October, 2007

Dear fellow graduate students:

Welcome to graduate studies in the Department of Earth and Ocean Sciences at UBC! We are a dynamic group of students and researchers examining a wide variety of topics in the fields of geology, geophysics, geological engineering, oceanography, and atmospheric sciences.

The Department of EOS offers a number of means through which graduate students can meet, support, and learn from each other throughout their time at UBC. We are pleased to offer a Professional Development Series held Wednesdays, aimed at teaching students practical skills to help with their studies and also preparing them for what lies beyond graduation. On Tuesdays and Thursdays there are colloquia and seminars with faculty and guest speakers from diverse backgrounds.

There are also a variety of social events that can be great for networking within EOS. "Coffee Time" is held every Thursday in one of our three coffee rooms (EOS-Main, EOS-East & Biosciences). In addition to complimentary coffee and doughnuts, this is a great chance to meet staff, faculty, and your fellow graduate students. I will be sending emails about this year's social events. So take a little time out of your hectic schedule and take advantage of all the fun things to do this year!

Our graduate student council consists of a president, vice-president, and representatives from each of the five disciplines within EOS. As well, graduate student representatives sit on a number of departmental committees, ensuring that our concerns, suggestions, and hopes are voiced. A principal concern this year is the reallocation of space such that it can be used more effectively to ensure suitable work and social space for a growing population of EOS staff, students, and faculty.

We love to see grads getting involved in the department, and hope that your experience here is both enjoyable and fulfilling. So stay tuned for a plethora of emails during the year and please don't hesitate to contact us - the Grad Council is here for YOU!

Cheers!
Vishal Kumar
EOS Graduate Student Council President

See our Graduate Studies page for a description of degree programs for graduate students at UBC's Department of Earth and Ocean Sciences.