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Dear Graduate Students,Ìý

As we begin another academic year, I want to extend a warm welcome to our new students and welcome back to our returning students. I hope everyone had a great summer. For those who don’t know, my name is Scott Adler and I’m dean of the Graduate School.ÌýÌý

This past year has brought significant transformation to ºÚÁÏÉçÇøÍø. With new leadership at the campus level (Chancellor Justin Schwartz and Provost Ann Stevens) we’ve entered a dynamic period of change.ÌýÌý

As we continue to adapt to these shifts, along with the evolving landscape of American higher education under a new federal administration, it’s clear that we are in a moment of both transition and opportunity. Our goal is to adapt thoughtfully and effectively, preserving the excellence of our academic programs while fostering a forward-thinking and resilient learning environment.Ìý

If you’re interested in learning more about the steps the university is taking, you can visit the Office of Research and Innovation’s website.Ìý

While you pursue your studies this year, I also encourage you to get involved with one of the many opportunities the Graduate School offers. Whether you are brand new to campus or a returning student, these opportunities help make this campus not just a place where you do your research and scholarly work, but a community.Ìý

Peer MentoringÌýÌý

The Graduate School has a robust peer mentoring program that brings together new and established graduate scholars to provide personal and professional support, encouragement and vital information in areas such as graduate life, living in Boulder, work-life balance, and advisor-advisee relationships. This program is a great way to connect and build community across disciplines. To get involved, reach out to our assistant director of professional development, Hailey Herman.Ìý

For those already participating in the program, be sure to attend the Graduate Peer Mentoring Program Meet & Greet on Sept. 10 to share coffee and a pastry with your mentor/mentee match to kick off the semester. We also strongly encourage any mentors in the program to attend the Mentor Orientation on Sept. 4. Additionally, there are multiple upcoming mentorship trainings, open to all graduate students, including our Inclusive Research Mentoring (CIMER) trainings, in partnership with the Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL).ÌýÌý

Professional Development WorkshopsÌýÌý

Professional development is a vital element of graduate education. Throughout the year, we offer a variety of professional development workshops that allow you to build your skills in ways that are applicable not only in academia, but in the broader professional world.ÌýÌýÌý

We send out a list of upcoming opportunities every month, which can vary widely, covering everything from career decision-making workshops to writing retreats offered as part of our Grad+ programs. Additionally, Career Services and CTL also offer valuable workshops and trainings.ÌýÌýÌý

Every year we also hold the Three Minute Thesis competition, an academic competition where doctoral students compete against their peers to present their thesis in a clear and compelling way in only three minutes. 3MT participants have access to exclusive training opportunities to hone their research communication skills. The top three competitors are awarded research funding, with the winner getting $1,500 and a chance to represent the university at the regional competition.ÌýÌýÌý

There is happening in September for those that might be interested. If you are a doctoral student, I highly recommend participating.ÌýÌý

Graduate and Professional Student Government (GPSG)ÌýÌý

GPSG is the shared governance organization that advocates on your behalf at ºÚÁÏÉçÇøÍø. They not only support initiatives that empower graduate and professional students, but promote academic, professional and socioeconomic well-being.Ìý

In addition to working closely with your advisor and graduate program assistant, please don’t hesitate to also reach out to the Graduate School if you have questions—we’re more than happy to help. I also encourage you to pay attention to the monthly bulletins we send out and to the graduate student edition of ºÚÁÏÉçÇøÍø Today, or to our social channels.Ìý

I’m so excited to be able to welcome you all to campus, and here’s to a fantastic new year!Ìý

Sincerely,Ìý

Scott AdlerÌý

Dean of the Graduate School
Vice Provost, Graduate AffairsÌý
Professor, Political ScienceÌý