The Graduate School, in partnership with the Center for Inclusive Education (CIE), held its annual Welcome BBQ on August 28 to mark the start of the fall semester. The event took place on the Old Computer Science front lawn and attracted more than 325 graduate students, as well as faculty and staff who attended to support and connect with students.
Celia Marshik, dean of the Graduate School and vice provost for graduate and professional education, said: “The annual BBQ offers students a great opportunity to get out of their classrooms, labs, and offices to have some food and fun. I was delighted to see students from a range of different degree programs sit together and have the opportunity to meet peers from across campus.”
Graduate School staff and campus partners hosted informational tables at the event. Marshik commented on their presence: “I saw lots of students visiting the tables and am confident that they feel better able to access support and services now that they met the friendly faces behind them!”
The event provided an opportunity for students from various disciplines to interact ahead of the new academic year. The Graduate School plans to continue supporting graduate students and postdocs through ongoing professional and personal development opportunities throughout the semester.