Grad Resources:
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is the purpose of Grad Resources?
Grad Resources seeks to address the total needs (practical, personal and spiritual) of
graduate students. Grad students, who number 2 million in the United States alone, are an
often neglected sector of the public in terms of service organizations and resources.
These graduate students, however, represent America's future since many go on to become
our nation's leaders and professors.
Q. How did Grad Resources get started?
The director of Grad Resources, Nick Repak, in conjunction with the Barna Research
Group of Glendale, California, conducted a national study in 1990 designed to uncover the
needs, pressures and values of graduate students. The results of this research indicated
a severe lack of services geared to address the needs of graduate students, leading Repak
to found Grad Resources in 1991.
Q. What were some of the most enlightening discoveries from the national study?
The most dramatic and enlightening discoveries of the study were the loneliness,
isolation, and skepticism that most graduate students felt. In general, these students
indicated that they are stressed, driven, high-achievers who are thrilled by discovery but
overwhelmed by various pressures.
Q. How does Grad Resources assist a university?
Grad Resources has been invited each year to participate in the Grad Student
Orientation at several universities. Sometimes we present seminars, such as the one we
gave at UT-Austin to address the incoming grads on Academic Integrity or others like Time
Management. Other times we have a table at the Orientation with all of our materials and
resources available for incoming grads. We also co-sponsor Grad Awareness Week nationally
with the National Association of Graduate and Professional Students. Grad Resources was
instrumental in securing Governor Bush's signed proclamation declaring Grad Awareness Week
for Texas. The Council of Graduate Schools in Washington, D.C. has promoted our resources
to the deans and Presidents of graduate institutions around the world.
Q. What types of Resources does Grad Resources offer?
Please refer to our Resources section.
|
