Update re deadlines and fall start

I thought that I should touch base since we are fast approaching May and June follows quickly on its heels!

Quite a few of you have been accepted into the program; even more of you have your admissions packet near completion with Graduate Studies and SLIS Student Services; and a few of you are gathering all of the parts to submit at once.

Once again, my recommendation is to begin giving the materials to Graduate Studies and SLIS Student Services. There is a process that the application must go through and it is slow this time of year because USC is a big university with many graduate programs and many applicants.

As we look beyond June to August, two big events occur: (1) onsite orientation and (2) classes begin. Pretty exciting! Lots of anticipation!

At a recent faculty meeting, the Orientation Committee gave a report. The effort is to have the same type of orientation for all sites whether at a distance or on campus. We believe that networking and socializing and collaborating are important parts of the program. We believe that it is important for you to meet us, for us to meet you, and for you to meet you. Orientation will cover a multitude of areas important for your comfort level.

I look forward to the time with you and will be in touch as times and locations are finalized. I've got some alums out there helping. Because of their positive experiences in the program, they willingly "step up tothe plate," when asked.