Launch Day 2014

Planning information for the 2014 Launch Day

Wednesday, 20 Aug

Schedule

1:00-3:30 Orientation (Lounge)
- Welcome from the chair (Imke)
- Getting set up
  - residency info
  - in the department (cubes, computers, etc.)
  - campus resources (gym, health center, eye center, dentists, bearwalk)
  - upcoming events reminder: BBQ (5th of Sept?), 300 boot camp (ask Aaron + Francesca for the date), GSI orientations (Thurs, Fri - international)
- Information/Q&A on courses & GSI
  - required classes & GSI
  - work per class & GSI
  - classes in other departments (physics, CS, pottery, language)
  - filling your 12 units
- GA presentation (Kat, ~2 p.m.)
- Mentoring and advising systems (Eugene, 2:30???)
  - Faculty side of advising (we describe student side)
  - Class shepherds
- Expectations
  - how many classes should you take?
  - when to start research and how?
  - expectations by the end of 2nd year
    - 6 core classes, 12 astro units (300 doesn't count)
    - 2/3 for letter grade
  - prelim - 3 classes
    - 1 of radiation/fluids
    - other options - stars, SF, ISM, galaxies, cosmology, (planets, high energy?)
- Talks (colloquium, Journal Club, GSPS, etc.)
  - lots of talks in department
  - GO TO COLLOQUIUM, JOURNAL CLUB AND GSPS!
  - mention 1 min colloquium?
- Fun Stuff to do in Berkeley (outreach, Sierra Conference, Ski Trip, etc.)
  - Outreach: Chelsea, James McBride