Graduate Student Newsletter, March 2008

Benefit Changes for Graduate Students

Effective January 1, 2008, many changes were implemented to improve graduate students' access to benefits. First, graduate students with benefit-providing fellowships were newly eligible to enroll in dental insurance, vision insurance, and the legal plan -- just like students with GSI, GSSA, or GSRA appointments. Second, the exact same GradCare and prescription drug plan was offered to GSIs, GSRAs and fellowship students when they are enrolled in GradCare. This means that differences between the prescription drug plans (e.g., which drugs were included) have been eliminated. Additionally, many of the administrative challenges that resulted in students being inadvertently dropped from health insurance coverage due to changes between University appointments (GSI, GSSA and GSRA) and fellowships will no longer happen. In fact, all benefit-providing fellowships, GSI, GSSA and GSRA appointments will default to immediate enrollment for medical and dental insurance as of the appointment start date. Finally, graduate students with benefit-providing fellowships and University appointments will be able to change their benefit elections using eBenefits and make changes through the annual open enrollment process. If you have questions about your benefits contact the HR/Payroll Service Center.

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How to Do a Literature Review

Presenter: Christine Feak, lead lecturer for academic writing courses at the English Language Institute, has been a lecturer at the University of Michigan since 1988. In addition to co-authoring with John Swales, Academic Writing for Graduate Students and English in Today's Research World, she has authored and co-authored articles on academic writing and English for Academic Purposes (EAP) curriculum development.

Writing a review of the relevant literature is a key component of many kinds of research texts. Although the role and purpose of a literature review (LR) may vary somewhat, depending on whether it forms part of a research article, dissertation proposal, research grant application, or the dissertation itself, it always remains a complicated task. Its complexity derives from an interlocking need to find and assess reading resources, make connections among them, relate them to your research topic, and provide a coherent written accounting. In this interactive workshop, we will demonstrate a number of strategies that model a viable approach to the complex LR task. Activities include critical text analysis, citation analysis, and rhetorical choice analysis, as well as reflecting on some observations by doctoral students about their LR experiences. Although the LR can be a daunting task, especially in heavily-researched areas, there is a silver lining; students typically emerge from the process as experts in their chosen fields of specialization.

Pre-registration is required at http://www.rackham.umich.edu/Events/wssel.php

Monday, March 10, 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm, Amphitheatre, 4th Floor, Rackham Building

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Introduction to U.S. Taxes for International Students, Scholars, Faculty, and Staff

This workshop is designed for international students, scholars, faculty, and staff who are interested in learning more about the U.S. tax system and tax return filing requirements applied to foreign nationals. Department administrators who would like to understand more about this topic are also invited to attend. This workshop will not offer assistance with individual tax return forms, but will provide background that will be helpful to you in discussions with tax professionals and in preparing your tax forms. Topics covered will include residency for tax purposes, filing requirements, exemptions and deductions, types of income (including fellowships), application of tax treaties, and "dual status" (both resident and non-resident in one year) situations.

No registration is required.

Wednesday, March 12, 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm, Amphitheatre, 4th floor, Rackham Building

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Focus on Women of Color: Survival Skills for Graduate School

This program is an opportunity for graduate students in a variety of fields to hear from faculty on how best to navigate through graduate school. A networking reception will follow. This workshop is appropriate for graduate students at any level.

Co-sponsored with the U-M Career Center, the Center for the Education of Women (CEW), and the Women of Color in the Academy Project.

Pre-registration required at https://secure.rackham.umich.edu/Events/wssel.php

Wednesday, March 12, 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm, West Conference Room, 4th Floor, Rackham Building

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17th Annual Raoul Wallenberg Lecture

Sompop Jantraka will receive this year's Wallenberg Medal. For over 15 years, Mr. Jantraka has worked tirelessly to prevent children in Thailand from being sold into prostitution. In 1989, he founded the Development and Education Programme for Daughters and Communities (DEPDC) to provide shelter, education and various outreach activities to impoverished children. DEPDC has helped prevent thousands of young people from succumbing to the sex industry or other exploitative child labor situations.

Diplomat Raoul Wallenberg saved the lives of tens of thousands of Hungarian Jews near the end of World War II. A 1935 graduate of the University of Michigan, he is one of our greatest heroes. The Wallenberg Medal is a humanitarian award given annually in his honor.

Thursday, March 13, 7:30 pm, Rackham Auditorium

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International Coffee Hour: Cultural Exchange

Come meet and mingle with graduate students over coffee and pastry. In this coffee hour, share your culture of origin, including customs, popular sports, famous travel spots, and food. No preparation required; just bring yourself and Rackham will help in facilitating conversation. American/domestic students especially welcome to come and learn about other cultures, as well as help international students adjust to American culture!

Pre-registration required at https://secure.rackham.umich.edu/Events/wssel.php

Thursday, March 13, 4:00 pm - 5:30 pm, West Conference Room, 4th Floor, Rackham Building

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Art/Night for Graduate Students

Come and join your fellow graduate students for this special evening exhibition featuring photographs from the Inge Morath and Arthur Miller: China exhibit. In 1978, only two years after the end of China's Cultural Revolution, photographer Inge Morath and her husband, playwright Arthur Miller, were invited to travel to China. They returned again in 1979 and 1983, fueled by Morath's knowledge of Chinese language, poetry, and history, and Miller's interest in the politics of the present moment. This exhibition captures two artists responding to a society in transition-photographs by Morath, accompanied by excerpts from both her and Miller's journals, which reflect Morath's empathy for China's people and culture and her urgent desire to understand what Miller called "China's contradiction," the ongoing struggle of new traditions in conflict with ancient ones.

Don't miss this opportunity to mingle with other graduate students, explore the UMMA Off/Site gallery, and delve into the wonders of The Museum Shop! Students will be granted a 10% off discount at the shop, which offers an ever-changing array of gift items. Spouses/partners and other guests are welcome to attend. Sponsored by Rackham Graduate School and the University of Michigan Museum of Art (UMMA).

Art Night for Graduate Students is a free event, but pre-registration required at https://secure.rackham.umich.edu/Events/wssel.php

Friday, March 14, 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm, UMMA Off/Site at 1301 South University

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Long-Term Employment Authorization Options: H-1B and Permanent Residency

Presenter: Scott Cooper is Managing Director of the Troy office and a Partner of the international law firm of Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, serving clients in employment-related immigration and nationality matters.

Designed for international students who plan to work in the U.S. following graduation, as well as internationals who are currently employed or are seeking employment at U-M. Topics covered include H1-B Temporary Work Visa, Employment-Based U.S. Permanent Residency, basic eligibility requirements, and specific procedures.

No registration is required.

Monday, March 17, 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm, Amphitheatre, 4th floor, Rackham Building

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Business Communication and Dining Etiquette

With the ongoing season for job interviews and business dinners, there is great emphasis on sharpening Business Communication skills and Dining Etiquette. Counselors from The Career Center will provide helpful guidance to effective business etiquette from a US perspective and will answer your questions on:

  • What constitutes appropriate Business Communication?
  • What are the important customs of Dining Etiquette observed in the US?
  • How can you work to ease the transition into the US business culture?

    • This workshop is open to all domestic and international graduate students and their family members. Please contact Ranjani Ramachandra at for more information regarding these workshops.

    Dinner will be served. Please register at https://www.rackham.umich.edu/Events/wssel.phpso that we can prepare enough handouts and food.

    Wednesday, March 19, 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm, East Conference Room, 4th Floor, Rackham Building

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    Art/Night for LGBTQ Students

    Come and join your fellow graduate students for this special evening exhibition featuring photographs from the Inge Morath and Arthur Miller: China exhibit. In 1978, only two years after the end of China's Cultural Revolution, photographer Inge Morath and her husband, playwright Arthur Miller, were invited to travel to China. They returned again in 1979 and 1983, fueled by Morath's knowledge of Chinese language, poetry, and history, and Miller's interest in the politics of the present moment. This exhibition captures two artists responding to a society in transition-photographs by Morath, accompanied by excerpts from both her and Miller's journals, which reflect Morath's empathy for China's people and culture and her urgent desire to understand what Miller called "China's contradiction," the ongoing struggle of new traditions in conflict with ancient ones.

    Don't miss this opportunity to mingle with other graduate students, explore the UMMA Off/Site gallery, and delve into the wonders of The Museum Shop! Students will be granted a 10% off discount at the shop, which offers an ever-changing array of gift items. Spouses/partners and other guests are welcome to attend. Sponsored by Rackham Graduate School and the University of Michigan Museum of Art (UMMA).

    Art Night for LGBTQ Graduate Students is a free event, but pre-registration required at https://secure.rackham.umich.edu/Events/wssel.php

    Thursday, March 20, 5:00 pm - 7:30 pm, UMMA Off/Site at 1301 South University

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    Gender Relations in the US

    This workshop, presented in association with SAPAC (Sexual Assault Prevention and Awareness Center) focuses on:

  • Understanding relationships in the US: What is allowed and what is not.
  • Understanding inappropriate behaviors such as sexual assault and stalking.
  • Understanding domestic violence and what can be done if it happens to you.
  • What constitutes appropriate Business Communication?
  • What are the important customs of Dining Etiquette observed in the US?
  • How can you work to ease the transition into the US business culture?

    • This workshop is open to all domestic and international graduate students and their family members. Please contact Ranjani Ramachandra at mailto:ranjani@umich.edu for more information regarding these workshops.

    Snacks will be provided. Please register at https://www.rackham.umich.edu/Events/wssel.php so that we can prepare enough handouts and food.

    Tuesday, March 25, 4:00 pm - 5:30 pm, East Conference Room, 4th Floor, Rackham Building

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    Career Identity Beyond the Ivory Tower

    Presenters: Tom Lehker, Senior Assistant Director for Graduate Student Services, U-M Career Center, and Doreen Murasky, CEW Senior Counselor.

    Making the decision to switch from a tenure-track path to pursuing other career options may raise a variety of career and personal issues. This program will offer you an opportunity to explore the often emotional move away from a tenure-track career. Connect with other graduate students on issues of importance to you, with special emphasis on how to create a new identity for yourself, perhaps different from what others may imagine for you. Please join us for this thought-provoking conversation to help you develop confidence as you embark on a meaningful post-academic career.

    Pre-registration required at https://secure.rackham.umich.edu/Events/wssel.php

    Tuesday, March 25, 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm , West Conference Room, 4th floor, Rackham Building

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    Tackling Your Taxes

    Although most people don't think about taxes until April, graduate students should consider as early as possible what will be required to properly prepare your tax documents. The way the IRS views it, students bear the tax burden: Federal Government Agencies force students to determine taxation of scholarships and fellowships when filing annual income tax returns. This workshop will answer such questions as:

  • Are student scholarship or fellowship payments treated as wages for services rendered?
  • If not, to what extent are payments subject to federal income taxes under the Internal Revenue Code?
  • If taxable income, are payments subject to self-employment taxes under the Social Security Act?
  • How can students reduce taxable income or taxes with related expenses or credits?
  • What if a student has multiple state filing requirements?

    • If income is taxable, do students have a reporting requirement if they are a foreign national student or a teacher? Tackling Your Taxes does not include filing forms for non-resident aliens. International students should contact the International Center for tax information relevant to their status. This workshop is appropriate for domestic students.

    Pre-registration required at https://secure.rackham.umich.edu/Events/wssel.php

    Tuesday, March 25, 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm, Amphitheatre, 4th Floor, Rackham Building

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    International Movie Night: Tsotsi

    Rated R; In English, Zulu, Xhosa, and Afrikaans with English subtitles

    The film traces six days in the lonely, violent life of Tsotsi (meaning "thug"), a ruthless, young gang leader in South Africa. Tsotsi rarely thinks beyond his next crime, but when a carjacking results in the accidental kidnapping of a baby, he comes to care for the child and begins to gradually rediscover his humanity, dignity and capacity to love. For further information please contact .

    Pre-registration required at https://secure.rackham.umich.edu/Events/wssel.php

    Friday, March 28, 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm, Amphitheatre, 4th floor, Rackham Building

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    Grad Parent Social Event: Jungle Java Getaway

    Join us as we meet to drink coffee, chat with other U-M parents, and play with our children. Java Jungle is an indoor adventure playground with an adjoining caf. This means that you can sip your latte while watching your child play, or join in yourself! The equipment at Jungle Java is designed so that a full grown adult can accompany and play with their child all over the jungle gym. There are pictures of some of the play equipment on their website at http://www.junglejavaplay.com/annarbor/annarbor.php

    There is no outside food allowed, but the caf sells kids meals for under $4.00. Socks are required on the play equipment.

    U-M families that pre-register will receive free admission for their children (adults are always free). U-M Grad Parent Families will be there from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm, but the facility is open until 8:00 pm, so you can stay longer if you wish. Check in at the front desk and let the adventure begin!

    For more information contact Michael Layne, Grad Student Parent Fellow, at .

    Pre-registration required at https://secure.rackham.umich.edu/Events/wssel.php

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    Student Organization Meeting Space

    Rental fees are now waived for graduate student organization rental of 4th floor Rackham event rooms. A $100 per room, per event refundable deposit is charged to the organization's shortcode. Contact Karen Parris in the Rackham Facilities office at to book space. The group's six digit shortcode (which starts with a 9) is required at the time of booking.

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    Rackham Graduate Student Newsletter