GPSF Working Toward Grad Student Center
Alumni could help fund future center
By: John Frank
Assistant University Editor
But a new plan for a graduate student center could bring them together at a centralized campus location.
Branson Page, Graduate and Professional Student Federation president, and graduate school officials are developing preliminary proposals to open a graduate student center similar to the James M. Johnston Center for Undergraduate Excellence in Graham Memorial.
Page envisions the center as a place where graduate students can meet to discuss their research and socially interact with other graduate students.
"It needs to be something to promote interdisciplinary action between graduate students at UNC," Page said.
The concept has been discussed for numerous years, but Page said the effort has gained steam with the endorsement of a graduate school organization.
The Graduate Education and Advancement Board, a group of alumni and friends of the graduate schools, has made the center one of its top priorities.
Arne Kalleberg, a senior associate dean of the graduate school, said the board is looking at possible fund-raising opportunities to establish a permanent center, but those plans are still a few years off. Funding could also come from donors through the Carolina First Campaign.
But in the meantime, Kalleberg and Page are meeting with Provost Robert Shelton to discuss setting up temporary space on campus.
Shelton said he is committed to finding the center a home, but space constraints on campus are making it difficult. "I think it is a wonderful idea," he said. "I am confident we can make this happen."
Page said he hopes to have something tangible by year's end.
"We need to begin this process of cultivating the social interaction," Page said. "Right now graduate students are spread all over campus. This will promote bringing them together."
Page said it will benefit students to get together regularly and discuss their research.
"By sharing what you are working on you get feedback," Page said. "Even though not in the same field, you realize the connection."
Lisa Nelson, a third-year graduate pathology student, said she is surprised there isn't a center already dedicated to graduate students.
"It is great idea," Nelson said. "Especially in my department, we are so spread out, it is hard to find time and a place to get together and interact."
The University Editor can be reached at udesk@unc.edu.
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