September 22, 2008

Slideshow: Graduate school Convocation focuses on interdisciplinary exploration

(Portland, Ore.)—The sun shone brightly on this year’s incoming class of graduate students as they gathered in groups on the South Campus lawn earlier this month for Convocation.

 

(Portland, Ore.)—The sun shone brightly on this year’s incoming class of graduate students as they gathered in groups on the South Campus lawn earlier this month for Convocation.

Convocation kicks off the academic year for the Graduate School of Education and Counseling and its Core Program—a requirement for full-time master’s degree students that brings together faculty and students from teacher education and counseling psychology to reflect on the shared values of each discipline. Through the Core Program, students receive support from the entire graduate school faculty and build an interdisciplinary foundation among their professional peers.

During the first hour of Convocation, faculty from each graduate school program recounted stories about ways that their core values have impacted their own professional lives. The day also included a formal welcome of the graduate school’s new dean, Scott Fletcher, followed by small group discussions and a wine and cheese reception.

“We look forward to Convocation as a time to connect across programs and to reflect on the shared values of each of our disciplines,” said Fletcher. “There is value in all of our experiences both individually, and collectively. The collaboration among educators, counselors, and psychologists is part of our dedication to the communities we serve.”

This year’s Convocation theme focused on faculty articles that touch on the values of the graduate school’s motto: creativity, compassion, and commitment. Faculty writings span from such topics as “Fulfilling the Promise of Educational Accountability,” by Associate Professor of Educational Leadership Marla McGhee, to “Coming Out and Being Out as Activism: Challenges and Opportunities for Mental Health Professionals in Red and Blue States,” by Assistant Professor of Counseling Psychology Amy Rees-Turyn.