informational workshops, mentoring opportunities, and networking with professionals and peers.

GSS provides virtual sessions on a variety of topics to assist with professional development and the transition from graduate student to professional. 

GSS is open and relevant for current masters students, whether you are currently a graduate student working in the field of orientation, transition, and retention (OTR) or one that desires to obtain employment in higher education in the future. Throughout the symposium, participants will gain an understanding of the field of OTR. 

The format of the symposium will include monthly virtual meetings that will consist of cohort meetings and presentations by GSS faculty.

Learning Outcomes

  • Understanding Trends and Challenges: Participants will deepen their understanding of current trends and challenges in the OTR field, equipping them with knowledge to address complex issues and reaffirming their status as emerging leaders and professionals.
  • Professional Identity Reinforcement: Through engagement with peers and professionals, participants will reaffirm their professional identity within the OTR field, recognizing their role as leaders and future mentors.
  • Foundational Knowledge: Participants will bridge academic theory with practical knowledge, equipping them to address program challenges in their current and future roles.
  • Employment Competencies: Participants will develop essential employment competencies that foster personal and professional growth.

Institute Faculty

Lead Faculty

Shaun Holloway
Coordinator, Orientation & First Year Programs
University of North Texas

Faculty

Nick Stines
Senior Program Coordinator, New Student Programs
Syracuse University

Faculty

Anna Spaschak
Program Coordinator For Special Populations
The University of Florida

Faculty

Shane Reilly
  Director of the Lula Bell Houston Resource Center
Davidson University

Faculty

Jennifer Asouzu
Associate Director for Family Programming and Communications
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill