Graduate Communications & Intercultural Programs news for new students

Greetings,

My name is Bridget Fletcher. I am the director of Graduate Communications and Intercultural Programs (GCIP). Let me start by saying, WELCOME TO DUKE!!!! We are so excited to welcome you to the Duke family and to engage with you this fall.

I’d like to share some information with you about three important topics.

GCIP vs. EIS (English for International Students)

As a Pratt student, your communication support services (including English courses) will be provided through GCIP. This can sometimes be confusing because the Graduate School also has an English program (EIS) which serves the other graduate students at Duke. Your classes and other language support services through GCIP are specifically for Pratt graduate students and have been designed with your unique needs in mind. You are not eligible for EIS services and should not take part in their testing or services. Please email me directly (bridget.fletcher@duke.edu) or gcc-pratt@duke.edu if you have any questions about your communications support services and options.

English Placement Exams

Due to the challenges we are all facing as a result of COVID 19 and the remote nature of our teaching and learning community, we will be delaying our English placement exams until spring 2021. You will be contacted during the fall semester if you are required to take English placement exams and will be given further information about testing and English courses at that time. For now, please do not worry about English placement exams. Instead, concentrate on getting acclimated and adjusted to this new learning environment we all find ourselves in! In fact, we want to help you with that….

Community Cohort Initiative

We will be launching an awesome new program this fall, the Community Cohort Initiative. This will be a class for incoming master’s students that will provide you with an opportunity for weekly connections with peers, tips for adjusting to graduate school, a head start on your career search plan, communications training, and much, much more! You will learn more about this course at orientation, so stay tuned. We hope you are as excited as we are about this!

Additionally, please know that GCIP is always here to support you in multiple ways! Please visit our website https://pratt.duke.edu/gcip to learn more and stay tuned for more details from us during orientation. You can also visit our CHILL video series for some hot tips to help you prepare for your time at Duke!

  • Go to: https://sakai.duke.edu/portal/site/chillf2020·
  • If prompted, log in with Duke credentials (NetID and password)
  • You will see a window that asks “Would you like to join and become a member of this site?”, click “YES, ADD ME”
  • You can now interact with the CHILL video content collection. Videos with interactive

We look forward to working with you soon!

Bridget + the GCIP team

Bridget Fletcher, MA
Director, Graduate Communications and Intercultural Programs
Adjunct Assistant Professor
Pratt School of Engineering, Duke University

Fall 2020 Course Registration

Hello MEMers,

Fall 2020 bookbags are now open! You can log in to your DukeHub account to view the Fall schedule of classes and place classes in your bookbag. Not sure what to bookbag? View degree requirements on MEM’s student resources website. Don’t forget to validate any class schedules you put together to check for pre-requisites, time scheduling conflicts, and required permission numbers. Also remember to look at the details of a class section to see if it will be delivered in-person, online only, or in a hybrid format. Here is a guide to help understand what the different instruction modes mean and where you can find them when looking at a class. Details of a class may be listed in the Class Notes section. For help locating the Class Notes, here is a guide.

Registration begins on Monday August 3rd at 7:00 AM (EDT). Tutorials on how to register are available here. If you are interested in taking courses that are not EGRMGMT courses, please refer to the approved/unapproved technical electives list to see if the course you are interested in will count as a MEM technical elective. Also, please note, you must get permission from the course instructor if you wish to take a course that is not an EGRMGMT course.

We are also rolling out a new platform (called Stellic) for you to easily organize your upcoming Fall 2020 semester and keep track of your degree progress. Stellic will allow you to

  • Plan course selections that fit your Fall 2020 schedule – Discover conflict-free sections for the courses you are planning to take next semester. You can select a time slot in the weekly view and we’ll show you courses that are still needed for your plan available for that time slot.
  • Plan your degree interactively – Drag, drop, and add courses between semesters while keeping track of pre-requisites, constraints, and typical course offerings.
  • Track your progress towards degree completion – See completed, in-progress, and remaining requirements for your degree.

Stellic can be accessed through duke.stellic.com using your Duke NetID and password. Check out the QuickStart Guide for help on getting started. The Stellic platform is new to Duke, so if you discover any issues on the platform or if you have any questions, please contact Kelsey Liddle at kelsey.liddle@duke.edu. Please note that you cannot register for classes through Stellic. You will still need to place classes in your bookbag and register through your DukeHub account.

Thank you,

Kelsey

Kelsey Liddle

Student Records Coordinator

Master’s Programs

Pratt School of Engineering

919-660-2511

kelsey.liddle@duke.edu

Fall 2020 Incoming Student Email #8

Dear MEM Students,

We are excited to welcome you to Duke University and the Pratt School of Engineering! We have prepared an orientation program full of important programming and information to help you be as successful as possible during graduate school.

The Engineering Master’s Programs and Master of Engineering Management orientation activities will take place virtually during the week of August 10. The link below will provide you with the complete schedule, final Zoom links will be updated in the coming days.

Master of Engineering Management Fall 2020 Orientation Schedule

Orientation Technology:

Engineering Master’s Programs and Master of Engineering Management orientation activities will be hosted on Duke Zoom. Please see the Office of Information Technology to learn how to log in and set up your Duke Zoom account.

Important Reminders:

  • Course registration for the fall 2020 semester begins on Monday, August 3 at 7:00 a.m. (ET). Registration is done through your DukeHub portal. A helpful guide for fall registration is available online: https://registrar.duke.edu/registration/registration-guides. Beginning on July 27, you can begin to book bag your classes. This allows you to select your classes ahead of time, save them in your account, and then quickly register on August 3. It is not necessary to book bag your courses ahead of time but it is recommended to look at the course options and identify your planned schedule ahead of time.

The first day of classes for Pratt master’s students will be Monday, August 17

Questions?

Feel free to reach out to Graduate Student Programs and Services (pratt-masters-studentservices@duke.edu) at any time. We are here to support you!

Have a great week!

_________________________________________

Pratt Master’s Student Services
Pratt School of Engineering, Duke University
pratt-masters-studentservices@duke.edu

Fall 2020 Incoming Student Email #7

Dear MEM Students,

Your classmates will be a huge part of your Duke experience! As you begin your engineering master’s program, it is important that you take the time to engage with your peers to ensure that you build a strong network of academic, social, and career support. The video clip below highlights some important tips you can begin using as you start communicating with your new classmates.

Video 7: 5 Tips to Improve Communication with Classmates

Communications Help for Intercultural and Language Learning

The Graduate Communications and Intercultural Programs (GCIP) team has developed a special video series for incoming students called CHILL (Communications Help for Intercultural and Language Learning). This series features several short videos full of practical tips and information to help you prepare for your time and Duke.

To access the videos, follow these instructions: 

  • CHILL videos will work best in Chrome on a computer vs. mobile device.
  • Click this link: https://sakai.duke.edu/portal/site/gcip_chill_2020
  • Use your duke credentials (netID and password) to log into Sakai
  • From there, you should be in the GCIP CHILL 2020 project site. If not, you can select the course from the top of your Sakai homepage.
  • Once you are in GCIP CHILL 2020, click on CHILL Topics on the left side of your screen (or using the drop-down menu if you are using your mobile device).
  • This will take you to our collection of videos, broken down into 6 sections. We highly suggest watching them in the order they are listed on Sakai.
  • Several of the videos feature an interactive activity, please plan to complete them! They will add to your experience and learning.

Please reach out to gcc-pratt@duke.edu if you have trouble accessing the videos or have questions.

Important Program Reminder:

Our student-led clubs, the PDC, is offering a mentor-mentee program. Sign up to be a mentee and to be assigned to a student mentor from the current cohort – https://duke.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bOxhyYFuh2UrbFP (We ask that if you are intending to defer your admission that you refrain from signing up. This will allow all incoming students a chance to be matched with a mentor, thank you)

Important Reminders:

  • Watch for a new installment of onboarding materials delivered to your inbox each Monday!
  • The first day of classes for Pratt master’s students will be Monday, August 17.
  • In addition to these onboarding emails, we will be hosting a number of Pratt Orientation sessions for new students. Most events are scheduled to take place during the week of August 10; a complete list of sessions will be communicated in the coming weeks. All sessions will be delivered virtually in order to accommodate those who will be remote this fall or who will not arrive on campus before this time.
  • The Virtual Summer Workshop Series continues! Click HERE for a list of upcoming sessions and registration links. Any questions about the series can be directed to Dr. Michelle M. Campbell at michelle.m.campbell@duke.edu.
  • Log-in and bookmark your MEM Student Website. Everything you need to know about MEM in one place! https://sites.duke.edu/mgmt/. Log-in at the top with your Duke NetID & Password.

The official Facebook group for Duke MEM Students 2020-2021 is open. Join here! Feel free to introduce yourself to the returning MEMers, ask questions, stay updated on PDC events, and socials.

Questions?

Feel free to reach out to Graduate Student Programs and Services (pratt-masters-studentservices@duke.edu) at any time. We are here to support you!

Have a great week!

_________________________________________

Pratt Master’s Student Services
Pratt School of Engineering, Duke University
pratt-masters-studentservices@duke.edu

July 14 Update on Visas for International Students

This message is sent on behalf of Sally Kornbluth, Provost and Jennifer Francis, Executive Provost:

July 14, 2020

Dear international students,

We are writing to share the great news that the U.S. Government has rescinded the directives on visas announced last week that would have affected many international students.

This development means that at this time, F-1 visa holders will continue to operate under the SEVIS guidance issued on March 9, which permitted students to remain in the United States regardless of whether they are enrolled in in-person, online or hybrid courses. F-1 visa holders continuing their studies online from abroad will remain active in the SEVIS system.

As you know, Duke vigorously opposed and advocated against the now-rescinded directives and joined an amicus brief in support of the lawsuit filed by Harvard and MIT. We’re also grateful to our legal and government relations teams, the large number of Duke students who mobilized to oppose the directives, as well as the national business community, faith leaders and the 17 states which filed suit to block the rules for joining in solidarity with international students and higher education.

We know this situation has caused a great deal of uncertainty and stress for you and your families. We want to restate our continued commitment to international students and your ability to pursue your studies and research at Duke. If you have specific visa-related questions, please contact Duke Visa Services for more information. Duke’s International House is also available to provide a range of support services for international students.

Please continue to consult the Keep Learning website for regular updates regarding the fall semester.

Sincerely,

Sally Kornbluth, Provost
Jennifer Francis, Executive Vice Provost

Fall 2020 Incoming Student Email #7

Dear Incoming MEM students,

We are very excited for the start of your program in August! Below are some reminders that will help you have a smooth transition to Duke. Please note the important deadlines listed for each.

    1. Net ID and Email – immediately!
    2. Immunizations – immediately!
    3. Duke Student ID Card – upload photo by July 24
    4. Preferred Name – update by July 24
    5. Transcript Reminder – send by August 10
  1. Net ID and Email – begin using immediately!

All Engineering Master’s students should have received instructions to set up your NetID and email. Please do this immediately so you can begin accessing the resources you need while you are studying at Duke. All official email from Duke will be sent to your Duke issued email address so this is essential.

  1. Immunizations – submit form immediately!

North Carolina State Law requires that all students entering college present a certificate of immunization that documents that the student has received all immunizations required by law. While your state or country of origin may have different immunization requirements, you must comply with North Carolina laws and Duke requirements. Any student who arrives on campus will be required to complete the immunization process by the 30th day of class. This requirements is not necessary for students who will be studying remotely.

  1. Duke Student ID Card – upload photo by July 24

Your Duke Student ID is one of the most important cards you will carry while you are studying at Duke. This card is a photo ID, with your name and unique ID number on it. With your card, you can access academic buildings, recreational facilities, library books, parking lots, campus events, and campus photocopying. If you plan to enroll in on campus classes in the fall, you will need a DukeID. Graduate Student Programs and Services (GSPS) will order your Duke ID Card and have it available for campus students to pick up during the first week of classes. You must first upload your photo by going to this link: https://dukecard.duke.edu/get-your-dukecard/submit-your-dukecard-photo.

  1. Preferred Name – update by July 24

The name that will be on the class lists that professors use to address their students is the preferred name. Please go to DukeHub, then click on the tab that says “Profile.” On that page, go to the edit button next to “Name” and from there you can update your “Preferred Name.”

  1. Official transcripts – send by August 10

All incoming Engineering Master’s Program students must submit official transcripts to enroll at Duke. MEng and MEM students, click here. 

Please complete all of these important tasks mentioned in this email by the noted deadlines. If you have questions, feel free to email pratt-masters-steudentservices@duke.edu.

You will be hearing from us with the complete orientation schedule the week of July 27!

Sincerely,

Bridget Kerwin

_______________________________________

Pratt Master’s Student Services

Pratt School of Engineering, Duke University

pratt-masters-studentservices@duke.edu

I House – Fall 2020 Orientation

From: Ling Jin
Sent: Tuesday, July 14, 2020 11:50 AM
Subject: 2020 International Graduate and Professional Students Orientation

Dear incoming graduate and professional students,

Welcome to Duke!

My name is Ling Jin and I am the Student Development Coordinator at the International House. I am glad to announce that the 2020 International Graduate and Professional Students Orientation schedule is now available on our website.

As part of the Duke’s efforts to ensure everyone’s safety and well-being as we plan for the Fall semester, the orientation will be held virtually from Monday, August 3 to Friday, August 7. We believe that a virtual orientation will allow more accessibility and flexibility for all international students.

Whether you will be taking classes at Duke or online in your home country during Fall 2020, you will learn about helpful information and resources at the orientation. There will be three components to the orientation:

  1. Live Webinar Sessions: Every morning from 9:30 to 11:00 AM (Durham/Eastern Time), we will have two live webinar sessions on campus resources and the different aspects of campus life. There will also be Q&As at the end of each session.
  2. Pre-recorded Sessions: Every day, we will publish several pre-recorded videos on academic life, professional development, campus life and campus resources (such as health care, insurance, safety, etc.).
  3. Virtual Networking Hour with IHOPs: Every day, we will offer 1-2 virtual networking session(s) for students to chat with your International House Orientation Peers (IHOPs) and meet other incoming international students in an informal and casual setting.

You MUST register to attend the Live Webinars and the Virtual Networking Hours. For more detailed information about the orientation and to access the registration links, please visit our website and this document.

Please note that we will use Zoom for all the live webinar sessions and virtual networking hours. Please make sure you familiarize yourself with the online meeting tool Zoom in advance and activate your Duke NetID and access Zoom with it.

Feel free to contact me if you have any questions regarding the orientation. For more information on Duke’s plan to returning to campus in Fall 2020, please visit https://returnto.duke.edu.

I look forward to seeing you at the orientation!

Ling

_________________________________

​Ling Jin  金玲 she/her/hers

Student Development Coordinator

Want to Chat? Make an Appointment with Me Here!

International House, Duke University

2 Epworth Dorm Lane, East Campus

ling.jin@duke.edu | 919.613.0509

Fall Semester Updates (International Students)

This message is intended for International Students within the Pratt School of Engineering:

Dear International Students,

We hope you are doing well. We are doing our best to keep you informed about Duke’s guidance regarding ICE’s July 6th policies for the Student and Exchange Visitor Program. We are writing today to share a few updates.

For the latest and best information about Duke’s approach, please refer to this website: https://keeplearning.duke.edu/international-students/.

The FAQ section of this website addresses two critical questions that have been generating some questions among our students:

  • What if Duke must move to an online-only model during the semester? Will international students have to leave the U.S. immediately?

Unless the student withdraws from a course, s/he is considered as enrolled in the course for the entirety of the semester. Thus, if a student enrolled in a hybrid course at the start of the semester and stays enrolled, the hybrid classification will remain.

  • What if an international student has health concerns and cannot attend class? What should they do?

We ask that you report your illness to your academic advisor and Duke Visa Services so your concerns can be addressed and information provided so your SEVIS file will remain active.

According to this guidance, students will not be asked to leave the US if Duke has to move to an online-only model during the Fall Semester, as it did in the Spring Semester. Further, students with health concerns have a process for keeping their SEVIS file active. We are very pleased with this guidance and hope that these responses may relieve concerns you may have about the possibility of being sent home mid-semester.

We also want to make you aware that Duke plans to join a legal challenge to the recent policy by submitting an amicus brief in support of the lawsuit against these regulations. More information about this is available here.

Sincerely,

Deb Wojcik, PhD

Managing Director, Graduate Student Programs and Services

________________________________________

Pratt Master’s Student Services

Pratt School of Engineering, Duke University

pratt-masters-studentservices@duke.edu

Fall 2020 Incoming Student Email #6

Dear MEM Students,

This week, we continue introducing you to the many support services available to you as a Pratt master’s student! Today, we highlight the professional development opportunities that are available to you during your time at Duke Engineering. The Duke Engineering Master’s Career Services and Professional Development (CSPD) team offers a range of workshops that complement your academic courses and help you prepare for career success.

The video clip below provides a short preview of these professional development workshops. Our CSPD team highlights important considerations and tips you can begin implementing immediately as you build your professional identity.

Onboarding Video 6: Building Your Professional Identity

 

Important Program Information:

MEM Course Registration:
Course registration will begin on August 3. Prior to August 3, please make sure you have read and understand the instructions on how to register for your courses in DukeHub (Life hack #1: Don’t wait until the morning of Aug 3 to figure out registration). On July 27, you can begin book bagging your classes. Think of book bagging like your shopping cart, you can load all your items (classes) ahead of time, and then click “buy” quickly on August 3 (Life hack #2: Bookbag your classes ahead of time). Registration info & instructions posted here. https://sites.duke.edu/mgmt/registration/

MEM Fall Courses:
Fall 2020 courses will be offered online or a combination of in-person and online.  Here is our current best guess on the delivery method for our classes:

  • Online classes
    • EGRMGMT          510 MARKETING
    • EGRMGMT          542 COMPETITIVE STRATEGIES
    • EGRMGMT          556 ENGINEERING MANAGEMT PRACTICUM
    • EGRMGMT          574 COMMERCIALIZNG TECH INNOVATNS
    • EGRMGMT          576 DESIGN THINKING AND INNOVATION
    • EGRMGMT          590 SOURCING DATA FOR ANALYTICS
    • EGRMGMT          590 MARKETING ANALYTICS & RESEARCH
  • In-person and online classes
    • EGRMGMT          512 PRODUCT MGMT IN HIGH-TECH COMP
    • EGRMGMT          530 FINANCE IN HIGH TECH IND
    • EGRMGMT          534 QUANT FINANCIAL ANALYSIS
    • EGRMGMT          560 PROJECT MANAGEMENT
    • EGRMGMT          562 OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT
    • EGRMGMT          575 SOFTWARE QUALITY MANAGEMENT
    • EGRMGMT          578 DESIGNING CUSTOMER EXPERIENCES
    • EGRMGMT          579 REALTIME DATA IMPROVE QUAL EXP
    • EGRMGMT          580 DECISION MODELS
    • EGRMGMT          585 FUNDAMENTALS OF DATA SCIENCE

MEM Orientation Pre-Assignments:
Orientation will take place virtually starting on Monday, August 10. This will be a fun (and busy) time to learn a lot about Duke but also a lot about yourself – and most importantly, how you will be successful within the MEM program. We are continuing to update information related to orientation here. Check back often! We’ve highlighted the pre-assignments below:

  • STRENGTHS FINDER ASSESSMENT

One orientation session will be StrengthsFinder. There is a pre-assessment survey that will be sent soon. This will be sent to you Duke email with full instructions. Please keep and lookout for this email and complete the assessment (email will arrive from Dr. Murray)
 

  • MYERS-BRIGGS TYPE INDICATOR (MBTI) ASSESSMENT

Another part of program week will include MBTI. Please view instructions for this assessment here. You must complete this assessment no later than July 30.

  • CASE STUDY METHODOLOGY

There will also be a session covering case study that requires reading of the case prior to orientation. Prepare for the Case Study session by watching this video and reading this case (due by Aug 10)

 

Important Reminders:

  • Watch for a new installment of onboarding materials delivered to your inbox each Monday!
  • The first day of classes for Pratt master’s students will be Monday, August 17.
  • In addition to these onboarding emails, we will be hosting a number of Pratt Orientation sessions for new students. Most events are scheduled to take place during the week of August 10; a complete list of sessions will be communicated in the coming weeks. All sessions will be delivered virtually in order to accommodate those who will be remote this fall or who will not arrive on campus before this time.
  • The Virtual Summer Workshop Series continues! Click HERE for a list of upcoming sessions and registration links. Any questions about the series can be directed to Dr. Michelle M. Campbell at michelle.m.campbell@duke.edu.
  • Log-in and bookmark your MEM Student Website. Everything you need to know about MEM in one place! https://sites.duke.edu/mgmt/. Log-in at the top with your Duke NetID & Password.

The official Facebook group for Duke MEM Students 2020-2021 is open. Join here! Feel free to introduce yourself to the returning MEMers, ask questions, stay updated on PDC events, and socials.

Questions?

Feel free to reach out to Graduate Student Programs and Services (pratt-masters-studentservices@duke.edu) at any time. We are here to support you!

Have a great week!

_________________________________________

Pratt Master’s Student Services
Pratt School of Engineering, Duke University
pratt-masters-studentservices@duke.edu

Returning Student Update (July 2020)

Dear MEM Students,

I hope you are doing well this summer. Our MEM team has been working hard all summer in preparation for the fall semester and we wanted to provide you with an update for the MEM program.

First, please make sure to read Duke’s official updates for students https://coronavirus.duke.edu/updates/for-students/ As President Price has mentioned, Fall 2020 will not look like Fall 2019 and so we wanted to talk about some of the changes. It is also important to know that Duke and MEM plans will continue to evolve; we are practicing our flexibility in planning and we ask for your flexibly too as the plan may change once (or twice) more as we get closer to August 17.

Academic Programming

  • Fall 2020 semester is Aug 17 – Nov 24, 2020 https://registrar.duke.edu/2020-2021-academic-calendar
  • All student course registrations have been deleted. The new bookbagging will begin July 27 and registration will begin Aug 3.
  • Fall 2020 courses will be offered online or a combination of in-person and online.  Here is our current best guess on the delivery method for our classes:
    • Online classes
      • EGRMGMT          510 MARKETING
      • EGRMGMT          542 COMPETITIVE STRATEGIES
      • EGRMGMT          540 MGMT OF HIGH TECH *this course was left off the original email in error
      • EGRMGMT          556 ENGINEERING MANAGEMT PRACTICUM
      • EGRMGMT          574 COMMERCIALIZNG TECH INNOVATNS
      • EGRMGMT          576 DESIGN THINKING AND INNOVATION
      • EGRMGMT          590 SOURCING DATA FOR ANALYTICS
      • EGRMGMT          590 MARKETING ANALYTICS & RESEARCH
    • In-person and online classes
      • EGRMGMT          512 PRODUCT MGMT IN HIGH-TECH COMP
      • EGRMGMT          530 FINANCE IN HIGH TECH IND
      • EGRMGMT          534 QUANT FINANCIAL ANALYSIS
      • EGRMGMT          560 PROJECT MANAGEMENT
      • EGRMGMT          562 OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT
      • EGRMGMT          575 SOFTWARE QUALITY MANAGEMENT
      • EGRMGMT          578 DESIGNING CUSTOMER EXPERIENCES
      • EGRMGMT          579 REALTIME DATA IMPROVE QUAL EXP
      • EGRMGMT          580 DECISION MODELS
      • EGRMGMT          585 FUNDAMENTALS OF DATA SCIENCE
  • Based on the recent SEVP modifications https://www.ice.gov/news/releases/sevp-modifies-temporary-exemptions-nonimmigrant-students-taking-online-courses-during, international students on an F-1 visa, must take at least 1 class in-person and if a course is offered in-person, it  must be taken in person.
  • Fuqua courses – Fuqua’s academic calendar now differs substantially from ours. Currently, we do not have information on the registration timeline or process. Once we have the details, we will share this information with you.

Academic Questions

  • MEM is both excited and sad to announce that Tracie Foust has taken a promotion to the Duke Divinity School! While it is a tremendous opportunity for Tracie, we were very sad to see her leave, as I’m sure many of you will feel the same. We are currently interviewing for a new academic coordinator but in the meantime:
    • General Academic Questions – Myself or Carolyn Gilbert
    • Specific Plan of Study Questions – Your Faculty Advisor
    • Registration related (course waiver / drops / permission #s) – Kelsey Liddle
    • CPT or OPT related – Kelsey Liddle
    • TA Questions – Shundrell Spann

Support Resources

  • We have a new MEM Student Resources site (https://sites.duke.edu/mgmt/ log in with your NetID) for all your MEM needs. Please bookmark this page and check back for announcements, resources, etc. This is replacing the MEMP Student Resources Sakai site.
  • Career Services will continue virtually via MS Teams for MEM specific needs, career fairs & tech connect will also be virtual. They are also creating ‘Virtual Career Treks’ which will allow students to “visit” employers virtually. If you have not connect with career services on MS Teams, please reach out to Jenny Johnson to receive the log-in details and passcode to the group.
  • PDC Clubs will still be active! Rishab Venkataraman has some fantastic new ideas for the semester and we’re excited to see PDC launch into the virtual space. Stay connected to PDC news & events via the MEM Facebook Group (https://www.facebook.com/groups/DukeMEMstudents202021)
  • Carolyn in Student Services will continue to offer various engagement events throughout the semester – virtual yoga classes, paint events, lunches with faculty, etc. Anything that can be done safely – if you have an idea for programming, feel free to reach her directly!

Duke Campus Life

  • It’s no surprise that campus life will look very different. Pratt has done a great job of securely and safely opened campus labs and we will continue to work with building operation to do so when classes begin.
  • Expected rules for each person on-campus: daily symptom monitoring, face masks (3 reusable Duke Blue masks will be provided to you), proper hand washing, physical distancing, and staying in the Durham, NC area for the duration of fall semester.
  • If you become COVID-19 symptomatic or at risk due to contact tracing, you will be required to self-isolate.
  • Duke is in the process of writing a ‘Duke Compact’. Similar to a community standard, a mutual commitment to keep ALL members of the community safe.
  • MEM is in the process of developing rules and guidelines around the MEM Student & Office suite. Our goal is to maintain as much resemblance to “normal” as necessary but also 100% committed to keeping students, staff, and faculty safe and healthy. We will likely close the MEM Student Suite to limit the spread of droplets and aerosols. Our staff members will likely continue working from home most days with a limited, rotating on-campus schedule. Staff and faculty will always be available via virtual platforms.

Misc. Updates

  • While this summer is very different in many ways, we are still working hard on creating an exciting and engaging orientation for our Fall 2020 incoming cohort. These students will be virtually on-boarded the week of Aug 10 and then joining in your classes. Given the physical distancing, we ask that you welcome the new students into the MEM community as you would if we were all together in Schiciano! Say hello on facebook, create inclusive teams in your courses, and help answer those new student questions when they ask. It wasn’t long ago that you were the new student.
  • New bootcamp for Python – Led by Prof. Morales this 6 week course beginning Aug 10 consists of 23 asynchronous lecture sessions (4 per week) plus 6 synchronous 30 min sessions (one per week Thursdays 8 pm EST).  It is designed to build proficiency in Python for use in Data Science. During the bootcamp, the workload is expected to be ~ 12 hours per week. This bootcamp will be:
    • Required for EGRMGMT 590 SOURCING DATA FOR ANALYTICS
    • Recommended for EGRMGMT 590 MARKETING ANALYTICS & RESEARCH and students interested in data analytics

Thank you for reading the entirety of this email. We are hopeful that we will have a fulfilling and exciting semester ahead. I wish you all the best as you continue your summer internships or other work in the remaining weeks.