GSLIS will host prospective students on Friday, March 14, as part of the campuswide Community of Scholars (COS) Campus Visit Program.
The program brings admitted graduate students from underrepresented
backgrounds to campus to meet with faculty and staff from their intended academic programs and give them
the opportunity to network with current and prospective students.
GSLIS will welcome seven admitted master's students, who will be on campus from March 13-15. As part of their visit, these students will participate in several activities, including meetings with enrolled GSLIS COS scholars, student affairs staff, and student leaders; a tour of the GSLIS building; a networking lunch; and the opportunity to attend the 2014 GSLIS Research Showcase.
"We’re excited that the COS visit this year coincides with the Research Showcase, giving this year’s group of prospective students a chance to learn about the diversity and interdisciplinary nature of the research conducted at our school," said Amani Ayad, GSLIS program coordinator, who is arranging the students’ visit at GSLIS. "In addition, our current COS students are looking forward to meeting, providing information, answering questions, and networking with this group."
Ayad noted that Katrina Spencer, 2013 COS Scholar, will present at the COS Conference under the title, "Out of the Mouths of Babes," a study on the evolution of children’s voices in comic strips as an international trend that has been evident the United States and Brazil.
The COS Visit Program aims to foster a welcoming sense of community among incoming students from traditionally underrepresented backgrounds. Kate McDowell, GSLIS interim assistant dean for student affairs, said, "For the past few years, GSLIS has actively participated in the COS program, hosting prospective students for a day during their visit to the Illinois campus. We are glad to serve the greater cause of fostering inclusion through this outstanding Graduate College program."
For a schedule of activities, please see the COS Schedule of Events.