By Julia Grimaldi

The KU Career Development Center (CDC) is putting together a week to inform students about graduate school. This week, called Grad School Education Week, is a celebration that began in spring 2014, but is now coming to KU every February. This year Grad School Education Week runs from Feb. 17 to Feb. 21.

Grad School Education Week consists of six events. “The Graduate School Fair is particularly unique as it allows students to discuss targeted questions with university/college representatives regarding specifics related to program application processes, admissions requirements, campus life and much more,” said Kathleen Nemchik, a graduate assistant in the CDC.

“It is never too early to explore graduate school options, so we encourage all students from freshman through seniors to participate,” said Nemchik. These events will help students decide whether or not graduate school is appropriate for their career plan. Students who have already decided that they will be attending grad school will learn how to apply, what to expect, how to finance their education and more.

“Thinking about going to grad school or applying to grad school can sometimes feel overwhelming. This week is geared toward answering student questions and providing helpful resources to assist students in navigating the decision-making and application process,” said Nemchik. Though this week is similar to the week that was offered in the spring of 2014, each workshop and event depends on student needs and questions. There are also different panelists and faculty members to discuss the grad school experience than there were last year.

To prepare for this event, the CDC’s assistant director, Linda Lantaff, has collaborated with a variety of offices, including Kaplan Test Prep. Nemchik coordinates and promotes the Grad School Fair, hosting over 40 representatives from KU and non-KU programs. The CDC office manager, Linda Kerschner is in charge of reserving space for events and helps with all aspects of planning. The rest of the CDC staff promote events to students and faculty and assist with events during the week. This staff includes Director Kerri Gardi, Assistant Director Jessica Kirkwood and Graduate Assistant Katy Rush.

“Planning and preparing for this week is truly a team effort,” said Nemchik.