Initial Report
Last Modified: 03/05/2012
1. College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Graduate
Student Survey Demographics
1. Your gender.
Text Response
Male
female
Male
Female
Male
Male
female
Male
Male
Male
M
male
Female
Female
Female
Female
Male
Female
male
male
Male
female
Female
male
F
Male
female
Male
Female
female
Male
m
Male
male
Male
Male
Female
female
Female
Male
Male
Male
Female
male
Male
Femaile
female
Male
Female
F
male
Male
female
Male
Female
Female
Female
Statistic
Total Responses
Value
57
2. 2. Your age.
Text Response
30
25
24
34
31
23
23
24
24
22
35
32
23
28
24
26
56
30
47
31
29
23
21
21
25
30
27
23
30
23
27
29
39
24
24
28
24
36
33
33
43
24
23
23
24
23
25
23
24
42
26
22
25
33
23
27
Statistic
Total Responses
Value
56
3. 3. Describe your background in agriculture.
Text Response
My grandparents were farmers, but my parents chose other professions. I have been
participating in degree oriented study and training in agriculture since my high school. I am
currently pursuing PhD in Plant Breeding, Genetics, and Genomics.
I have lived in the city/suburbia my whole life, however, I have always ridden horses and worked
with veterinarians (mainly large animal), which has given me regular access to the countryside.
In addition, my grandparents had a small farm to supplement groceries (ie. chickens for eggs
and meat, sheep and goats for milk and meat, pigs and rabbits for meat during holidays,
vegetable and fruit gardens, as well as a small vineyard, etc.). In recent years, I obtained an
undergrad degree in avian biology from the Poultry Science Dep. (UGA) where I am now a PhD
candidate. My graduate research has given me more practical field experience with a greater
emphasis on understanding and collaborating with the poultry industry.
I grew up on a row crop farm in southwest GA. I have worked on that farm since high school
during summers and when not in school.
BS Biology - 1999 - GC&SU MS Horticulture - 2006 - UGA 10 years experience in research and
teaching horticulture
Grew up on a beef cattle farm. Master 4-Her. Eagle Scout. Home Gardener.
I grew up in a rural community in Middle Georgia. The main industry was pine production. I was
very involved in both 4-H and FFA forestry teams.
FFA
agriculture Teacher, raised on a small farm
I work on systematics and taxonomy of insects, which are highly economically relevant to the
agricultural sciences.
Ag econ
agricultural engineering
Grandparents had a dairy farm. Father was a dairy scientist.
Family farm where I worked with cotton, peanuts, corn, and pine trees. Undergraduate degrees
in animal science and environmental health sciences
Very little background in agriculture, I work with urban insect pests. I have worked for Mosquito
Control in VA Beach, Virginia and currently study termites.
I started to step into the area of agriculture ever since my graduate studies. My ongoing project
is focusing on one of the most important crop, sorghum.
Owned and managed a landscape design/build firm for 30 years.
My grandparents owned a dairy farm in upstate NY, which is where my Mom grew up and
where I was raised as a baby. I worked a harvest at a vineyard in WA state in 2009 before
entering graduate school, where I am gaining education with the purpose of working in a
vineyard in the future. Other than those experiences, I have visited several farms and vineyards,
and have fed cows!
Grew up on a small family farm. Worked in animal related research for 23 + years. BSA in
Microbiology and Pre-Veterinary Medicine
Worked 5 years as a maintenace employee at golf courses. Undergrad degree in Landscape
Architecture and a minor in Trufgrass Manegement.
I have worked in agriculture as a farmer and as a field research technician for both a university
and extension agency. I've studied field based phenotypic plant breeding during my MS, and
now molecular breeding for my PhD.
Applied Economics
I worked in Plant Pathology department during undergrad and currently taking entomology for
my master's degree. I experienced working in both field and laboratory activities. My undergrad
thesis focuses on plant viruses, in association with insect vectors, in papaya plants.
I have little background in agriculture besides that I have received through my undergrad and
grad education.
grew up working on my uncle's blueberry farm, went to ABAC for 3 years studying Agbusiness,
went to UGA for 2 years studying agbusiness, while at UGA I worked at the Meat Science
Technology Center processing hogs, lambs, and cattle, upon graduation I took a job with AGCO
Corporation and have been working there for almost 8 years.
Grew up in Claxton, GA small town farming community in the Vidalia onion region. Dad has a
degree in Ag Mech from UGA and mom has a Home Ec degree. Personally my ag background as
far as college courses is only in HORT 2000 my freshman year at ABAC and intro to food science.
Farm background working in mostly cotton peanuts. Later work in golf course management and
ornamentals. Research done in tobacco.
Mainly exposed to commercial horticulture industry and plant diseases.
none
My undergraduate major was animal production (ISA, Portugal). My masters was on animal
nutrition but focused on poultry nutrition (ISA, Portugal). My PhD is focused in reproductive
physiology, namely endocrinology, specifically in avian corticosterone (UGA, US).
gardener and small farmer selling small amounts of naturally grown produce at athens farmer's
market and locally grown online farmer's market
Undergraduate degree in Turfgrass Science, worked for UF, now work for UGA crop and soil
sciences.
Grandfather was farmer. Most of oneside of my family are all in farmers.
Nutritional Biochemistry
Have working in an Entomology lab for 4 years prior to becoming an Entomology graduate
student.
Raised in rural south Georgia, love of outdoors and animals, Attended Abraham Baldwin
Agricultural College, member of ABAC Cattlemen's served as secretary, Transfered to UGA
Majored in Animal Science, involved in UGA Block and Bridle, served as secretary, member of
UGA livestock judging team, served on rodeo committee 2 yrs. graduated dec 2010 kum laude.
Went to Texas served as equine breeding intern at the 6666 ranch. Currently working on
Masters of Ag Leadership.
have worked on an organic farm
Limited.
Agricultural Engineer, with focus on Crop/production and protection. Did my previous research
on the subfamily of Rutelinae (Beetles) in Benin and Togo (West Africa). Have been in Natural
Resource Management since 2006 and Plant Resources of Tropical Africa and in cotton field
since 2010
Family owned paddy cultivation, homestead cultiation of crops like turmeric, ginger, coconut
and mango. Experience with cultivation of various crops in tropical South India as part of
education (B.Sc. Agriculture) and work experience (Agricultural Officer).
I was involved in 4-H and FFA with horses, cattle, pigs, and rabbits in Florida. I also have been
extremely involved in cattlemen's organizations and Angus Associations on the local, state, and
national level.
Wildlife biology/Forest entomology
I'm a graduate student in Food Science.
No background in agriculture
FFA, Worked at 3 dairies, worked with sheep and beef cattle
6 years experience in Turfgrass mgmt
Graduated College of Ag from University of Kentucky with BS in Human Nutrition. Currently a
Master's student in Food Science at UGA.
Agronomy
My family had rice cultivation for over ten years. We used to cultivate other crops like banana,
cassava, ginger, turmeric, etc. Also, there were coconut trees grown in whatever land we got. I
chose agriculture as a major for my Bachelor's degree.
Got my undergraduate degree (B.E.) in Food Technology, then worked in the Food Industry and
am now pursuing Master's degree
BS in Food Science from Land Grand College in South Carolina. Father and extended family that
farms.
I am from a very small town which is largely agricultural based. I have been around agriculture
my entire life.
None
Born in a large city in Florida with no previous experience in agriculture until I entered high
school. My school had a magnet program in agriculture and biotechnology where I became very
active in the FFA. The program's focus was geared towards leadership and personal growth and
not production agriculture, and as a result I have a deficit in knowledge in that area.
Worked at an equestrian barn.
Statistic
Total Responses
Value
54
4. 4. Institution where you received your Bachelor’s degree.
Text Response
Institute of Agriculture and Animal Sciences, Tribhuvan University, Nepal
University of Georgia
UGA B.S.A Agribusiness, Minor in Crop Science
Georgia College and State University MS - UGA
Berry College
UGA
UGA
UGA
Ohio University
Covenant College, Lookout Mountain, GA
UGA
University of Georgia
Old Dominion University
Huazhong University of Science and Technology in China
Texas A&M 77
Wake Forest University
University of Georgia, College of Agriculture.
The University of Georgia
Texas A&M University
Zamorano University
University of the Philippines
Virginia Tech
University of Georgia
UGA, College of Family and Consumer Sciences.
Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College
University of Iowa
Georgia Institute of Technology- Biomedical Engineering
Instituto Superior de Agronomia (ISA) in Portugal
uga, anthropology
University of Florida
Georgia Sounthern University
University of Benin, Nigeria
UGA
UGA
University of Georgia
App state and CofC
UNIVERSITE DE LOME Diploma of Agricultural Engineer (DIPLOME D'INGENIEUR AGRONOME)
College of Horticulture, Kerala Agriculture University, Thrissur, Kerala, India.
University of Florida
University of Louisiana Monroe
Stanford University
Clemson University
UGA
Emmanuel College
University of Kentucky
Yangzhou, China
From Kerala Agriculutural University, Thrissur, Kerala state, India.
Panjab University, India
Clemson University
University of Georgia
Southern Oregon University
University of Florida
University of Georgia
Statistic
Total Responses
Value
53
5. 5. Your major.
Text Response
Plant Breeding, Genetics, and Genomics
Avian Biology (undergrad), Poultry Science (grad)
M.S. Crop and Soil Sciences
Plant Pathology
Horticulture
Agricultural Education
Animal Science
Agriculture Ledership
Plant Biology (BS)
Entomology
Agricultural and Applied Economics, focusing on environmental economics
agricultural engineering
Animal and Dairy Science
Animal Science and Environmental Health Science
Biology
Bioinformatics
Horticulture
At Wake Forest, I earned a degree in Chemistry with minors in Secondary Education and
International Studies. Currently, I am earning a master's degree in Food Science and
Technology.
Microbiology/Pre-Veterinary Medicine
Masters in Agricultural Leadership
Entomology and Agronomy (double major)
Agriculture and Applied Economics
Entomology
Food Science
Agricultural Business
Ag Leadership
Turfgrass Management
Biology
Biological Engineering
Animal Production
Ag and Applied Economics, concentrating in Environmental Economics
Turfgrass Science
Biology
Food Science
Entomology
Animal Science
Anthropology
Ag econ
CROP PRODUCTION
Agricultural and Applied Economics
Animal Science
Enotmology
Food Science (MS)
Animal and Veterinary Science
Animal Science
Crop & Soil Science
Human Nutrition
Crop and soil
Agriculture
Food Sciencd
Food Science
Avian Biology
Poultry Science
Agricultural Education
Biology
Statistic
Value
Total Responses
55
6. 6. Are you enrolled in the College of Agricultural and
Environmental Sciences (CAES)?
#
Answer
Response
%
1
Yes
54
93%
2
No
4
7%
Total
58
100%
Statistic
Value
Min Value
1
Max Value
2
Mean
1.07
Variance
0.07
Standard Deviation
0.26
Total Responses
58
7. 7. Why did you choose CAES?
Text Response
I have always wanted a career that involves animals, medicine, and the environment to some
degree.
I chose CAES for undergrad and grad school because it is the the best place to study agricultural
sciences in the state of Georgia, which is my home state. My Agribusiness degree and my M.S. in
Crop Sciences will be very useful when I enter the workforce, hopeful in the Agriculture sector.
To teach Agriculture
I was interested in plant pathology and its applications to agriculture.
The Entomology Dept. was a good one.
because of good standing of the department of agricultural and applied economics in the nation
find a good chance for agricultural engineering program
I liked the college as a whole. The teachers are friendly and helpful and the class size is generally
much smaller compared to other colleges on campus.
Had the faculty, resoruces, and knowledge that I was seeking. The opprotunites within the
college are numerous and the chance to work closely with faculty who are the top in their areas
of expertise was one that I could not pass up.
I chose the Dept of Entomology at UGA because they were one of the few institutions that
guaranteed assistantships for all graduate students.
I heard it was an alternative way to become an agriculture from Todd when I was getting my
GCLP. He refered me to Terry and she refered me to Dr. Ducan. I did not know of another way
for a guy my age to start teaching.
I met with several professors and with Dean Angle before choosing UGA - I wanted to stay in
Georgia AND prepare for a career in a vineyard.
It offered me the chance to get my masters degree and obtain my teaching certificate as well.
Cotton Breeder at UGA is a molecular breeder of high renown. I came to learn from him.
Internship opportunity sponsored byCAES
It's because my major of interest is under this college.
I like the openness and down to earth people that come with being a part of a school of
agriculture. I found this at both my undergrad institution and here at UGA.
because they offer a degree in the 2 things I am most passionate about. Agriculture and
Leadership
I knew the faculty in the ALEC Department and knew with my GRE score I could get in.
It is the best ag school in Georgia.
To conduct research specifically with Harald Scherm, Department of Plant Pathology.
For its Biological Engineering program
Because it would meet my goals in specializing in poultry science.
funding opportunities in agecon
ALEC
Saw an opportunity and took it. Also this program was in the state of Georgia
Great reputation of faculty, good facilities and relevant curriculum
Invaluable record of excellence in Agricultural research and the opportunity to receive a
graduate assistantship.
love of agriculture, access to an online option for distance courses that allowed me to work and
continue my education
They accepted me and offered an assistantship. I am also a Georgia resident, and that was part
of my decision-making process.
Because has all I need for my graduate studies and interests
My family background in agriculture, and also my education and work experience prior to
coming here.
Meat Science is in CAED.
Statistic
Total Responses
Value
33
8. 7. Why didn't you choose CAES?
Text Response
Berry College was closer to home and had the program I was looking for at that time. Of course
since then, the Horticulture program has been phased out of Berry College.
Enrolled in Graduate School.
Finding
Statistic
Total Responses
Value
3
9. 8. What do you appreciate about your experience as a
graduate student in CAES?
Text Response
The continuation of the hands-on experience in the lab and at the research farm (which was
established in my undergrad courses) as well as the small and caring faculty and staff I can
always count on for guidance.
I am in the department of crop and soil sciences, which is small department at the Athens
campus. I have been able to have close, personal contact with my professors and fellow
students, which has been very helpful in my studies. I received similar treatment during my
undergraduate work in Ag & Applied Econ.
My graduate education was very well rounded through the MPPPM program.
N/A
How well orginised and helpful the staff has been.
good exposure
an opportunity for pursuing my research and study
I am in an extremely supportive and challenging lab. I have to push myself to keep up but there
is always someone willing to help me when I fall a little behind.
The ability to collaborate with other departments, the appreciation for graduate work, and the
respect of the faculty who strive to promote us at every opprotunity.
I really enjoyed the classes.
I most appreciate my abroad experience in Cortona, Italy, as the T.A. for the Viticulture and
Enology Maymester course. I love helping students learn the basics of wine and feel extremely
fortunate for being able to go to Italy, a country that I now have an extreme passion for. I also
appreciate the kindness and the approachability of several of the UGA professors - especially Dr.
Edward Law, the professors in the horticulture and plant pathology programs (Dr. Philip
Brannen) and Dr. Frank, Dr. Eitenmiller, and Dr. Shewfelt in the Food Science Dept. I am
thankful to have taken a beginner's Italian course and Dr. Domizi's Course Design course (where
I developed a college-level wine course). Finally, I really appreciate meeting some wonderful
people through attending conferences - namely a beekeeper who used to be a professor at
UGA, a retired professor named Dr. Peter Hartel, and also a mushroom grower named Tradd
Cotter who beautifully combines microbiology and a real-world, practical application of science
that everyone can do at home.
The hands on experience provided in the coursework that is not available in the liberal arts
colleges.
The teaching that has been taught to me and the friendliness of the faculty.
I appreciate that I've had the opportunity to get to know my professors and interact with them
frequently
The professors are accesible
New environment and more challenges ahead different from the training I experienced in my
home country
I enjoy being able to interact with so many different people on a daily basis.
The professors. I really feel that they care about what they are teaching and they want you to
learn. All of the classes are very interactive which makes them more fun and increases
retention.
Dr. Fuhrman, his classes have been very beneficial.
I get first hand learning in the field. It is a great growing opportunity giving me great practice for
a job in the near future.
It is a diverse college that shows a student all aspects of research, from basic to applied, and
also shows a student real-life application via extension.
I personally like the freedom I have in my thesis project to work in the areas that I find most
interesting. I feel like my major professor is here to help me get the experience I'm looking for
instead of trying to advance his own agenda.
I do not interact much with other departments of CAES but the department of poultry science is
very resourceful and all the professors are very open to discuss your project and give you some
new good insights on it.
excellent classes available from Terry College. Excellent opportunities to work in agecon faculty.
Excellent opportunities to travel to present research and network with others in my field.
interaction with others
I am exposed to new things
Faculty members are friendly and helpful
Excellent faculty, great research opportunities, and my graduate assistantship.
The student teacher interaction. even with online classes the professors seem extremely silling
to work with students.
I appreciate the personal attention and access to what the University of Georgia has to offer.
Knowledgabe professors
Interesting
Excellent coursework and facilites for students, several opportunities for personal and
professional development.
Great faculty.
Statistic
Total Responses
Value
34
10. 9. How has your graduate program in CAES prepared you to
move forward?
Text Response
I have had cross-training in practical animal husbandry, feed formulation, production
management, etc., at the research farm as well as extensive training in the laboratory where I
use my knowledge in genetics, proteomics, and biochemistry on a regular basis. I believe this
type of broad training has prepared me for a career in a wide spectrum of jobs, which is
priceless in today's competitive job market.
I use my MPPPM degree every day on the job. This is one of the most practical and useful
graduate degrees for any professional line of work in Agriculture.
It is a joke, full of busy work that is not helping to advance me.
Yes.
good training and research opportunity
advisor and staffs assist me much on the progress of my research and study.
I've learned better lab skills and become much more knowledgable of my field.
It has given me a very diverse skill set, including teaching, research, and communication. The
mentoring I recieved has been extremely helpful in working to develop my future program.
Between my classes, research, and teaching experience, I have become more well-rounded in
my education.
It has given me the opportunity to teach that I would not have had with out it, and by doing the
work it has gotten me caught up with the times.
I believe that my graduate program has opened my eyes to a lot of aspects of food microbiology
and food safety. I was able to expand my wine knowledge through the Italy experience and by
working it in to my coursework, and my resume is looking better as a result!
The lessons that I have been taught.
I've gained the experience and knowledge I hoped to gain in molecular genetics. There's no
disputing the fact that molecular genetics at UGA is highly prioritized in its plant breeding
department.
It is my first semester
It helps me to improve my skills and work more responsible and independent.
I believe that studying leadership has taught me how to be a better leader and they has
potiential to open up a lot of doors in the near future.
Dr. Fuhrman's courses yes.
Presentation of research, classwork, and very challenging questions/tests have been a great
help in showing me what the real world will expect of me and what challenges i will face in the
future.
It has provided me a solid foundation in research that has made me competitive in achieving my
future career goals.
I'm gaining valuable experience learning how to identify a problem (or opportunity) in a
research field, perform the literature review, form a hypothesis, and then design and perform
an experimental setup to test the hypothesis. This experience is hard to gain in undergraduate
programs because projects are usually only a semester long and are handed to students with the
problem already identified. I have noticed that even some graduate students in this program are
handed projects by their major professors, never getting to explore the field without 'training
wheels'.
It has broaden my view in my field of research and allowed me to apply it on the field.
by funding trips to conferences and meetings to present my research and get feedback from
established researchers. Strong quantitative classes available from Terry Business College!
It has opened doors.
Exposure and hands on experience
Improved my critical thinking and laboratory expertise
By providing the much needed instruction and research opportunities, my graduate degree will
have adequately prepared me for a job in industry or further graduate work.
it has helped me to make contacts within my field.
I am learning so much, receiving so much wonderful experience and making valuable contacts.
Yed
Need to class major course in 3 upcoming semesters and start research thereafter
Strengthened my analytical and quantitative skills, vastly improved my communication skills.
Given me the opportunity to teach and make industry contacts.
Statistic
Total Responses
Value
32
11. 10. Regarding the CAES graduate program, what
improvements should be made?
Text Response
I hope to see a program with some type of rotations between graduate professors and the firstyear graduate students. I think that hands-on experience with various field and laboratory
techniques in other areas (of avian physiology and production) can help students realize what
type of technology is available in general This experience will undoubtedly increase their
imagination for solving the problems that their own graduate research projects will later
impose.
Image and perception is still a barrier to inticing younger generations to pursue degrees in CAES.
People still don't appreciate or understand that we are helping to find solutions to major world
issues such as limited water resources, food distribution, food production, food safety,
alternative energy sources, environmental conservation, and sustainability. These are the buzz
words that young people will respond to in the future... not just "agriculture".
Focus on preparing us for future endeavors
Grad students shouldn't have to pay fees.
offering courses that values more in future such as computer statistical programming like stata,
R and so on
no
I'm sure it isn't feasible with our budget at the moment but even an extra 100 dollars in the
average graduate assistanstship would go a long way considering the inflation of everything
from food to gas.
Funding opprotunities are always welcome, but providing easier or more ways to learn of
funding for projects or travel would be good. At times its not always known what opprotunities
we have as graduate students.
I know the path seems clear but it really has alot of things that are not well defined. For instance
the department tells you to get a teaching job when you start the program but I found that most
people did not want to hire provisional teachers with no experience, and you really need to
know something about high school students before you start teaching them something that
most of them have no idea about or worst they have been dumped in your class against their
will because the school thinks it is an easy class or a hole to drop uninterested students into.
The courses need to be more available and the advisement needs to be better so you don't miss
a class that holds up graduation. For older students like myself who have little knowledge or
mastery of computers and all the ways you can use them to teach, there should be a course that
would get them up to speed before the take the class on line or a online tech tudor they can go
to with their questions. My teacher are great teachers and I got alot of ideas from them but
they did not prepare me for the class room lay out, or really how to full use the gaaged web site.
We should have shown been effective ways to set up a FFA program, and see a video of what a
good program looks like. We should have been introduced to Ben and the area reps. Week or
two summer or winter camps that taught you how to teach in areas you are not up on would
help. I am a hort major with lots of experience in landscape design and construction, so I could
use some animal experience since I am now teaching in a vet program. More mechanicail would
help also.
There needs to be a HUGE upward shift in the quality of teaching. Most of our professors are
still stuck in their old-fashioned ways of lecturing - talking in front of the class with PowerPoints
(some even without pictures!) and cramming those lectures with way too much information.
Professors need incentives for quality, organized teaching, where students are given objectives
for learning (the material we learn is hard enough; WHAT we need to know should not be a
mystery), lectures are made to be interesting and fascinating, students are ENGAGED,
professors stick to their syllabi, professors use ELC appropriately, professors focus on the most
important information and leave the details for independent study, and teachers are effective
communicators of their knowledge. I could write an entire paper full of ideas on ways to
improve teaching in our department/college, the good and bad examples of teaching that I have
seen, and the disappointment I have experienced as a result of being in an environment where
intellectual stimulation and curiosity is not fostered. Please contact me if anyone is interested in
this topic further - boltons@uga.edu. I would love to see the Department Heads be chosen as
inspiration for the other professors - not just because it is a job that no one else wants. The
Department Heads represent us, and they should be leaders who motivate their faculty, staff,
and students to strive for excellence. I was embarrassed the first time I saw our Dept. Head
introduce a speaker for the D.W. Brooks Lecture. I also think that it would be wonderful to set
up a graduate school mentoring program. I was very confused with the logistics of starting grad
school (what needed to be done, where to go, etc.) and it would have been wonderful to have
some student help! I tried to set this up in my department but they did not go for the idea. I
did, however, start a midterm evaluation of teaching and learning, in addition to our final
evaluations, and was very happy that our Dept. Head and most professors allowed me to
administer these. Mandatory midterm evaluations in all courses would help improve teaching
and learning for all! The monthly stipend for many CAES students is not truly a livable
allowance after the fees and health insurance are paid. If there was some way to find money to
pay for student fees for graduate students, I think that a lot of us would be a lot less stressed!
Plus, the federal government is doing away with subsidized loans for graduate students this fall,
so now would be a great time to lower the cost for students.
Teachers need to give grades for assignments sooner. Also some teachers are very hard to get a
hold of, both by email and phone.
I think it's a shame that the Agronomy department and the Institute of Plant Breeding are such
disparate entities. Too many of the students in PBGG have no clue about field research or
agronomics in general. These are two things incredibly important for plant breeders
not comments
So far, I can't think of anything since I just started last semester. I'm very satisfied to the system
of the department where I am currently enrolled.
Some of the students in the program are directly out of college or trying to get a job as an AG
teacher or with the extension service, so when students like me come in to just learn about
leadership it can be a little frustrating. I was looking more of a ag business leadership type of
program. Improvement would be to raise the bar a little more and make the program a little
more professional.
As someone who is not on assistantship, I have found that I'm forgotten about in regards to
events or even office socialist. Also it feels as though the ALEC department is the red headed
step child of CAES and those in Connor Hall.
More graduate courses at Tifton campus.
Coursework is too easy. Too few responsibilities for teaching assistants. The expense of "special
fees" in registration should be covered by the assistantship. Health insurance should also be
covered in an assistantship (as many other competing programs do). Partners/wives/husbands
of graduate students (considered staff with assistantship) should be allowed to ride on the city
bus, just as partners of postdoc, faculty, and staff are allowed to do.
Maybe a bigger interaction between the different departments could aid a further
understanding of the field of interest of each student.
Offer more state-of-the-art quantitative analysis and modeling classes. Hire more faculty on
cutting edge of quantitative research.
Professor/student relations.
I am on a satelitte campus, and believe that we are limited to some of the things that are
available at main campus. We are not given as much information on things that affect tuition
and have to figure some things out the hard way.
Some attention to interdisciplinary projects. I would like to be academically engaged with
graduate students from other departments
I believe there should be more integration of the programs and more interdisciplinary work
available for the students. It is very easy to become locked in a bubble in grad school and there
are just too many opportunities available outside one's particular research area that should be
taken. Inter-departmental work should be encouraged and expected; not the exception.
Student involvement more face to face time with distance classes.
There should be more rigor in the program and there should be more interdisciplinary
programs. My program is not what I anticipated it to be, and if I didn't have access to classes
outside of my department (ALEC), I would be highly disappointed and would probably not
continue in the program.
More applied ficus
Give multiple choice question during exams
Add real world experience to the program, through internships or similar activities.
Need to be able to diversify your education with certificates in other departments on a grad
level. Like Ag Business or Food Safety.
Statistic
Total Responses
Value
30
12. 11. Is there anything else we did not ask about CAES that
you wish to share?
Text Response
no
no
I really like the program but it seem a little like it is running by the seat of its pants. Maybe the
program should partner with other programs to deliver work shop allowing more deversification
in teaching ag teachers what they need to know. This was not about getting a job, rather for me
it was about equiping me to teach well so that agriculture would be a program that will be
desired by schools and students in the future because we offer something better than any other
program.
I love being a part of CAES and am thankful for the many people who make it possible for me to
be here.
Molecular genetics has been given too high a priority at UGA. I feel that advancement of
Georgia agriculture is harmed by this. There are too few plant breeders at UGA producing crop
cultivars for the farmers of this state and I think it's a shame. It goes against the calling of the
land grant university, and it limits the university's ability to train excellent plant breeders for the
work force.
By general my first day as an intern the last year and as a student this year. There was nobody to
provide me the guidelines to be correctly enroll in the Department
Nothing
all of the teachers are awesome to work with. some students got in the program in order to get
a masters degree without writing a thesis, so some of the students are not as interested in Ag
Leadership as others.
no
There are no CAES graduate student social events. Many students feel isolated to their own
department. More effort should be made to connect departments.
Coming in with funding from an existing grant has provided me with travel opportunities that
other students do not have. This has been one of the best aspects of being at UGA as I am
already familiar with faculty in other departments on a first name basis, which I believe will be a
great help when it comes time to find a job. Additionally, the grant required that I work closely
with an ecologist and a forester on campus, which has broadened by exposure to alternate
disciplines and opened up new publication opportunities. The availability of grants such as the
one I am on seems like something that would be useful to market to top students who might
otherwise choose a higher ranked department at a different institution, which was the case with
me.
No
No.
Agriculture is so important for everyone in the world. I think it is so important for CAES to
become a part of the global agricultural movement and the fact that we are going to have to
double food production by the year 2020. The college should reach out to other departments
and work together so we can be leaders in creating solutions for the future of agriculture. CAES
should work hard to dispel beliefs that it is a place to earn a degree because it doesn't require a
foreign language, or it is easy. We want to dispel the ideas that we are a bunch of un-informed
farmers. There truly is a 'dumb, conservative farmer' stigma attached to the school as viewed
by outsiders, and I feel it is important to show the world that CAES is progressive, forward
thinking, and cares about the world and the future of agriculture.
n/a
Statistic
Total Responses
Value
15