An online town hall inspires new info sessions for Concordia grad students
The School of Graduate Studies (SGS) invited Concordia graduate students of all levels and faculties to an online town hall on December 1 to address the most pressing concerns of the fall 2020 term. The event also provided an opportunity for grad students and staff to connect directly in real-time.
The town hall was led by Faye Diamantoudi, interim dean of graduate studies, and hosted by 4TH SPACE. Panellists included SGS associate deans and managers, as well as Kelly Collins, manager of the International Students Office, and Annette Bowen, supervisor with the Student Accounts Office. Joanne Beaudoin, SGS administrative director, moderated the event.
Since the online platform and audience size limited live discussion, organizers invited students to submit their questions in advance so they could prepare the most requested content. Based on the more than 200 questions received, the panellists provided updates on key areas including immigration, grading and campus access.
These updates have been added to the Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies FAQs. SGS suggests that students frequently review the FAQs to keep up to date on important news relevant to them.
Winter 2021 graduate student virtual information sessions
SGS is now launching a series of smaller information sessions throughout the winter 2021 term. These sessions will be topic-specific, allowing students to attend only those applicable to them.
The series launches on February 24 with an hour dedicated to students in course-based programs, followed in March by one for students in research-based programs. To ensure the sessions address the most important topics, organizers invite students to select specific areas of interest when they register.
“The challenges of 2020 presented us with new opportunities to evolve how we communicate with our graduate students,” Diamantoudi says. “The information sessions, along with other initiatives, will help us to connect students with important information specific to their situation.”
SGS will tailor future sessions to address areas of most pressing concern to students. Topics, dates and registration information will be posted on the School of Graduate Studies website.
Additional resources
SGS encourages graduate students to refer to the Graduate Calendar for program curriculum information and academic regulations. Students with questions specific to their program or progress should contact their graduate program director or assistant. In some cases, SGS may also be able to refer students to the appropriate individual. Peer support and networking opportunities are available through GradProSkills, and the university also offers all students mental and physical health support.
Register for a graduate studies information session. Download the December 2020 town hall PowerPoint presentation.
