Gender, Race, and Identity Graduate Degree Handbook

Introduction

This handbook is designed to explain the structure of graduate studies in Gender, Race, and Identity, and provide information about the Department of Gender, Race, and Identity, its faculty and staff, and procedures relevant to graduate students.

Program description

Drawing upon scholarly literature in the areas of critical theory, feminist methodology, and disciplines including critical race and ethnic studies, women’s, gender, and sexuality studies, and social justice, the Department of Gender, Race, and Identity (GRI) provides an academic course of study in the intersections of identities and injustices that shape our lives and experiences. In their coursework, students focus on key theories about power, oppression, diversity and equity, as well as interdisciplinary methods and tools for critical thinking, communication, scholarly contributions, and/or project management and execution around a range of social issues. Our graduate programs enable students to take a range of courses that provide in-depth understanding of a particular area of the student’s choosing and provides ample opportunities for application of new knowledge. The curriculum is designed to allow for flexibility for students to focus on topics and issues of importance to their professional development while they gain breadth and depth in the study of important intersections of race, class,gender, and other issues.

GRI offers two graduate programs: the Master of Arts degree in Gender, Race, and Identity (abbreviated in this handbook as the MA or the GRI MA) and a graduate certificate in Gender, Race, and Identity (abbreviated in this handbook as the Certificate or GRI Certificate).

The three specializations offered for GRI MA are as follows:

• Applied Community Studies (concludes with applied community practice project)
• Interdisciplinary Studies (non-thesis plan; concludes with portfolio)
• Interdisciplinary Studies (thesis plan; concludes with thesis)

The Director of Graduate Studies is available to advise currently enrolled graduate students, applicants, and prospective applicants to the MA and Certificate programs.

Contact information

Graduate Program Director
Dr. Jen Hill
(775) 682-6484

Department Chair
Dr. Emily Hobson
(775) 682-6482

Department Administrative Assistant
Chisa Oros
(775) 682-6480

Mailing Address
Department of Gender, Race, and Identity
Thompson Building 106
MS 0064
Reno, Nevada 89557-0064

Advising

All students admitted to the program are assigned an initial faculty advisor (also known as committee chair) to guide them in their first year in the program. They may retain this faculty advisor/chair throughout their time in the program if suitable and desired. Students may change faculty advisors in their second year for a variety of reasons, including a shift in academic interests, mentoring preferences, or other factors. Students wishing to change the faculty advisor/chair should talk to the Graduate Director or the Department Chair. A student’s faculty advisor/chair is a key recommender for all departmental and externally funded fellowships. The faculty advisor/chair should give guidance to the student in planning the student’s academic program and oversee the student’s academic progress. Enrolling in GRI Seminars Enrollment in GRI seminars is administered on a permission-only basis so as to grant priority access to our MA and Certificate students. To request permission to enroll, students should contact the faculty member teaching the course and the GRI administrative assistant, Chisa Oros. Each semester the Graduate Director will send GRI MA and GRI Certificate students a note advising them to request enrollment in the course by early December (for fall) and early May (for spring) in order to grant priority. Non-GRI students are also welcome and encouraged to indicate interest in GRI seminars by contacting the instructor of record and Chisa.

Master of Arts Program in Gender, Race, and Identity (MA)

Drawing upon the scholarly literature in the areas of critical theory, feminist methodology and particular disciplines, including race and ethnic studies, women and gender studies, sexuality studies and social justice, the Gender, Race, and Identity M.A. provides an academic course of study in the intersections of identities that shape our lives and experiences. In their coursework, students focus on key theories about power, oppression, diversity and equity, as well as interdisciplinary methods and tools for critical thinking, communication, scholarly contributions, and/or project management and execution around a range of social issues. The M.A. enables students to take a range of courses that provide in-depth understanding of a particular area of the student's choosing and provides ample opportunities for application of new knowledge. The curriculum is designed to allow for flexibility for students to focus on topics and issues of importance to their professional development while they gain breadth and depth in the study of important intersections of race, class and gender.

Three specializations are offered within the degree program:

• Applied Community Studies
• Interdisciplinary Studies - Non-thesis plan
• Interdisciplinary Studies - Thesis Plan

MA admissions requirements

Applicants to the M.A. program should hold or expect to receive a bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year university. Potential applicants for the M.A. should talk with the Director of Graduate Studies to determine how they might prepare to apply.

Students pursuing the Masters of Arts degree must satisfy all graduate school requirements and specific departmental requirements. The department deadline for application is February 1 for fall admission. Candidates must provide the following application materials to the department:

• Graduate admission application form, including fees
• Official college transcripts
• A brief statement of purpose and goals
• Two sealed letters of recommendation

A cumulative grade point average of 3.0 (unless the applicant has demonstrated unusual promise during his or her junior and senior years) is also required for admission to Graduate Standing in Gender, Race, and Identity.

International prospective students must also take into consideration additional requirements described in the section on International Students ot the Graduate School website.

Degree requirements (MA program)

General requirements:

• A minimum of 21 units must be earned in residence.
• All M.A. students are required to take some portion of the coursework at the 700-level or above.
• In the interdisciplinary studies emphasis (thesis and non-thesis plans) and applied community studies emphasis (non-thesis plan), at least 17 units must be completed in courses numbered 700 or above.
• The M.A. program requires a comprehensive exam as part of the degree requirements. In general, the exam is an oral exam covering the professional paper, portfolio, project, or thesis. Students must register for 1 unit of GRI 795, the semester they will be completing their exams.

To maintain “good standing” all graduate students are required to enroll in a minimum of three graduate credits each fall and spring semester until they graduate. International students may be required to enroll in nine graduate credits each fall and spring semester depending on the requirements of their visa. All students holding assistantships (whether teaching or research assistantships) are required to enroll in a minimum of six graduate credits each semester they hold the assistantship.

All graduate students must maintain a cumulative graduate GPA of 3.0. If their GPA drops below 3.0 they are either placed on probation or dismissed. Undergraduate courses will not count towards graduate GPA.

Applied community studies emphasis (31 units)

In addition to core and elective coursework, students pursue internships with community partners and, in consultation with their committee chair, will complete a professional paper or project.

Core seminars (9 units)

Three GRI graduate seminars (9 units) are required, to be selected from the following:

• GRI 710 – Feminist Theory (3 units)
• GRI 712 – Theories of Identity and Difference (3 units)
• GRI 730 – Theories of Oppression (3 units)
• GRI 790 – Special Topics (1 to 3 units)
• 700-level GRI (3 units)

Note: Topics courses, such as GRI 790, may each be taken twice for credit when topic varies.

Interdisciplinary electives (12-18 units)

At least 12 units of GRI or interdisciplinary electives must be taken at the 600-700-level. These courses may be any GRI courses or graduate level courses in related fields from a range of disciplines including but not limited to Sociology, History, English, Anthropology, Communication Studies, Art, Education, Social Work, Geography, and Health Sciences. GRI seminars not taken to fulfill the Core Seminars requirement can be taken as Interdisciplinary Electives.

Courses are selected in consultation with the student’s committee chair or the Director of Graduate Studies.

Internship (3-9 units)

At least 3 and up to 9 units of graduate internship credit with community partners. Students are responsible for finding their own internship partners and obtaining approval, before registering for course credit.

• GRI 736 - GRI Internship (1 to 4 units)

Comprehensive examination (1 unit)

The comprehensive exam consists of presentation of the design and execution of the Applied Community Practice Project and an oral defense.

• GRI 795 - Comprehensive Exam (1 unit)

Interdisciplinary studies emphasis (non-thesis) (31 units)

In addition to core and elective coursework, students will complete a professional paper or portfolio. This option is especially well suited for students pursuing dual degrees.

Core seminars (9 units)

Three GRI graduate seminars (9 units) are required, to be selected from the following:

• GRI 710 – Feminist Theory (3 units)
• GRI 712 – Theories of Identity and Difference (3 units)
• GRI 730 – Theories of Oppression (3 units)
• GRI 790 – Special Topics (1 to 3 units)
• 700-level GRI (3 units)

Note: Topics courses, such as GRI 790, may each be taken twice for credit when topic varies.

Interdisciplinary electives (21 units)

21 units of GRI or interdisciplinary electives must be taken at the 600-700-level.

These courses may be any GRI courses or graduate level courses in related fields from a range of disciplines including but not limited to Sociology, History, English, Anthropology, Communication Studies, Art, Education, Social Work, Geography, and Health Sciences. GRI seminars not taken to fulfill the Core Seminars requirement can be taken as Interdisciplinary Electives.

Courses are selected in consultation with the student’s committee chair or the Director of Graduate Studies.

Comprehensive examination (1 unit)

The exam consists of presentation of a project, professional paper, or portfolio and its oral defense.

• GRI 795 - Comprehensive Exam (1 unit)

Interdisciplinary studies emphasis (thesis) (31 units)

In addition to core and elective coursework, students research and write an interdisciplinary thesis.

Core seminars (9 units)

Three GRI graduate seminars (9 units) are required, to be selected from the following:

• GRI 710 – Feminist Theory (3 units)
• GRI 712 – Theories of Identity and Difference (3 units)
• GRI 730 – Theories of Oppression (3 units)
• GRI 790 – Special Topics (1 to 3 units)
• 700-level GRI (3 units)

Note: Topics courses, such as GRI 790, may each be taken twice for credit when topic varies.

Interdisciplinary electives (15 units)

15 units of GRI or interdisciplinary electives must be taken at the 600-700-level.

These courses may be any GRI courses or graduate level courses in related fields from a range of disciplines including but not limited to Sociology, History, English, Anthropology, Communication Studies, Art, Education, Social Work, Geography, and Health Sciences. GRI seminars not taken to fulfill the Core Seminars requirement can be taken as Interdisciplinary Electives.

Courses are selected in consultation with the student’s committee chair or the Director of Graduate Studies.

Thesis (6 units)

Thesis credits (minimum 6 units) are awarded for independent work on the design and writing of the thesis project in consultation with the committee chair.

• GRI 797 - Thesis (1 to 6 units)

Comprehensive examination (1 unit)

The comprehensive exam is the presentation of the thesis and its oral defense.

• GRI 795 - Comprehensive Exam (1 unit)

Timeline for MA degree completion

The normative time for the MA program is three years. Advisors will monitor students’ progress to ensure timely completion of the requirements for the MA.

• Declaration of Advisor/Committee Chair form
  • For master’s students, the completed form must be submitted to Graduate School by the end of the student’s second semester
• Program of Study form
  • For master’s students, the completed form must be submitted to the Graduate School by the end of the student’s third semester
    • Graduation Application deadlines
      • Must be submitted to the Graduate School several weeks in advance. Check website for exact dates.
    • Notice of completion – completed form should be submitted after all requirements have been met.

One can find an updated list of Graduate School forms and requirements on the Graduate School website.

Guidelines for forming MA committees

1. Committees must include 3 people: faculty advisor/chair, inside member, and outside member (also called a graduate school representative). A fourth member may be added in consultation with the chair and graduate director if significant for your individual program of study.
2. GRI MA committee chairs and inside members must be drawn from core GRI graduate faculty, who are Boehm, Escobar, Etienne, Gayles, Harry, Hobson, or Huerta.
3. Outside members must be OTHER than core GRI graduate faculty. We encourage you to reach out to GRI associates to identify an outside member. However, be aware that this list is continually being updated, and faculty not listed as GRI associates may also be eligible to serve as outside members.

Thesis filing guidelines and forms

Students who pursue the Interdisciplinary Studies (thesis option) should be aware of filing guidelines and required forms particular to the thesis format. This includes the following:

• A thesis must follow all Filing Guidelines from the Graduate School
• Upon completion and successful defense of their thesis, students who have pursued the thesis option must be sure to complete the Thesis Final Review Approval form

Master’s completion form

Regardless of track in the GRI MA, once all requirements for the MA have been met, all students must submit a Notice of Completion: Master’s Degree form in order to graduate.

Dual degrees

Students who are in enrolled in the GRI MA and another graduate program at the University of Nevada, Reno (that is, dual degree students) should note the following:

1. Students in dual graduate programs may have no more than one faculty member in common between their two degree committees.
   1. If your committee chair for your other degree is also GRI core faculty (Boehm, Escobar, Etienne, Gayles, Harry, Hobson, or Huerta), that person must serve on your GRI committee, and we recommend that they chair your GRI committee.
   2. If your committee chair for your other degree is not GRI core faculty (someone other than Boehm, Escobar, Etienne, Gayles, Harry, Hobson, or Huerta), that person must serve as your outside member on your GRI committee. Note: These parameters are to ensure effective collaboration across degree programs. If you have questions about how to proceed, or if either parameter presents a stumbling block, please consult with the GRI graduate advisor.
2. Students in dual MA programs may double count up to 12 non-thesis units between their two programs.
3. Students in the GRI MA and a PhD program may double count up to 24 nonthesis units between their two programs.

GRI Graduate Certificate

The Gender, Race and Identity Certificate is a 12-credit, interdisciplinary course of study designed to enhance students’ understanding of how identities are constructed and the ways in which they intersect. The program draws from multiple disciplines to expose students to a variety of theories and methodologies used in scholarship, teaching, and professions that are concerned with the diversity of experiences that shape multicultural communities. Ideas about gender, race, and difference have played central roles in shaping historical developments, public policy, and individual identities in the United States and around the world. The Certificate program offers participants a deeper understanding of these processes, making it a valuable asset for students and professionals in virtually any field. The program complements and enriches participants’ endeavors in areas such as academic scholarship, business, counseling, education, government, health care, international relations, media, political advocacy, public relations, research, social work, and many others.

There are two ways to earn the GRI Certificate. Students already enrolled in graduate programs at UNR can incorporate the Certificate into their existing programs of study, taking additional courses if necessary to meet the requirements of both programs. Students not currently enrolled in other programs at UNR may complete the Certificate independently as Graduate Special students. Students may transfer up to 12 credits taken under Graduate Special status to the GRI master’s degree program or another graduate program at UNR.

Note: Students who are enrolled in this program solely are not eligible for Federal Financial Aid.

Admission

Students currently enrolled in graduate programs at UNR should discuss interest in the GRI program with your main advisor in your home department and obtain that person’s permission to complete the Certificate along with your existing program of study. In most cases, GRI courses can be counted toward both the Certificate and main program requirements. Submit the completed GRI Certificate Application form to the GRI Graduate Committee along with a copy of academic transcripts and a personal statement by either May 1st (to be considered for the following fall semester) or November 1st (to be considered for the following spring semester). Applicants to the Certificate program must meet the requirements stipulated for Graduate School admission in the University of Nevada, Reno Catalog.

Program requirements

Students in the Certificate program take one 700-level Core Seminar and three Elective courses (600 or 700 level), representing at least two different disciplines, chosen from a list of approved courses. A faculty mentor works with each student to design an individualized plan of course work that meets the student’s scholarly and career goals. Together, they will complete a Program of Study specific to the GRI Certificate. Appropriate courses may be substituted for approved GRI courses in consultation with the faculty mentor and with approval from the GRI Graduate Committee. Early on in the semester while the completing the last course, students will need to complete a Graduation Application. Be aware of early deadlines for submitting materials to the Graduate School.

Students must earn at least a “B” in course work used to complete Certificate requirements and maintain a 3.0 Certificate GPA. Coursework in which a grade of “C” or lower is earned may not apply toward completion of the Certificate. If the course is required for the Certificate, it must be repeated to earn a grade of “B” or better.

Core Seminar (3 Units)

• GRI 710 - Feminist Theory (3 units)
• GRI 712 - Theories of Identity and Difference (3 units)
• GRI 730 - Theories of Oppression (3 units)
• GRI 790 - Special Topics (1 to 3 units)
• 700-Level GRI (3 units)

Electives (9 Units)

These courses may be any GRI courses or graduate level courses in related fields from a range of disciplines including but not limited to Sociology, History, English, Anthropology, Communication Studies, Art, Education, Social Work, Geography, and Health Sciences. GRI seminars not taken to fulfill the Core Seminar requirement can be taken as Interdisciplinary Electives.

Courses are selected in consultation with the student’s committee chair or the Director of Graduate Studies.

Topics courses, such as GRI 790, may each be taken twice for credit–as the Core Seminar and/or as Elective(s)–when topic varies.

Academic Policies & Procedures

Transfer credits

These are credits transferred from another institution. Credits completed at UNR in another program or as a graduate special do not need to be transferred. Transfer credit can be requested on the Graduate Credit Transfer Evaluation Request form available on Graduate School website, and must be signed by the student, major advisor, and graduate director. Transfer credits applied to a master’s program must comply with the time limitation on master’s work (6 years). Thus, if a student took a course five years prior to admission, they would have to complete the degree within one year for the course to apply to the degree. Credits from a completed master’s degree will be exempt from the eight-year time limitation for those students pursuing a doctoral degree.

Double-counting credits with other programs

Students in the GRI Certificate and any other graduate program at UNR may double count up to 12 non-thesis units between their two programs.

Students in the GRI MA and another MA program at UNR may double count up to 12 non-thesis units between their two programs.

Students in the GRI MA and a PhD program at UNR may double count up to 24 nonthesis units between their two programs.

Continuous enrollment

To maintain “good standing” all graduate students are required to enroll in a minimum of three (3) graduate credits each fall and spring semester until they graduate. International students may be required to enroll in nine graduate credits each fall and spring semester depending on the requirements of their visa. All students holding assistantships (whether teaching or research assistantships) are required to enroll in a minimum of six (6) graduate credits each semester they hold the assistantship.

All graduate students must maintain a cumulative graduate GPA of 3.0. If their GPA drops below 3.0 they are either placed on probation or dismissed. Undergraduate courses will not count towards graduate GPA.

Probation

Students whose cumulative graduate GPA is .1 to .6 points below that needed for a 3.0 GPA are put on probation. Students are placed on academic probation for one semester. If they fail to raise their cumulative GPA to 3.0 by the end of one semester, they are dismissed from their graduate program. Thesis, S/U graded credits, and transfer credits have no impact on a student’s GPA.

Comprehensive exam policy

The GRI MA requires a comprehensive exam as part of the degree requirements. The comprehensive exam is an oral exam covering the thesis, portfolio, or applied community practice project. Students must register for 1 unit of GRI 795 to be taken in the semester they will be completing their exams. A failed oral exam can be retaken only once. A second failed exam is cause for dismissal from the MA.

Dismissal

Students whose cumulative graduate GPA is 0.7 or more grade points below that needed for a 3.0 GPA are dismissed. Dismissed students are no longer in a graduate program but may take graduate-level courses as a Grad Special. Students wishing to complete their degree must obtain approval to take graduate-level courses, raise their graduate GPA to at least 3.0 and then re-apply to a graduate program. Any courses taken to raise their GPA will be included in the graduate special/ transfer credit limitation (9 credits for master’s degrees).

Graduate students in the GRI Department’s MA or Certificate programs may be dismissed for the following reasons:

1. Failure to enroll in a minimum of three credits per semester.
2. Failure to maintain at least a 3.0 GPA or failure to earn at least a B-in any course.
3. Failure to meet program requirements in a timely manner.
4. Any act of academic dishonesty, including but not limited to plagiarism. (See UNR’s Academic Standards).
5. The Graduate Program Director will notify the student in writing of the reasons for considering their dismissal and invite the student to meet. The student will be notified in writing of the outcome.
6. Dismissals may be appealed to the department chair. The chair will notify the student in writing of the outcome.

Leave of absence

Students in good standing may request a leave of absence by completing a Leave of Absence form during which time they are not required to maintain continuous registration. Usually, a leave of absence is approved for one or two semesters. The leave of absence request may be extended by the student filing an additional leave of absence form. Students applying for a leave of absence should not have any “incomplete” grades which could be changed to “F” and have a detrimental impact on their cumulative GPA. Requests for leave of absences must be received by the Graduate School no later than the last day of enrollment for the semester the leave is to begin.

Reinstatement

When a student has been absent for one semester or more without an approved leave of absence, he or she may request reinstatement via the Reinstatement form available on the Graduate School website. This form allows the program the option to recommend the student be re-admitted to their graduate program based on their previous admission or require the student to re-apply for admission which would require students to submit a new application for admission and pay the application fee. The Notice of Reinstatement to Gradate Standing must be received by the Graduate School no later than the last day of enrollment for the semester the reinstatement is to begin.

Auditing

To audit a class the student must sign up through Admissions & Records. A student cannot sign up for an audit through MyNevada. Audit credits DO count toward the 6 credits required to maintain a TA-ship or the 3 credits required to maintain active standing. However, audit credits do not count toward the total number of credits required for the degree, and audited courses may not be used to fulfill degree requirements. Audit credits are not always covered by Grant-in-Aid. Although audited courses cannot be applied to a degree program, they do appear on a student’s transcript.

Funding

Fall and Spring GSA awards

Every year the Graduate Student Association gives approximately $60,000 in awards and scholarships to graduate students at the University through a highly competitive selection process judged by faculty and administrators.

Need-based services

The Graduate Students Association and the University of Nevada, Reno grants, loans, scholarships and donation programs available to assist students and their programs based on need.

Travel award program

The Graduate Student Association offers limited financial support to graduate students attending professional conferences. There are several grant award periods per academic year (see below) and a student may only apply to and receive an award during one of these grant award periods per year. The GSA provides limited support for graduate student travel to professional conferences. Grants of up to $500 are provided to help students present papers and posters, participate in panel discussions, and attend conferences, lectures, and seminars that contribute to the enhancement of their programs of study. GSA Travel Grants may be applied to travel expenses only, and not to conference registration or organizational membership fees.

Graduate assistantships

The Department of GRI offers a limited number of graduate assistantships (commonly called GAships) annually. Graduate Assistants are exempt from out-of-state tuition, and they also receive a substantial waiver for course fees. Please note the following regarding graduate assistantships:

• Assistantships are awarded on a competitive basis. Duties may consist of leading discussion sections, grading examinations and reports, proctoring examinations, lecturing, and aiding in research projects. A Graduate Assistant in the Department of GRI must register for minimum of six graduate credits each semester. Graduate Assistants may hold no other employment in the University and Community College System of Nevada without the approval of the Graduate Director and the Graduate School.
• Requirements and expectations, payments and benefits, grant-in-aid forms, and policies on enrollment and employment can be found on the Graduate School Web pages. See in particular the information on maximum length of awards. The award letter from the GRI Department will indicate the length of your immediate award.
• Graduate assistants are expected to be available for work and/or training the week before the beginning of classes each semester. All new Graduate Assistants are required to attend Graduate (Teaching) Assistant Training during the week before classes start, according to the schedule set for each Fall semester by the Graduate School.

All graduate students holding an assistantship (teaching GTA or GRA) are considered Nevada residents for tuition purposes. Non-resident tuition is only waived for the duration of the assistantship. To be eligible for an assistantship, students must be admitted to a degree-granting program and be in good academic standing. The student must have an overall GPA of at least 3.0 and must be continuously enrolled in at least six graduate level credits (600-700) throughout the duration of the assistantship. State-funded assistantships (GTA/GRA) may be held for a maximum of three (3) years for master’s degree students.

Please refer to the following sites for updated general information on graduate assistantships from the graduate school:

• General information
• Graduate Assistantship handbook
• Graduate assistant tuition and insurance waiver rates

Applying for a GRI graduate assistantship

The Department of GRI offers a limited number of assistantships annually. If openings exist, current students may apply for a Graduate Assistantship every spring. All graduate students holding an assistantship are considered Nevada residents for tuition purposes. Non-resident tuition is only waived for the duration of the assistantship. Students who have applied before but have not been appointed to a Graduate Assistantship, or who would like to apply for renewal of a short-term assistantship, must reapply. The annual application deadline is April 1. Applications that are incomplete by this deadline will not be considered. Application materials require an application letter, addressed to the GRI Graduate Committee, which should be specifically aimed at making clear the applicant’s financial need, current experiences, qualifications, and/or ambitions; and a current C.V. Students should submit application materials via email to the Graduate Director.

Graduate Assistants may hold no other employment in the Nevada System of Higher Education without the approval of the Graduate Program Director and the Graduate School.

Graduate and postdoctoral extramural support

The Graduate and Postdoctoral Extramural Support (GRAPES) database at UCLA lists scholarship, fellowship, and grant opportunities for graduate students. This open search engine for graduate funding helps to identify funding sources for graduate students. The UCLA GRAPES database contains information from among 625 private and publicly funded awards, fellowships, and internships for prospective and current graduate students and postdoctoral scholars. Advanced search options allow users to refine their search by field, academic level, award type, award amount, and other criteria. Access the GRAPES database.

Resources

Graduate Student Association

The Graduate Student Association (GSA) represents all graduate students and promotes the welfare and interests of the graduate students at the University of Nevada, Reno. The GSA works closely with appropriate university administrative offices, including the Graduate School and Student Services and reports to the President of the University. The GSA government functions through the Council of Representatives, Executive Council and established committees. If you would like to get involved on campus and meet other graduate students, check out the Clubs and Organizations list and other sources.

College of Liberal Arts Graduate Student Symposium

The College of Liberal Arts Graduate Student Symposium (CLAGS) at the University of Nevada, Reno is an interdisciplinary graduate conference designed to increase dialogue and knowledge across, but not limited to, the liberal arts and between institutions, offering participants an opportunity to broaden their research and develop professional relationships. The symposium offers a window into cutting edge academic research by pursuing debates on humanity and the humanities. In a joint effort to not only define but also innovate conversations of the liberal arts, the humanities and the construction of interdisciplinary study, the conference panels discuss humanity, the human and the inhumane to provide perspectives on the material and bodily effects of critical pursuits. The symposium has grown into a three-day event featuring an art exhibit, poetry readings, musical performances, documentaries, workshops, social events, and a wide range of scholarship.

Health insurance

All domestic degree seeking graduate students, who are enrolled in six or more credits (regardless of the course level) in a semester, will be automatically enrolled and billed for the University sponsored health insurance for each term they are eligible (fall & spring/summer). If a student has other comparable coverage and would like to waive out of the student health insurance, it is the student’s responsibility to complete the University online waiver form prior to the deadline. If approved, a health insurance waiver is good for the current academic year only. A new waiver must be submitted each academic year. All international graduate students are required to carry student health insurance, and the cost will be automatically added to your student account. Any international graduate students with insurance questions must contact the Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS) directly.

Mental health and wellness

For individual counseling, group therapy, urgent care, community help directories, among other services.

University of Nevada, Reno library

An indispensable resource on the University of Nevada, Reno campus, the Mathewson-IGT Knowledge Center combines traditional library resources with new digital and multimedia technologies. At 295,000 square feet and five-stories tall, the Knowledge Center is both the intellectual and cultural hub of the UNR campus. In the main library, the Knowledge Center houses over 1 million volumes of books and journals, plus 15,000+ electronic journals and a growing collection of electronic books. In Special Collections, researchers have access to manuscripts, architectural records, and historical maps, in addition to more than 200,000 photographs, and over 20,000 volumes of historical, rare, and artists’ books. If you still can’t find what you’re looking for, the Knowledge Center has excellent Interlibrary Loan agreements to make sure you always have access to all the research materials you need. Check out the library's home page. Additionally, the Knowledge Center is the home to the Nevada Writers Hall of Fame the @One computer and multimedia center, and the Basque Studies Library and Center for Basque Studies, the only Center for Basque Studies in the United States. The Knowledge Center also contains a 163-seat auditorium with stage, an art gallery, a sculpture garden, and special exhibit areas. The Knowledge Center is an ideal study location as there are computers available throughout the library featuring extensive online databases, multiple group study rooms, and quiet study locations. Graduate students have dedicated study space within the Faculty & Graduate Reading Room, a large, spacious, and comfortable area located on the fourth floor of the Knowledge Center. Private study carrels may be reserved on an annual basis. Bytes Cafe, which serves the popular Peet’s Coffee, is easily accessible on the main floor of the library. Additional food and drink concessions are available next door at the Joe Crowley Student Union.

University Writing & Speaking Center

The University Writing and Speaking Center provides writing assistance and presentation support to UNR’s entire student population, from undergraduate to graduate, in any stage of the writing process. Writing tutors assist students via one-on one peer consultation or in small group instruction. This Center is partially funded by student fees, and staffed entirely by a team of committed undergraduate and graduate students. New writing consultants are hired at the end of each semester.

Office of International Students and Scholars

The Office of International Students & Scholars provides assistance with the following:

• Admission to the University of Nevada, Reno
• A smooth transition from your home country to living in the United States
• A better understanding of the policies, procedures, and regulations that pertain to your visa status
• Assistance with university policies, procedures, and resources
• Expertise on federal laws that pertain to international students and scholars
• Intercultural understanding and training

The Multicultural Center

The Multicultural Center is a comprehensive intercultural office which offers support services for all students on the UNR campus, while placing emphasis on students that self-identify as African American, Asian American/Pacific Islander, Native American, Latinx, Multiracial/Biracial, First-Generation, Income-qualified, and Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, or Transgender (LGBT). All programs and services are offered at no cost and include: academic advisement, leadership development, retention services, financial management counseling, career and major exploration, time management, goal setting, and study skills training. Additionally, the Center sponsors a number of intercultural student organizations, while students who wish to simply study or relax can do so in the Center’s computer lab, study area, or plasma TV, Blu-Ray, and video game lounge. Visit the Multicultural Center in person at the Joe Crowley Student Union.