First-Year Orientation 2020

Planning information for the 2020 First-Year Orientation

Tuesday, 18 Aug

Schedule

Tuesday, Aug 18:

  • 9:00am-11:00am Orientation (Zoom)
    • Welcome from the Chair with Josh Bloom
    • Mentoring and advising systems with Eugene Chiang
      • Faculty side of advising (we describe student side)
    • Expectations
      • How many classes should you take?
        • 12 units/semester
        • Can I take classes in other departments (e.g., physics, CS, pottery, language)?
      • AY290 and AY375
        • What are they?
      • When to start research and how?
        • Need to have a research advisor/project lined up by next summer.
        • “How to Pick a Research Advisor” meeting coming soon to a department near you!
      • Expectations by the end of 2nd year
        • 6 core classes, 12 astro units
        • 2/3 for letter grade
        • Oral Prelim - 3 classes
          • (at most) 1 of radiation/fluids (i.e., you can't prelim in both)
          • other options - stars, galaxies, cosmology, planets, high energy, etc.
      • Funding - Any additional questions not covered in meetings w/ Yasasha?
        • 1st years are covered for teaching and through summer (after 1st year you need an advisor)
        • GSI vs GSR in subsequent years
        • Check regularly to make sure you are getting paid correctly and that your tuition & fees are paid each semester.
    • Talks
      • GO TO COLLOQUIUM, “LUNCH” TALKS, AND GSPS!
        • Also a good idea to go to at least one seminar (TAC, CIPS, BCCP/Cosmology Seminar)
        • These can also count toward your required 12-units/semester.
    • Getting set up
  • 10:30am-10:45pm ASE Union Presentation (w/ Nathan Sandford)
  • 10:45am-11:00am Outreach Opportunities (w/ Emily Ramey and Casey Lam)
  • 11:00pm-12:00pm Zoom mingling/lunch with grad students

Wednesday, Aug 19:

  • 8:00am-10:00am Respect is Part of Research

Logistics

  • Remember to point this at BADGrads
  • Give them Academic Roadmap forms