Dear Undergraduate and Graduate Steinhardt Students,

Welcome to a new semester at NYU Steinhardt.

I hope you had a wonderful semester break, and that you found ways to renew your connections to your family and friends and to re-energize for the coming semester. The spring semester offers a new start -- opportunities to engage with new professors, to confront and challenge new ideas and perspectives, to bring your own renewed sense of discovery and curiosity to the academic experience. For me, the start of a new semester has always been a time ripe with possibility and intellectual excitement.

As the semester gets under way, I hope you will take advantage of the many opportunities we offer for academic and professional development. March 7th is the deadline for applying for Dean's Grants for Student Research, which provides funds to support independent research at all levels of study. March 6th is the deadline for applications for our Dean's International Research Travel Colloquia for Undergraduates -- a feature of our honors program -- which provide opportunities for short-term study abroad under faculty leadership. More information is available at www.steinhardt.nyu.edu/student_awards.

For graduating seniors, this is a time for applying to graduate schools or exploring job possibilities. We know that you will be especially busy. (And don't forget that honors and awards nominations are due prior to Spring Break -- be sure to talk with your academic adviser if you are interested in being considered.) For graduating doctoral students, please remember that you need to file your dissertation for Spring orals by January 24th in order to graduate.

Mark your calendars for these important graduation dates: Doctoral Convocation, Monday, May 12th, 7:00 p.m.; Baccalaureate Celebration, Wednesday, May 14th, 3:30 p.m.; Valedictory Celebration, Wednesday, May 14th, 7:00 p.m.; All-University Commencement Exercises, Wednesday, May 14th, 11:00 a.m. All graduating students will receive more information on these ceremonies in early April.

Steinhardt's Office of Student Affairs offers resources to help you with study skills and time management as well as with personal and professional issues and concerns. The staff are skilled, knowledgeable and happy to talk with you when you want to chat. You'll find them on the 2nd floor of Pless Hall at 82 Washington Square East. You can stop by or call for an appointment at 212-998-5065. Your departmental advisors, too, play an important role in your academic experience, and you should feel free to stay in touch with them.

Wishing you the best for a productive and creative spring semester,
Mary Brabeck, Dean