Dear fellow CSC graduate students,
please find my statement below.
The most critical resources on defining the quality of the graduate program in our department are not only the faculty, but also the graduate students themselves. The graduate students are role models for undergraduate students and work as the intellectual and technical engine behind the high quality of research that distinguishes NC State University to the outside world. By ensuring the future of the graduate student body, we are ensuring the future of the department, its presence and its level of success.
I decided on joining my efforts to the graduate student association to address a set of issues I find of utmost importance for our success as professionals. I have listed below the different areas I am particularly interested on committing to if I am selected Vice President of the Association of Graduate Students of Computer Science. All of these objectives have been previously discussed with Joseph Graafsgard who is running for President and who shares my vision.
As the former president of the UNC system once said: "At the end of the day, the quality of what we accomplish has to do with the depth of the interaction between a student and a faculty member." If I become vice president, I will enable channels of interaction between students and professors. Such interaction should encompass the whole range of dimensions upon which a high quality professional builds up in the field: professional competence, ethical principles and commitment to growth and learn. I believe that the faculty is the greatest source of experience and knowledge in the department for the students; if I become vice president I will leverage this by co-organizing: (A) Two panels per semester where faculty will serve as panelists and where topics will be relevant to the interest of our graduate student body. (B) Several social events where the involvement of faculty will be encouraged and effectively established. (C) One research symposium per semester where faculty and corresponding students will present their current research and future plans. Such symposiums would also be a great opportunity for incoming students to learn about the research being done in the department and strengthen their links with our Industry partners.
In order to provide a broader educational and cultural experience to graduate students, it is crucial to strengthen the sense of community and enhance their social interaction. By doing this, we won't only facilitate opportunities for research collaboration but we would also make the graduate experience more valuable and enjoyable. Moreover, I believe such interactions should be interdepartmental in order to establish research work that reflects the increasing interdisciplinary needs of our society. I propose to do this by means of (1) Organizing off and on campus social events and (2) Inviting students and faculty members from other departments into our Fall and Spring research symposium.
When it comes to technology, it is not clear whether the main drivers of its development come from the Industry or the Academy. What seems clear is that both drivers define the state of the art technology and its future. If I become vice president, I will promote the creation of channels of interaction between the graduate student body and leading members of the Industry who can serve as guide in our development as professionals and ensure we meet their needs and expectations. I propose to do this by organizing two panels per semester where leading members of the Industry will share their experiences and address concerns from the graduate student body as they are how to prepare for technical interviews, what are they looking for in behavioral interviews ,etc.
It has caught my attention that we don't count with resources to prepare current PhD students who plan on getting into the tenure track after graduation. I am planning on organizing a workshop where current tenured faculty from CSC department at UNC, Duke and NCSU will share their experiences as part of the committee evaluator of Faculty candidates and guide our graduate students in the application process.
I am highly committed to diversity since being double minority has been once of the main challenges I have faced as a professional and as a student. This year I have personally taken the initiative to promote diversity in our graduate student association by nominating: Joseph, Marivic, Mohan, Chaya, Angi and Eun . We all represent the rich diversity of our department and therefore, have the potential to serve better the needs of the graduate student association.
Thank you and "Vote" if you approve this vision.
Claris