Meeting Notes from May 20, 2013

Thanks to everyone that attended the meeting yesterday!  Here are the notes for what we talked about.

Computer Lab & Observing Deck Clean up: On Thursday, May 30 at 4pm meet us in the computer lab for an annual clean up party.  We'll then move to the observing deck to do some spring cleaning out there.  Snacks and supplies will be provided!  Please help keep our research and study areas clean.

Physics GRE Studying for the Summer:  There appears to be some interest in trying to form a study group this summer.  I encourage anyone interested in studying to sign up for the Physics GRE mailing list.  We'll use this to setup times.  https://mailman1.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/astro-gphys

Taking ASTR 480 in Spring 2014??  Get your observations done this summer!  For those taking ASTR 480 next spring, consider enrolling in ASTR 190 this summer quarter to get your observations done ahead of time while the weather is nice!  ASTR 190 this summer is a non-major observing class taught by Dr. Larson.  You can save your observations taken from this summer and use them in ASTR 480.

League Of Astronomers Game Night Tonight!  Tonight (Tuesday) at 7pm in PAA A118, the League of Astronomers and the Astronomy graduate students are hosting a game night.  Pizza will be provided so be sure to attend!

Undergraduate Representatives: In the past, the Department has had undergraduate representatives that help to provide the voice of the undergrads.  We would like to have two people in this position next year (2013-2014) so start thinking about if you would be interested.  It's a great way to learn how a department functions and provide valuable input.

Advice from graduating students: Several of our graduating students provided some words of wisdom. 

- Start research early and definitely have a research experience (481, REU, etc)

- Make friends to help with homework and creating study groups

Graduate School Advice: If you are considering applying to graduate school in the fall, you should start planning this summer.  Make a list of the schools you are considering and talk with faculty about the list.  You should have a good list of schools by the end of the summer.  Here's some other tips about applying to graduate school including a list of things that some of our graduate students did before they applied: https://sites.google.com/a/uw.edu/astrougrad/grad-school

Thanks,
Sarah