Graduate students at the 2012 AERA Annual Meeting will have unique opportunities to explore this year’s theme, “Non Satis Scire: To Know Is Not Enough.” To begin the meeting, students are invited to attend the Orientation to the Annual Meeting and Networking for Graduate Students, hosted by the Graduate Student Council (GSC), on Friday, April 13. The orientation will familiarize students with the meeting, as well as provide valuable insights on networking and how to maximize time at the meeting. It begins at 12:00 p.m. in the Vancouver Convention Centre.

On Saturday evening, the Graduate Student Council, chaired by Nicholas Hartlep (University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee), will host its Open Business Meeting and Reception. Graduate students are encouraged to attend and learn more about the GSC’s involvement in AERA and how it supports student members in their academic advancement. The event starts at 6:15 p.m., also in the Vancouver Convention Centre.

In addition, individual divisions and SIGs will host graduate student events throughout the conference. Each division hosts a GSC fireside chat, giving graduate students a chance to interact with peers and hear from panelists about various topics. In addition to the division fireside chats, the GSC chair and chair-elect will hold chats highlighting issues important to students, including the ins and outs of the publishing process. There will also be an opportunity for graduate students to interact with AERA SIGs on Monday morning at 8:15 a.m.

New in 2012, the GSC Take-A-Break sessions offer students a break from the meeting and a chance to interact with the local community. The students will learn about the host city from Vancouver locals highlighting their work and the aboriginal culture, including native dance, music, and storytelling. The Take-A-Break sessions will be held Saturday, Sunday, and Monday at 12:25 p.m. in the Graduate Student Resource Center.

To learn about and take advantage of all student-focused activities, please stop by the Graduate Student Resource Center. Members of the GSC will be available at the center to answer questions and network. The Resource Center, available for all students, is located in the Vancouver Convention Center, Second Level, West Room 211. It will be open Friday from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Saturday to Monday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.