Daniel Sui, the vice chancellor for research and innovation, and Kim Needy, the dean of the Graduate School and International Education, will be co-hosting a Town Hall discussion with graduate students on the topic of conducting research while adhering to community health guidelines under COVID-19. The meeting will commence via Zoom at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, July 14.

A survey conducted in April by the Graduate-Professional Student Congress found that research activity among graduate students was significantly affected since switching to remote operations in response to the coronavirus outbreak. Certain barriers became hindrances to effectively conducting research projects. Social distancing policies prevented them from working with fellow researchers in labs. Accessing materials and equipment became difficult for graduate students while working from home. Technical issues with the campus VPN (virtual private network) were also experienced by the respondents. Balancing research activities at home has proven to be a challenge for many, with elevated stress levels and time management struggles reported by the students.

In an effort to address these complications, Sui and Needy hope to find helpful and productive solutions that will boost research productivity. Another goal of the meeting is to help assuage some anxieties concerning how research activity on campus will resume this fall. Adjusting to a new set of normal operations will be necessary moving forward.

To join the discussion, please register online before Monday, July 13. The registration form includes a space to voice a concern to discuss. Students are encouraged to submit additional questions on this form. These submissions will help guide the discussion and address the main issues. The Zoom meeting link will be sent with the confirmation email after registering.