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Seton Hall University

The Graduate Student Association Hosts a Panel Discussion During the 25th Petersheim Academic Exposition  

Petersheim 2021

Petersheim Academic Expo

On April 29, the Graduate Student Associated (GSA) shared their academic and social achievements at the Petersheim Academic Exposition during the GSA Panel Discussion: Research Connections, Stories, and Personal Motivations for Graduate Students. The goal of the GSA (supported by the Office of Student Engagement) is to encourage graduate students to expand their social and academic experiences at Seton Hall. The GSA supports Goal 3 of the University Strategic Plan, which focuses on providing all students with a premier, mission-centered engagement experience.

The GSA helps to improve and enhance support services and programming focused on the unique needs of graduate students. Colleen Dallavalle (Associate Dean of Student Engagement) and Rev. Dr. Forrest Pritchett (Senior Adviser to Provost for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) assisted in planning this panel discussion. The annual Petersheim Academic Exposition honors scholastic accomplishments of the Seton Hall University community, inviting undergraduate and graduate students, faculty, and employees from various disciplines to share their work. All 2021 sessions were offered online.

Angy J. Estrada (Master's student, Higher Education Student Affairs Program) and Angelina Gonzalo (Master's student, Public Administration) moderated the GSA Panel to discuss graduate student research, shared experiences, and career expectations. GSA participants included Caroline Gartley, M.A. (Education Leadership Management Policy) and Robert Tancer (Doctoral candidate, Chemistry). The GSA Panel encouraged graduate students to discuss areas of student success, including sustainability, various student populations such as veterans or students with disabilities, and health and wellness. Panelists shared their research achievements and personal stories. When asked what they enjoyed about the panel, participants noted the positive student engagement and encouragement.

Caroline Gartley explained, "I enjoyed listening to other students' research, their ideas and background stories on why they chose [their] research topics and the influences that moved them in that direction. I am confident all of our research can aid in creating a more improved society, advanced medical research for better health and longevity for all of us, [and] enrich educational experiences. From sharing our experiences and conflicts, we can help... and learn from one another." Robert Tancer added, "What I learned from the GSA panel is the diversity of graduate student backgrounds at Seton Hall University".

When asked about how the GSA could help support future events, panelists noted the addition of graduate alumni panels and discussions on post graduate education experiences and connections with the Career Center. For more information on the Graduate Student Association, contact [email protected].

Categories: Arts and Culture, Campus Life, Education, Research