Join us for the inaugural gathering dedicated to shaping the future of graduate education. The summit will be hosted at the Joseph F. Rice School of Law on January 26, 2024, marking a significant occasion for insightful discussions and forward-thinking.
The day will commence with registration from 8:30 AM, followed by an enriching agenda that includes:
- A morning keynote address by Dr. Leonard Cassuto and Dr. Robert Weisbuch, acclaimed authors of "The New PhD: How to Build a Better Graduate Education."
- Interactive break-out sessions focusing on advising, program design, and student integration into the academic community.
- A special session on AI-Assisted Graduate Education by Dr. Wes Fondren from Coastal Carolina University.
- Provost Donna Arnett's reflections on the future trajectory of graduate education at our university.
The summit will not only serve as a platform for knowledge exchange but will also feature opportunities for networking during lunch and working group sessions in the afternoon, where administrators, faculty, staff, and students can engage collaboratively to delve into the future directions of higher education and identify concrete steps for USC to take going forward.
We encourage the participation of all administrators, faculty, staff, and students who are eager to be part of this conversation and to contribute to the pioneering efforts in educational excellence.
Please RSVP by January 17, 2024, to confirm attendance.
We eagerly await your participation in what is set to be an inspiring and transformative event for the university community.
Agenda
Inaugural Graduate Education Summit
January 26, 2024
8:30 am – 5:00 pm
Joseph F. Rice School of Law
Gamecock CommUnity Drive – food, business clothing, school supplies, household supplies
Book Signing with Leonard Cassuto and Robert Weisbuch
Welcome
Ann Vail, Ph.D.; Dean, The Graduate School
Graduate Education at the University of South Carolina
Donna Arnett, Ph.D.; Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost
Building a Better Graduate Education
Join Drs. Cassuto and Weisbuch as they discuss their perspective detailed in their
acclaimed work, "The New PhD: How to Build a Better Graduate Education." Through their
advocacy, they challenge the traditional confines of academia, proposing a graduate
experience that is both humanely enriching and socially responsive. Their call to
action is clear: streamline the journey to degree completion, broaden the horizon
of post-graduation careers, foster public scholarship, and curate a curriculum that
resonates with contemporary society. In this enlightening discourse, they will delve
into innovative strategies for revamping the dissertation process, cultivating diversity
within the student body, and ensuring comprehensive support systems that address financial,
cultural, and emotional needs.
Leonard Cassuto, Ph.D.; Professor, English and American Studies, Fordham University
Robert Weisbuch, Ph.D.; Former President, Drew University; Former President, Woodrow
Wilson National Fellowship Foundation; Former Professor of English, department chair
and dean at the University of Michigan
Advising and Mentoring Our Students: The Faculty Role in Mentoring and Advising: Room
389
As integral architects of student success, faculty members are not merely educators
but also mentors and advisors who provide the scaffolding for students' academic and
professional growth. This session will delve into effective strategies for advising
and mentoring, with a particular focus on how faculty can foster a nurturing environment
that supports the holistic development of graduate students.
Leonard Cassuto, Ph.D.; Professor, English and American Studies, Fordham University
Presider: Jean Taylor Ellis, Ph.D.; Interim Associate Dean, Student Success and Engagement
From Global to Local: Rethinking Support Systems for USC’s International Community:
Room 284
Join Dr. Christina Yao and her research team as they unveil comprehensive insights
into the multifaceted challenges confronting international graduate students. With
a special focus on the University of South Carolina, this session delves into the
nuanced experiences of these students, revealing critical concerns such as spousal
support, housing, and food security. Dr. Yao will guide attendees through tailored
considerations and strategic practices aimed at overcoming these barriers, fostering
an inclusive and supportive environment for the university’s diverse international
cohort.
Christina Yao, Ph.D.; Associate Professor and Program Coordinator; Higher Education
& Student Affairs M.Ed.; Department of Leadership, Learning Design, and Inquiry
Sandy Greene, Graduate Student, Education Administration, Department of Leadership,
Learning Design, and Inquiry
Gaurav Harshe, Graduate Student, Education Administration, Department of Leadership,
Learning Design, and Inquiry
Katie Hopkins, Graduate Student, Education Administration, Department of Leadership,
Learning Design, and Inquiry
Zach Jenkins, Graduate Student, Education Administration, Department of Leadership,
Learning Design, and Inquiry
Zo Sediqi, Graduate Student, Education Administration, Department of Leadership, Learning
Design, and Inquiry
Presider: Tommy Hodges, Ph.D.; Dean, College of Education
Designing Graduate Programs for the Future: USC Examples: Room 301
This session will provide an overview and discussion of USC examples of program reform
and modernization. Panel members will describe the process of program revision in
their program. They will highlight their motivations for change and how they were
addressed. Considerations throughout the process will be described, the various strategies
for evaluation of curricular decisions will be shared, and lessons learned will be
identified.
Juan Caicedo, Ph.D.; Chair, Department of Civil Engineering
Maryah Fram, Ph.D., MSW; Associate Professor and Ph.D. Program Director; College of
Social Work
Stephanie Y. Mitchem, Ph.D.; Interim Director, Women’s and Gender Studies Program;
Professor, Religious Studies
Presider: Joel Samuels, Ph.D.; Dean, College of Arts and Sciences
Graduate Directors Lunch: Room 135
As AI's role in academic settings becomes increasingly prevalent, the imperative to navigate its use with discernment and strategic foresight is more crucial than ever. This discourse will illuminate pioneering examples where AI has been integrated into the fabric of graduate learning, enhancing both research and pedagogy. This session will explore the transformative potential of AI to advance graduate education, aid in recruiting, and encourage student success. Specific, practical demonstrations of AI usage will be given during the presentation.
Wes Fondren, Ph.D.; Associate Professor and Associate Dean, College of Graduate and
Continuing Studies; Coastal Carolina University
Presider: Angelina C. Sylvain, Ph.D.; Vice Dean, The Graduate School
Cultivating Civil Rights and a Community of Care: Room 284
This is an interactive session focused on one’s rights at the University related to
discrimination, harassment, and sexual misconduct. This presentation includes a discussion
of the supports and options available through the Office of Civil Rights and Title
IX. The presentation will allow participants to explore strategies to intervene in
situations where harm is happening. The presenters will encourage open and honest
dialogue to empower all to treat members of our community with dignity and respect.
Molly Peirano; Associate Vice President for Civil Rights and Title IX;
ADA Coordinator
Kionna Keels; Education Specialist
Presider: Jean Taylor Ellis, Ph.D.; Interim Associate Dean, Student Success and Engagement
Reimagining the Graduate School Admissions Process: Room 389
Explore the joint venture of the Organizational Excellence Office and The Graduate
School to enhance graduate admissions. This session will reveal Phase 1's achievements
in streamlining internal procedures and preview Phase 2's focus on departmental improvements.
Discover insights from stakeholder surveys and contribute to shaping the future steps
for a more efficient application experience.
Stacey Bradley, C.P.A., M.B.A.; University Organizational Excellence Officer
Tony Geary; Program Coordinator, The Graduate School
Advising and Mentoring our Students Working Group: Room 301
Join us as we build on the lessons from “Advising and Mentoring Our Students”, convening
as a team to work towards a more comprehensive advising/mentoring framework. This
team will craft actionable mentorship strategies to enhance graduate student advising,
streamline faculty-student engagement, and support diverse academic and professional
trajectories. During this session we will work to refine mentorship practices, ensuring
they meet the contemporary needs of students and the academic community.
Leonard Cassuto, Ph.D.; Professor, English and American Studies, Fordham University
Angelina C. Sylvain, Ph.D.; Vice Dean, The Graduate School
Designing Graduate Programs for the Future Working Group: Room 135
Join us for a dynamic working group discussion led by Robert Weisbuch, as we build
upon the insights from the 'Designing Graduate Programs for the Future: USC Examples'
and other sessions from the summit. Our dialogue will extend beyond traditional academic
models to embrace innovative structures for graduate degrees that address contemporary
challenges. We will explore the art of crafting programs responsive to current and
future needs, touching upon the redesign of capstone experiences and the transformation
of dissertation and thesis requirements to align with new paradigms in higher learning
and professional practice. Participants will collaborate to turn these discussions
into practical reforms for immediate and future academic application.
Robert Weisbuch, Ph.D.; Former President, Drew University; Former President, Woodrow
Wilson National Fellowship Foundation
Ann Vail, Ph.D.; Dean, The Graduate School
The Future of Graduate Education at University of South Carolina – Ann Vail, Ph.D.; Dean, The Graduate School
This is a unique opportunity for graduate student leaders from the Graduate Student
Association (GSA) and fellows from prestigious programs such as RSF, SREB, Presidential,
GJMPP, and more, to interact directly with the keynote speakers and authors of “The
New PhD.”
Dive deep into the intricacies of graduate education reform, explore the authors'
vision for a revitalized academic landscape, and engage in a lively discussion about
the future of graduate programs. Whether you're a student leader looking to make an
impact in your academic community or a fellow striving for excellence in your field,
this session promises to be an enlightening experience that will broaden your perspectives
and inspire innovative ideas for the future of graduate education. Don't miss this
exclusive chance to connect and be a part of shaping the future of higher education.
Leonard Cassuto, Ph.D.; Professor, English and American Studies, Fordham University
Robert Weisbuch, Ph.D.; Former President, Drew University; Former President, Woodrow
Wilson National Fellowship Foundation
Download the agenda for the summit [pdf]
Featured Speakers
Robert Weisbuch
Robert Weisbuch, a distinguished scholar in nineteenth-century American and British literature, has made significant contributions to the field of higher education. He served as the president of the Woodrow Wilson National Fellowship Foundation and Drew University, bringing a wealth of knowledge and leadership skills to these roles. Previously, at the University of Michigan, he was a Professor and Chair of English, also holding positions as Interim Dean of the Graduate School and Associate Vice President for Research. His academic influence extends to his involvement in various educational initiatives and collaborations with institutions like Skidmore College where he serves as a current trustee.
Leonard Cassuto
Leonard Cassuto is an esteemed author and editor, known for his extensive work on American literature and culture. He has written and edited nine books, including "The New PhD: How to Build a Better Graduate Education" (co-authored with Robert Weisbuch) and "The Graduate School Mess: What Caused It and How We Can Fix It." A regular contributor to the Chronicle of Higher Education with his column “The Graduate Adviser,” Cassuto is recognized for his award-winning journalism in a variety of prestigious publications.
Wes Fondren
Dr. Wes Fondren brings a unique blend of information technology expertise and academic insight to the field of communication. Before his academic career, he worked as the director of technology for Boone Newspapers, Inc. His research interests include the use of technology in communication, media psychology, and media effects. At CCU, he teaches courses in Communication Theory, Communication & Technology, and Communication Research Methods. Additionally, Dr. Fondren serves as the associate dean and director of the Johnson Brown Center, focusing on developing workplace skills and training in young adults.
Graduate Student Exclusive - Session with the Authors
3:30-5:00p
This is a unique opportunity for graduate student leaders from the Graduate Student Association (GSA) and fellows from prestigious programs such as RSF, SREB, Presidential, GJMPP, and more, to interact directly with the keynote speakers and authors of “The New PhD.”
Dive deep into the intricacies of graduate education reform, explore the authors' vision for a revitalized academic landscape, and engage in a lively discussion about the future of graduate programs. Whether you're a student leader looking to make an impact in your academic community or a fellow striving for excellence in your field, this session promises to be an enlightening experience that will broaden your perspectives and inspire innovative ideas for the future of graduate education. Don't miss this exclusive chance to connect and be a part of shaping the future of higher education.