Busy, Busy Weeks Behind Us...And More to Come!

 I wanted to give an update on one of my previous posts – due to the snow we had during the first week of the semester, our add/drop deadline at GSE was extended to this past Thursday. I know there were still some people who were trying to find a final class for the semester up until the deadline, but I finally made my decision at the end of last week – I’m keeping ALL of my classes that I mentioned! Specifically, I’m remaining registered for four of the classes and I’m auditing the course on Intercollegiate Athletics. This allows me to attend the class and participate in the learning and discussions without the added pressure of completing written assignments or receiving a letter grade for the class. I’m already so excited about all of the new things I’m learning this semester, but the homework and reading is making for some very long days and nights.

In addition to an immense amount of work for class, we’re also running full speed in my GA office. We host a weekend every year where some of the Ph.D. applicants are invited to come to campus, meet the other applicants who are invited, pick the brains of some of our current doctoral students, and have one-on-one conversations with the faculty members in their department of interest. This took place last weekend so we were incredibly busy last week (hence the very brief blog post and the long delay before this one). In fact, I’m still recovering from the long hours!

The weekend kicked off with a welcome dinner at a restaurant in Center City – this was the first time the applicants and current students were meeting each other, and I’m amazed how quickly they became comfortable with each other. By the time they left that evening they looked like they had been friends for years!

The next morning started bright and early with breakfast and a welcome from Dean Porter, followed by an open poster session where some of the faculty and current students displayed their research and discussed it with our applicants. I was blown away by the informal presentations these individuals gave! There is truly some amazing work being done at GSE!

After Lunch began the stressful three hours during which applicants were able to meet with faculty members to learn more about each other’s interests and research. Even though it had been a long day and night (many had travelled into Philadelphia right before Friday night’s dinner) I was impressed by the constant smiles on everyone’s faces and the positive attitudes that filled the building.

Then came my favorite part of the weekend – dinner at the Penn Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology. This is hands down one of my favorite buildings on camps, and having the opportunity to celebrate a great event there was a real treat! I’ll leave you with a few pictures from the dinner – specifically photos of my delicious meal, and my fantastic dinner company – Wesley, Rebecca, and the miniature Sphinx!!

My DELICIOUS dinner: caesar salad, filet mignon, apple tart,
and chocolate gelato. YUMM!

Me, Rebecca, Wesley...and the SPHINX!

After an exhausting Friday and Saturday, Sunday morning brought a leisurely breakfast where a panel of some of our current Ph.D. students spoke to the applicants about living in Philadelphia and answered a few of their questions. The final event was a trolley tour through historic Philly. Unfortunately I wasn’t able to attend the tour, but I heard it was really interesting and eventful! Hopefully I’ll get to go when our Ed.D. applicants come to visit next weekend! Would you believe, I’ve lived in Philly for five years and I’ve never taken the trolley tour? I guess it’s about time to be a tourist…

This week ahead looks to be just as busy as the last few as we prepare to welcome the Ed.D. applicants to campus next weekend. Hopefully I’ll have some more pictures for you next week! As always, feel free to email me any of your questions – I’m working on an upcoming blog post answering a few of the more frequently asked questions, so stay on the lookout for that one.

Finally, I want to give a HUGE shout out and a GREAT BIG THANK YOU to Lauren, our Assistant Director of Admissions and Financial Aid who planned the entire Ph.D. weekend (and is still knee-deep in the Ed.D. planning) and Rebecca, who helped her every step of the way. You guys are the best!!!