Graduate Program

GRADUATE SCHOOL IN ANIMAL SCIENCE 101

I. Objectives of GSA

• To relay information of interest or importance to graduate students involved in ANS programs
• Provide a forum for discussion of problems and other matters of interest
• Organize and conduct professional as well as social activities for ANS graduate students

II. Members of GSA

• President, VP, secretary, treasurer, 2 UGSA representatives, departmental student representative
• Elections 1/yr., meetings 1/mo.
• Fundraisers important for speaker, activities
• Speaker-discuss previous years speakers and emphasize importance of recruiting a well-respected researcher

III. General advice

• Choosing classes, teachers-seek advice from fellow graduate students
• Individual program
  
  • each students’ graduate program is unique
  • you get out what you put in, you are here to further your education, so despite the fact that you are now expected to be a researcher, TA, as well as, take classes, just remember you are doing this to better yourself as a scientist
  • remember not to compare yourself to other students because no two programs are the same
• Help with other students’ projects
  
  • regardless of field of major study, you never know where you will end up
  • any experience is valuable and will make you a more well-rounded graduate student
  • you will be more appealing for future jobs/further schooling
• Residency
  
  • important to apply for NC residency
  • multi-step process that needs to be started as quickly as possible as year wait begins after completion of the last step
  • consult other graduate students/ Marian about this process
• Get to know the faculty
  
  • good sources of knowledge
  • they have experienced this all before and can help get you through it
  • they love to hear your thoughts/questions
  • have excellent connections and could introduce you to future employers, collaborators, as well as future advisors if you continue your education
  • your advisor is your key source of knowledge in your field, so get to know them on a personal as well as professional level
• Seminars
  
  • provide an informal setting for discussion of scientific topics with fellow graduate students and faculty
  • there are seminars for each of the major areas of interest: nutrition, genetics, reproductive physiology and biotechnology

IV. Conclusion

• List of things to do to get you started

• office keys
• check out the library
• student center
• student ID card
• books
• gymnasium facilities

Remember, you are surrounded by supportive faculty and fellow students who want you to succeed.  Make the best of your time here because it will go fast. Enjoy every minute of it!!

Alaina Sauvé, GSA President
Sarah Muncie GSA Vice President
August 2004

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• Graduate Program - Department of Animal Science |
• Campus Box 7621 |
• 231 Polk Hall |
• NC State University |
• Raleigh, NC 27695 |
• Phone: 919.515.2769 |
• Fax: 919.515.6884 |
• animal_science@ncsu.edu |
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