|
The Graduate Student Enhancement Program is dedicated to providing opportunities for graduate students to improve themselves
both inside and outside of the classroom, the program has expanded over the past years and continues to grow. These FAQ's
(Frequently Asked Questions) are designed to explain some of the features of the GradSTEP program.
What is GradSTEP?
GradSTEP strives to enable all graduate students to reach higher levels of teaching competence, personal and academic proficiency,
and research capabilities. The Program is offered throughout the year as either the August Program or the Ongoing Program.
[Back to the FAQs List]
What is the August Program?
The August Program, also known as GradSTEP Week, is held the week preceding fall semester in August. Participants in the program
attend a minimum of eleven hours of seminars scheduled throughout the week. Academic departments offer their own activities
(departmental programming) to orient new graduate students. The majority of students who complete their GradSTEP requirements
do so through the Summer Program. This offers participants an excellent opportunity to become familiar with campus and their
department before they are caught up in the busy activities of the semester.
[Back to the FAQs List]
What is the Ongoing Program?
The Ongoing Program is offered to graduate students who were unable to attend or complete the August Program. The Coordinator
of Ongoing Programs works closely with the students enrolled in the Ongoing Program. This section of GradSTEP operates similar
to an independent study course, allowing students to tailor their individual professional development needs while meeting
the requirements of their personal course work and assistantship duties.
Students are notified shortly after the beginning of the semester and must attend one informational meeting. This meeting
is offered at two different times and students can attend the meeting that best fits their schedule. If both times conflict
with class or assistantship duties, an individual meeting can be arranged with the Coordinator of GradSTEP. Following this
meeting, students are kept in close communication with the Coordinator via e-mail, phone, and written correspondence. As with
the August Program, students must complete eleven hours.
[Back to the FAQs List]
Am I required to complete GradSTEP?
Any graduate student who receives an assistantship contract from BGSU must complete 12 hours of professional development by
attending either the August Program or one of the Ongoing Programs. This is only required for students receiving their first
assistantship contract. Once a student completes GradSTEP they are not required to complete it again for any continuing assistantships
or if they get an assistantship in a different department.
[Back to the FAQs List]
Can anyone participate?
All graduate students, staff, and faculty members are invited to participate in GradSTEP. Anyone who wishes to do so may enroll
in the program and attend as many sessions as they like. Participants completing all 12 session hours will receive 2 hours
of academic credit.
[Back to the FAQs List]
I am part-time and non-funded, can I still participate in GradSTEP?
Yes, although these students are not required to complete GradSTEP. We strongly encourage our part-time and non-funded students
to participate for a variety of reasons. The August Program offers several opportunities for graduate students to get to know
other students in their department as well as other areas giving them a greater exposure to the BGSU community. They have
a chance to become familiar with campus on a more relaxed level than if they arrive on campus the first day of classes and
have to struggle with finding out where their classes are, where to park, where they can find computer labs, etc. For our
non-funded graduate students, participation in GradSTEP, aside from helping to give them more of a sense of connection with
their department and BGSU, their participation during either the August Program or the Ongoing Program will allow them to
complete their GradSTEP commitment in the event an assistantship becomes available to them at a later time.
[Back to the FAQs List]
Can I choose between the Summer Program or the Ongoing Program?
In most circumstances, no. Graduate students with assistantships are enrolled in the most immediate session available in relation
to when their contracts begin.
[Back to the FAQs List]
What is the Graduate Coordinator’s Role in GradSTEP?
Appoint the development leader to represent your department during the GradSTEP August Program. If your department is part
of a division it is imperative that all graduate coordinators within the division work together to select 2 Development Leaders
and work as a team with the DLs.
Work closely with your Development Leader/s to organize your department’s programming activities for the GradSTEP August Program.
Encourage your part-time and non-funded students to participate in GradSTEP. This offers them a greater chance to be part
of the BGSU community, become more familiar with BGSU campus and various service offices, and to meet other graduate students.
Work with incoming students to ensure they complete their GradSTEP requirements during the semester in which they receive
their first assistantship contract.
Be on hand as much as possible during the August Program and particularly during any departmental programming activities that
require your attendance.
[Back to the FAQs List]
What is a DL?
The Development Leader (DL) is usually a second year graduate student nominated or appointed by the student’s department.
This graduate student serves as the primary liaison between their department, their incoming student, and the GradSTEP staff.
The DL is responsible for working with their graduate coordinator to develop a schedule of department-specific programming
to be offered during the August Program. This departmental program is offered in conjunction with the GradSTEP sessions. The
combination of these elements helps students quickly become familiar with their new surroundings, their role and responsibilities
as graduate assistants, and as members of the BGSU community.
[Back to the FAQs List]
How do I enroll in GradSTEP?
Graduate students who have not completed the program in the past may enroll in GradSTEP just as they do their other courses.
After July 23rd you can log in to MyBGSU, select My Registration to register for the course. The course number for GradSTEP
is GRAD 600, N001. It is a 2 credit hour workshop course that is graded as S/U. These hours will count toward your 12 hour
enrollment requirement.
Please note: enrolling in the GRAD 600 course does not mean you are registered for your GradSTEP week sessions! You must complete
the session selection form, also known as the preregistration form, and submit it to GradSTEP by July 20th.
[Back to the FAQs List]
What is this GRAD 600 course on my transcript?
GradSTEP is recorded on the student’s transcript as the GRAD 600 course. This is a fee-free, 2 credit hour workshop course
that is graded as S/U.
[Back to the FAQs List]
Does GRAD 600 count for credit?
Yes, GRAD 600 does count for 2 hours of academic credit and is counted toward the 12 hours of full-time enrollment required
for students on assistantship. Students who complete their requirements through the August Program or the fall semester Ongoing
Program will see this course on their fall semester transcript. Those participating in the spring semester of the Ongoing
Program will see GRAD 600 on their spring semester course listing.
[Back to the FAQs List]
Will GRAD 600 count on my TDP for degree hours?
Each department or program will make its own determination of whether GRAD 600 will count on a student’s Tentative Degree
Program (TDP). Graduate students should consult with their Graduate Coordinator before entering GRAD 600 on their TDP.
[Back to the FAQs List]
Are there fees or other costs for GRAD 600?
Fees for participation in GradSTEP will be covered by the student's assistantship or a tuition waiver for our non-funded participants.
GradSTEP supplies all forms/materials needed to complete the program. In the event a charge appears on a student’s Bursar
bill, they should contact Barbara Peck in the Graduate College immediately so the charge can be removed as soon as possible.
[Back to the FAQs List]
What if GRAD 600 causes a student to have more than 18 credit hours in one semester?
In the event an excess credit charge appears on a student’s Bursar bill they should contact Barbara Peck and the Graduate
College will issue a waiver for the excess credit fee for up to 2 hours.
[Back to the FAQs List]
Can someone attend GradSTEP more than once?
Yes. There is no limit to the number of times or sessions a participant may attend. However, the 2 hours of credit will only
be applied the first time the participant completes the program.
[Back to the FAQs List]
How do I get a Social Security Card?
(This will pertain primarily to International students)
To obtain an original Social Security Number a student with an F1 visa must take their passport, I-20, letter verifying F-1
status issued by CIP, and a copy of an offer of employment of GA contract to the Social Security office at 440 E. Poe Rd.,
Bowling Green, 419-352-8481. If the student has a J1 visa, they must take their passport, DS-2019, letter verifying J-1 status
issued by CIP or their sponsoring organization, and offer of employment to the Social Security Office. After they get their
Social Security Number they will need to take the required documentation to the Graduate College by no later than noon on
Wednesday, August 20, 2008, to complete the I-9 form. The Social Security Administration is unable to verify immigration status
if a student has not been in the U.S. for 10 days or more. Students should not apply for a Social Security Card until they
have been in the United States for a minimum of 10 days.
[Back to the FAQs List]
What is this letter I'm supposed to have from International Programs?
International students will be receiving a letter from the Center for International Programs (CIP) which states that the student
has valid F-1 or J-1 status. If they do not have the letter they should contact the Center as soon as possible to get a copy.
[Back to the FAQs List]
What if I don't need the insurance through the University?
Domestic students registered for 8 or more credit hours on main campus must fill out the on-line waiver form. The form is
located on MyBGSU under Financial Services along the left side and is titled "Student Insurance Requirement."
International students must go to the Student Insurance Office and provide an English-language copy of the alternate plan
they wish to enroll in. If the plan is approved, the waiver form can be completed at that time. This must be done by the
end of the first week of classes.
This form must be completed at the beginning of each academic year the student wants to be exempted.
[Back to the FAQs List]
Can I add my spouse/child onto my insurance?
Students may enroll their spouse/children in the University-sponsored health at an extra cost.
[Back to the FAQs List]
What does the insurance cover?
The University-sponsored health insurance usually does not cover medical expenses 100%. For more information about the University-sponsored
health insurance, please visit the following website: http://www.bgsu.edu/offices/sa/studentinsurance/page19405.html
[Back to the FAQs List]
|
