BGSA informs black students about post-graduate studies

At SIUC the number of black students enrolling in master's programs has increased during the past two years, and the Black Graduate Student Association wants to ensure black students continue to have the proper information to pursue graduate studies.

Student members of the association had a panel discussion titled "The Black Master's Degree" Friday afternoon in the Student Center to help inform minority students interested in graduate studies about test taking, financial aid and simply how to survive in graduate school.

Black enrollment in master's programs at SIUC increased from 226 in 2003 to 288 in 2004. In 2003 88 black students graduated with master's degrees and 77 graduated in 2004. Of all minorities enrolled in master's programs at the University, including Hispanics and Asian Americans, blacks constitute the largest percentage of students pursing and graduating with master's degrees.

Greg Jannis, a graduate student from Antigua, an island in the Caribbean, majoring in business administration, stressed to students the importance of knowing their individual strengths and weaknesses, especially in regard to taking the standardized tests required for various programs. Jannis said students should have their grades up to par for the type of program they wish to enter. However, he said students who have lower grades can counter them with higher test scores. Jannis said when taking the tests students should remember it's not about how smart a person is, but their test taking technique, which comes through preparation.

"You have to prepare, prepare, prepare, get familiar with the technique," Jannis said. "If you think you're going to just show up and get a good score, think again. You're going to be slammed flat on your back." Jannis said because test scores are averaged when taken multiple times, students should take them once and do them well. However, he said minority students who are not necessarily happy with their scores should still use them.

"Minorities are at an advantage," Jannis said. "They [institutions] need that particular group because they've been displaced to be represented in various programs. "So even if you don't like your score, I would say go ahead and use it. Attempt to get into the program. You never know what may happen."

The organization's secretary, Latisha Bell, a graduate student from Chicago studying workforce education, said because federal grants are not available for graduate studies, students should have a plan for financing their degree. With options for financial assistance ranging from scholarships and loans to fellowships and assistantships, Bell said students should be aware of the guidelines for each form of assistance.

Graduate students using federal loans must complete 75 percent of their coursework each semester, which can be hindered by dropping classes or receiving incompletes. Also, a student cannot be in default of any previous loans. Non-declared graduate students can receive loans for only 12 months and may not hold assistantships. Students holding federal work-study assistantships may not use federal loans. The University offers 25 federal work-study assistantships on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Bell said students should begin researching in October, as letters of recommendation, tests scores and other documents may be needed to apply for the various forms of financial assistance. Jannis also reminded students to be aware of other options, such as the Fulbright Program, which pays students to study in foreign countries. "It's a great opportunity," said Jannis, who is a Fulbright scholar. "Getting a free education is a wonderful thing.

At SIUC, assistantships where students receive a tuition waiver and a monthly stipend in return for services are the primary source of financial assistance for graduate students. There are three types of assistantships: research, teachers assistants and administrative. Stipends vary by department. Last but not least, group member Okey Enyia, an undeclared graduate student from Waukegan, gave those in attendance a few tips on how to survive graduate school as minorities.

Enyia urged students to choose their advisers wisely and form strong inner-circles by surrounding them selves with like-minded people. Enyia said students should also pick and choose their battles carefully, know themselves, develop strong study skills and habits and maintain a strong spiritual base. "This is a journey, not a sprint," Enyia said. "You have to be aware of the long term implications of your decisions."

Students can find more information about graduate studies and financial assistance by visiting the SIU graduate school homepage at www.siu.edu/gradschl.