On March 15, the Office of Research and Graduate Programs in Education celebrated the opening of a new Education Graduate Student Lounge (Ed 244). There were prizes and gifts for students in attendance. Dr. Andrea Sterzuk, Acting Associate Dean, Research & Graduate Programs in Education, says, “The lounge is for student use. Already, the new graduate student writing support groups have decided to use it for their writing support meetings.”
Grad student, Rubina Khanam, says,
“Thanks to Faculty of Education and Dr. Andrea Sterzuk for the new graduate student lounge. I am using this lounge every week for the graduate writing support group meeting .
Also, I use it for meeting and discussion with other students, which is not possible in my graduate office. I also appreciate the technical support that we have in the lounge. Our graduate writing support group can set up Skype meetings when someone is unable to join in person. So, I will say that the graduate lounge has tremendous value to me as a student!”
Thinking about how the space would have benefited her, grad student Amy Lawson, who will be defending her thesis this April, says, “When I was balancing grad studies and teaching, especially once my research hours began, I sometimes felt disconnected from the university. Having a designated space (where support is close) is a fantastic idea and a great way to keep the university as a ‘home base.’ I’m thrilled to see it open!”
Anticipating the possibilities, grad student Rhonda Stevenson, who is just beginning her thesis work says, “I think if I had more classes to take it would be a great meeting place to plan and collaborate….maybe it is another space I could meet with my supervisor to discuss plans.”
Below are some photos of the launch courtesy of the Office of Research and Graduate Programs in Education.
