SUNY Oswego will celebrate 70 years of offering graduate education with a week of activities Nov. 12 to 16 ranging from lightning talks to appreciation activities to information sessions.

SUNY Oswego began offering graduate courses in 1948 when it introduced master’s degree programs in elementary education and industrial arts education (now known as technology education) to meet a need for better credentialing of teachers. Seven decades later, the Division of Graduate Studies is now responsible for the administration of more than 50 degree and certificate programs.

“Our diverse offerings allow our students a deeper and broader understanding in new subject areas, including our nationally ranked MBA programs and emerging areas like human-computer interaction and strategic communication,” said Kristen Eichhorn, dean of graduate studies at Oswego. “By responding to the emerging needs of the national and local economy, SUNY Oswego helps to provide every student with opportunity for personal and professional advancement -- a key component of Oswego's mission.”

Monday, Nov. 12, provides an opportunity for all students to give back through the “Grad-itude Project.” From noon to 2 p.m., the Division of Graduate Studies will host a table on the Marano Campus Center concourse with supplies, postcards and chocolate -- encouraging students to write a brief note of appreciation to anyone who has inspired their academic journey.

The “3-Minute Faculty” competition, at 4:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 15, in the Marano Campus Center auditorium (room 132) challenges faculty members to explain their research or creative activities in three minutes or less, using only one slide.

The week culminates in the Graduate Studies Showcase from 4 to 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 16, in Sheldon Hall ballroom, which will include networking, music and awards recognizing outstanding graduate students and faculty members.

Other highlights include:

* “Is Graduate School for Me?,” a student panel from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Nov. 13 in 133 Marano Campus Center.

* Pizza with the Graduate Dean, hosted by Eichhorn at SUNY Oswego’s Syracuse campus, 2 Clinton Square, from 5 to 6 p.m. Nov. 13.

* “Ask Sharon,” a pop-up advice and information session with Sharon Griffin, a graduate admissions counselor, from 10 a.m. to noon on Nov. 14 at the Marano Campus Center concourse on Graduate Student Appreciation Day, which also features an ice cream social in the graduate office, 606 Culkin Hall, from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. Nov. 14

* And a film screening and discussion on “Intelligent Lives,” pondering true measures of intelligence through the eyes of three engaging young Americans with intellectual disabilities, at 5 p.m. Nov. 14 in 201 Marano Campus Center

All events are free and open to the public. Parking for those without a current campus parking sticker is $1 -- see oswego.edu/parking for information.

SUNY Oswego’s graduate programs are available at campuses in Oswego and Syracuse, online, and at designated worksites in the region. SUNY Oswego students participate in leadership opportunities, cutting-edge research and community-based projects, which all affirm and reflect SUNY Oswego’s commitment to providing experiences that transform lives and contribute to the common good, Eichhorn said.

For more information on activities, visit the Graduate Studies Week calendar.

For more information on SUNY Oswego’s graduate programs, visit the graduate studies website, call 315-312-3152 or email gradstudies@oswego.edu.