Orientation for Chairs and Directors

The September meeting will be an introductory session for those new to their role. The session will include an introduction to the Rackham associate deans with whom you may need to consult, other key individuals in the graduate school, and resources that are helpful to you throughout the year. We will also discuss some of the responsibilities of faculty who direct graduate programs and look at how we can support you. There will be plenty of time for questions and discussion. To prepare for this session, we invite you to share questions and concerns with us as you look forward to the year ahead.

The November meeting will be an introductory session for the Graduate Student and Program Consultations Services (GSPCS). GSPCS works to address and problem solve around issues or concerns that arise for graduate students during their time at U-M, in addition to consulting with programs about support resources and proposed next steps. The session will also include an introduction of the Rackham Well-Being Advocate Program, which serves as an overall resource for Rackham graduate programs; helping to develop, implement, and assess new approaches that support and enhance graduate student mental health and well-being. There will be plenty of time for questions and discussion. To prepare for this session, we invite you to share questions and concerns with us as you look forward to the year ahead.

The January orientation meeting for graduate chairs and directors will be an introductory session for the Partnerships for Access, Community, and Excellence (PACE) and Finance & Fellowship teams. The PACE team builds and strengthens partnerships with U-M graduate programs, Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs), and Rackham Merit Fellowship (RMF) eligible students from the undergraduate stage through doctoral completion. The Finance and Fellowships team coordinates the financial activities for the Rackham Graduate School and is responsible for administering Rackham flagship fellowships, such as the Rackham Merit Fellowship and the Predoctoral Fellowship, as well as many smaller, student-initiated Rackham fellowship programs, such as the Graduate Student Emergency Fund, Conference Travel Grant, and Graduate Student Research Grant. There will be plenty of time for questions and discussion. To prepare for this session, we invite you to share questions and concerns with us as you look forward to the year ahead.

The March orientation meeting for graduate chairs and directors will be an introductory session for the Professional Development and Engagement team. Rackham’s Professional Development and Engagement team offers workshops, funding, and resources that prepare graduate students to access the wide range of careers available to them. Their Rackham professional development and engagement programs provide outlets for interdisciplinary learning and community building, as well provide opportunities for students to deepen and apply diversity, equity, and inclusion into their professional practice. There will be plenty of time for questions and discussion. To prepare for this session, we invite you to share questions and concerns with us as you look forward to the year ahead.