Annual Reflection/Review

The end of  first-year conversation/reflection is an opportunity for graduate students to reflect on how the academic year went—specific achievements, struggles, goals, and what support or professional development are wanted and needed. Each student should come to the session having considered the following questions:  

1. As you look back on this year, what are some of your specific successes? 

2. What did you struggle with? What kinds of support do you need?

3. Optional question: Have you been able to attend to your general wellbeing and self-care? Are there specific resources you need help locating? Is there any aspect that you’d like to collaboratively brainstorm a solution for? 

4. What are your goals for the next academic year and beyond for your course work, your research, and your professional development?

5. What questions do you have at this point in the program?

The Director of Graduate Studies (DGS) will come to the conversation with knowledge of the students’ record so far—grades, informal faculty input, and the DGS’s own observations about the students’ work across the program.  The DGS can share this information as it makes sense during the conversation. 

This conversation is intended to assist students in reflecting on the past year and preparing for their next steps in the program.