Last Saturday, the Graduate School and the Center for Graduate Life at UNC Charlotte welcomed over 700 incoming graduate students at Graduate Student Orientation. Associate Dean Katherine Hall-Hertel launched this year’s Orientation by providing impactful advice for thriving in, rather than merely surviving graduate school. Incoming students also learned about opportunities in the Center for Graduate Life where they can build vital skills in professional development, leadership, communication, and collaboration. Panels composed of UNC Charlotte faculty, students and Graduate School staff followed with discussions and insightful information critical to academic success.
Following the Orientation, the incoming class experienced first-hand, the ease of transportation to UNC Charlotte’s Center City campus and the uptown Charlotte area, via the new light rail service where they attended a welcome reception. Students had the opportunity to meet Provost Joan Lorden, and a host of campus offices and staff were on 
hand to provide information about their services and support. These included the University Career Center, the Office of Identity, Equity, and Engagement, Counseling and Psychological Services, and the Jamil Niner Student Pantry. Student enjoyed good music, food, games and the opportunity to connect with each other. Afterwards, many went to a handful of designated restaurants, parks, and coffee shops to explore uptown Charlotte, meet with current graduate students, and begin their graduate journeys.
Student outreach, engagement and development offered through the Graduate School's Center for Graduate Life, provides the support and sense of community students need to meet the challenges they will face throughout their graduate experience. Through the Center for Graduate Life, well-educated students become well-rounded graduates with the leadership, cultural and communication skills to enable them to quickly assume productive roles on the job, whether their career sights are set on business or academia.