The University pivoted back to in-person learning this past week, and I have certainly appreciated being back in the classroom for my graduate class. Likewise, I hope your transition to in-person learning has been smooth. As I settle into the VPGE role, I have been meeting with the leadership of our graduate and professional student governance bodies, namely the Graduate Student Senate and the Graduate and Professional Council. I have had the opportunity to attend a GSS meeting and will soon be attending a GPC meeting as well. I view these engagements as critical components of a listening tour that will provide me and my office with a clear understanding of extant challenges and opportunities. The Liberman Graduate Center organized a well-attended “Lunch with the VPGE” session (albeit in virtual mode due to current restrictions), an event that I plan to continue hosting on a monthly basis. I have greatly benefitted from the very constructive interactions in each of these fora. I intend to work with the GSS and GPC this month to solicit nominees for graduate student representation on the newly constituted Doctoral Council. In closing, please do not hesitate to reach out if there is any way my office can be of assistance to you. 

Warm regards,

-Vijay Ramani, vice provost for graduate education