Current Workshops are not available, but below are previous
SAEOPP McNair Conference Presentations Descriptions

Plenary Sessions:
Financing Graduate School
By: Robert (Bob) Belle, Jr., Ed.D., Director, SREB-AGEP Doctoral Scholars Program
To be successful in graduate school one will need sufficient support. There are various types of support available from the admissions process to writing the dissertation and having a clear understanding of such resources is the first step of the process. This session will provide some specific resources one can explore in seeking support in the pursuit of graduate study.

Demystifying the General GRE
By: Joseph L. Brown, Ph.D. , Graduate Diversity Recruiting Officer, School of Humanities and Science & Lecturer-Department of Psychology, Stanford University
The workshop will provide strategies on effectively preparing for and conquering the General Graduate Record Exam (GRE) and include details on the revised GRE that began on August 1, 2011.  Dr. Brown has given this workshop on numerous occasions and provided a wealth of information for conference attendees on successful approaches to taking the GRE. 

Workshops:
Transitioning to Graduate School & Panel Discussion
By: Curtis D. Byrd, M.Ed., Director, Office of Graduate Recruitment and Admissions, Clark Atlanta University
This session will provide insight into what upper classmen can do to prepare themselves for the months leading up to Graduate School and how to get fully integrated into the Graduate School culture. Also, Mr. Byrd will provide a discussion with experienced graduate students, giving their prospective on “what they wish they had known” as they transitioned into graduate school. 

Interviewing Tactics for Positive Results
Robert (Bob) Belle, Jr., Ed.D.
Director, SREB-AGEP Doctoral Scholars Program
The interview is the opportunity for an applicant to provide a favorable impression that can lead to positive outcomes. Proper preparation is essential to a positive perception, whether you are focusing on scholarship, teaching, experience or other attributes. This session will describe proven techniques one can use to organize and present you in the most positive manner in an interviewing session.

“What are Doctoral Programs Looking for in a Graduate Student?”
By: David Washburn, Ph.D., Professor, Psychology, Georgia State University
Successful application for admission into a doctoral program is typically quite different from the process of applying for undergraduate study. In applying for college, the question of “Who gets accepted and who gets declined?” is largely one of quantifiable merit—the students with the strongest qualifications typically get accepted.  Graduate admissions committees and graduate faculty are faced with a more difficult decision, requiring selection from dozens or even hundreds of meritorious applicants to identify the few students who will be recommended for acceptance.  Those decisions are seldom based exclusively, or even predominantly, on simple criteria like, “Who has the highest GRE scores?” So, what are those faculty members looking for in an applicant? How can you maximize your chances that you will be seen as the right candidate for doctoral study?

“Professional Development & Your Graduate School Experience”
By: Sonja Montas-Hunter, Ph.D., Assistant Dean, Florida International University
Professional Development should be an integral element of your graduate school experience. For many minority students, professional development will unlock doors to opportunities. It should begin when you enter graduate school. There are different phases that make up the journey of professional development: Self-discovery and exploration, focus, and making an action plan. This presentation will discuss professional development from a perspective of self-efficacy and will focus on how you can develop your own plan of action for your professional development.

“Local Students in a Global Context”
By: Deidre Steed, M.S., Assistant Director, Student Support Services-STEM, Georgia State University
Come hear students and staff speak about their study abroad experiences in places like Cuba, Tanzania, Spain, and Brazil.  Learn how these exciting programs impacted their personal development, educational and career goals.

“From SSS to McNair”
By: Sidney Childs, MPA
Executive Director, McNair & Student Support Services, Bowling Green State University
This presentation will address the transition from the Student Support Services programs into the Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Programs.  These two college based TRIO programs can work in tandem to encourage their students to flourish in their undergraduate program, while pursuing the ultimate goal of graduate study.