Five days of events geared toward preparing Western Carolina University undergraduate students for graduate study is coming up with the inaugural Graduate Education Week – Monday, Oct. 15, through Friday, Oct. 19.
Sponsored by WCU’s Graduate School and Research, the events provide an opportunity to celebrate the work of the university’s current graduate students “while empowering our undergraduate students with information and resources as they consider and prepare for graduate study,” said Rachel Walker, WCU’s director of graduate marketing and recruiting.
The week will include a financial perk for current WCU students and university alumni, with free application to the Graduate School offered Oct. 19. The regular $65 application fee is waived for those two groups that day when they apply at gradapply.wcu.edu, Walker said.
Among the highlights for undergraduate students are two free Graduate Record Exam (also known as "GRE") preparation sessions, with one set for 5 to 7 p.m. Oct. 15 in the auditorium of the Natural Sciences Building and the second session scheduled for 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 18, in Room 448 of Stillwell Science Building.
Also, a workshop on “Best Practices for Graduate Admission,” a DegreePlus event for students, will be held from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 16, in Conference Room A at Blue Ridge Hall, and a social networking event with the Graduate Student Association is set for 7 to 8 p.m. Oct. 18, also in Conference Room A at Blue Ridge Hall.
Numerous presentations focusing on individual graduate programs will be offered during week, including technology, social work, biology, physical therapy, chemistry, public affairs, English, history, business and psychology. Plus, representatives from the Graduate School will be providing information and giveaways from an information table on the lawn of A.K. Hinds University Center from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 15 and inside the University Center from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 17.
An event of particular interest for WCU faculty and staff is an information session focusing on the university’s tuition waiver for employees, which provides up to three tuition-free courses during the academic year. That session will be held from noon until 1 p.m. Oct. 18 in Conference Room A at Blue Ridge Hall.
Events will conclude Oct. 19 with an exhibit and reception featuring four WCU master of fine art degree candidates from noon until 2 p.m. in Room 130 at the John W. Bardo Fine and Performing Arts Center.
To see the full schedule of events for Graduate Education Week, visit gradweek.wcu.edu. More information is available by contacting Walker at 828-227-3176 or rwalker@wcu.edu.