The East Texas A&M University Graduate School recently held its annual Doc Day on September 19. This event serves as an orientation for new doctoral students, providing opportunities to connect with program coordinators, faculty members and peers from across the university’s six doctoral programs. The event is designed to help students begin their journey with the information, resources and relationships needed for success from their first semester through graduation.

“Doc Day is a yearly event hosted by the Graduate School to help prepare students for their journey ahead,” said Dayla Burgin, the Doc Day committee chair. “Pursuing a doctoral degree is a task that no student should try to accomplish alone, and this event allows students to sit in the same room and meet their fellow students, faculty and staff face to face for at least one day.”

Approximately 65 students, faculty and staff attended this year’s event. Participants took part in a variety of sessions throughout the day, including team-building activities, a panel discussion, a networking lunch and department breakout sessions. Students also had the opportunity to hear from the university’s Thesis and Dissertation Services and meet university leadership, graduate school staff and others who support doctoral student success.

Taronika Sweet, a doctoral student in the Ed.D. Higher Education program, emphasized how Doc Day helped prepare her for the journey ahead:

“Coming into my doctoral program, I had a lot of questions and felt overwhelmed by everything ahead,” Sweet said. “Doc Day helped me better understand expectations and connect with my peers, leaving me feeling more prepared, more connected and more confident about the journey ahead.”

The panel discussion featured Dr. Michael Schmit, department head of counseling, and Janee Carter, a doctoral student in educational administration. Moderated by Dr. Leslie Ekpe, the conversation focused on navigating the challenges of doctoral study, including balancing coursework, professional responsibilities and personal commitments, as well as lessons the panelists learned throughout their academic journeys.

Dr. Lavelle Hendricks, doctoral degree coordinator and professor in the Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervisionprogram, said Doc Day gives students from various disciplines an opportunity to learn from one another, build connections and better understand what it takes to earn a doctoral degree. Students pursuing their graduate degrees often have many questions, and this event helps them find peace of mind before taking on a new academic level.