GradNews

May 2020

Welcome to GradNews!
In the Know: What's Happening on Campus
Resource Spotlight
Research Corner
Beyond the Degree
Engage & Lead
Cougar Pride: Student & Alumni Highlights

Welcome to GradNews!

Welcome to the final edition of GradNews for the 2019-2020 academic year!  This monthly newsletter will include key information and resources to support your success as a graduate student at SIUE.  Each month we will bring you news about upcoming events, campus resources, research funding, professional development, campus engagement, and graduate student success stories.  Watch for GradNews coming to your email inbox each month!

In the Know: What's Happening on Campus

Congratulations, Graduates!

You've made it, May 2020 grads!  In just a few days you can take a deep breath and enjoy your well deserved graduate degree.  We are honored that you chose to learn with us and appreciate all the contributions you have made to our community.  We hope that you have enjoyed your experiences at SIUE and look forward to hearing about your future endeavors.  

For information on alternative commencement celebrations taking place, please visit the Spring 2020 SIUE Commencement Facebook Event and the SIUE Commencement website.

You are now officially a part of the SIUE Alumni Association.  To learn more about your alumni benefits, visit their website.

Resource Spotlight

Career Development Center

Ever wish you could have an expert review your resume or LinkedIn profile to be sure it's the best it can be?  Hoping to connect with employers looking to hire upcoming SIUE graduates?  Overwhelmed by the thought of searching for a job as graduation approaches and wishing someone could help demystify the job search process for you? 

The SIUE Career Development Center offers all of the above services, and is doing so virtually during the stay-at-home order.  They are here to assist all students, including current graduate students, in their career development.  Contact them today to arrange an appointment at 618-650-3708 or at careerdevelopment@siue.edu

Research Corner

Research Grants for Graduate Students (RGRDS) Application NOW OPEN!

The purpose of RGRDS is to support research initiated and conducted by SIUE doctoral students enrolled in the EdD, DNP, or any of the co-op PhD programs to enhance their academic progress.  The grants are awarded on a competitive basis, and applicants may request up to $1000!

SIUE doctoral students enrolled in the EdD, DNP, or any of the co-op PhD programs may submit a proposal if they meet the below eligibility requirements:

  • Good academic standing of 3.0 or higher
  • At least 6 hours completed in doctoral program prior to application period
  • Enrollment as a degree-seeking doctoral student during the academic term for which funding is sought 

Application deadline is Wednesday, July 1st

For full details about eligibility requirements, award stipulations, and how to apply, please visit the RGRDS website.

Beyond the Degree

Leadership & Management Skills: Inside & Outside of the Classroom

It is well documented that leadership is one of the key skills that employers seek in college graduates at every level.  During your SIUE graduate career, seize opportunities both inside and outside of the classroom to further develop your leadership and management skills.  Reflect upon the experiences you have had in your graduate program that have allowed you to:

  • Gain self-awareness about your own strengths, personality, and working style
  • Make critical decisions that impact others
  • Leverage the strengths of group members and delegate appropriately to complete a project
  • Learn about leadership theories and develop your own leadership philosophy
  • Negotiate and resolve conflicts
  • Coach and motivate others to support their success
  • Promote diversity and inclusion

These experiences will not only enhance your continuous career development, but they will also be key experiences to articulate on your resume and in job interviews. 

Engage & Lead

Academic & Professional Organizations at SIUE

Opportunities abound for you to engage in your discipline beyond your coursework at SIUE.  From Anthropology to Engineering, organizations centered around academic programs and career interests span across just about every discipline you can imagine.  Speak with your faculty about which organizations exist in your particular area of interest and check out the Get Involved at SIUE website!  Join an organization that aligns with your field, take on a leadership role, gain experience, learn from others, and build your resume!

Cougar Pride: Student & Alumni Highlights

Meet Cecilia Ramsey-Hebert, student in Art Therapy Counseling

Originally from southwestern Kansas, Cecilia Ramsey-Hebert earned her BA in Pre-Professional Art Therapy from Bethany College in Lindsborg, Kansas. Following graduation, Cecilia worked for two years as a studio artist and direct support provider at The Clayworks at Disability Supports, a studio for adults with developmental differences. While in the Art Therapy Counseling graduate program at SIUE, she has expanded her professional and academic horizons, through ventures including practicum work in a medical setting with children and serving as Co-President of the Student Art Therapy Association.

Cecilia's graduate research focuses on building social capital and democracy of space in studios with adults with different abilities. Her research methodology utilizes a Participatory Research Action model focused on social justice and equalizing the researcher/participant power dynamic. Cecilia returned to The Clayworks to execute her research, where she facilitated a group in a cycle of inquiry to address a problem or issue in their community that was identified by the participants themselves. Upon graduation this May, Cecilia plans to continue this impactful work in the greater St. Louis area.

 Cecilia

Know a deserving student or alum that we should highlight in Cougar Pride?  Contact us at graduateschool@siue.edu to let us know!