GPS
Graduate Pathways to Success
Succeeding at CGU and Beyond
Principles of Success
As a graduate student at CGU, you enter a high level of
learning and professional development. Success at CGU will
ensure achievement as well as excellence in preparing for
your future career and life. Along the way, you become a
leader and a life-long achiever.
EXPLORE. Be curious and open to new ideas and ways of
thinking and working. Be open to differences – they point to
innovation in thought and action.
ASK. Be proactive. The only bad question is the one you
never ask. Stay informed and keep learning so that you can
engage fully and strategically in your academic and
professional development.
CONNECT. Build networks. Academic and professional
networks give you a base of resources and support.
SHARE. Share ideas. Collaboration enables you to stretch
your capacities and achieve more.
ADAPT. Be flexible in thinking and responding to change.
Every challenge is a potential opportunity for growth.
Can you think of other principles for success? Add them to
this list.
My Dream of Success
In this space, write or draw what your goals are as you enter
graduate student life at CGU. Who do you want to be when
you graduate? What do you want to have achieved
academically, professionally, and personally?
My Department – task list
In your first month at CGU, use this checklist to acquaint
yourself with these valuable resources and information.
MY DEPARTMENT/SCHOOL RESOURCES
Department Secretary: ________________________
Visit him/her at the school/department office to see
where he/she is located. This person is a critical source of
timely information for your academic progress. Get to know
him or her and pay attention to any emails from this source.
Faculty Advisor: ______________________________
Read about his/her research interests - school website.
Best times for meeting: _____________________
Set up 2 meetings for this semester.
Department Resources
Explore my department and school webpages.
Find the student handbook on my school webpages.
Browse the student handbook - understand my program.
Meet one student who has been here longer than me to
get more program information and strategies for success.
Check Your Progress
At the end of the month, reflect on these questions based on
the explorations and conversations the task list above has
helped you to carry out.
What are the three most important things I can do to be
successful in my department?
What questions do I now have about my academic
program and who can help me address them?
Student Success Center – task list
The SSC offers a broad range of support and resources to
equip you for success in academic and professional life, as
well as to help you develop the leadership skills you need
for continued success beyond CGU.
Visit the SSC House. How is this space useful to you?
Career Development
Explore the Career Development webpages.
Register with Claremont Connect.
Make an appointment with a Career Development consultant to
understand how this resource can help you proactively plan ahead
for internships and jobs.
Digital Learning Lab (DLL)
Explore the DLL webpages.
Register with the DLL appointment system.
Check out their workshops – select one to attend.
Make an appointment for a technology coaching session to find
out how they can help you.
Disabilities Services
Explore the Disabilities Services webpages.
Learn about the range of services and how students receive
accommodations to help them succeed.
Student Life & Diversity
Explore the Student Life & Diversity webpages.
Explore the Graduate Student Council webpages – attend a GSC
general meeting and event.
Does my school/department have a Student Association? If YES –
find out who is in charge and attend a meeting and/or event.
Check out CGU clubs and societies.
Preparing Future Faculty (PFF)
Explore the PFF webpages.
Check out their workshops – select one to attend.
In what ways can PFF help you build knowledge, skills, and
capacities that will prepare you for your future?
What PFF topics might be relevant even if you do not plan to
teach in your future career?
The Writing Center
Explore the Writing Center webpages.
Check out their workshops – choose one to attend.
Make an appointment to meet a consultant to find out how the
Writing Center can be a valuable resource.
Check Your Progress
At the end of the month, reflect on these questions based on
the explorations and conversations the SSC task list has
helped you to carry out.
How will I use SSC resources to succeed ACADEMICALLY?
How will I use SSC resources to succeed PROFESSIONALLY?
How will I use SSC resources to develop LEADERSHIP skills?