Public Health students connect during orientation sessions
All new students in the West Virginia University School of Public Health had the chance to connect before classes officially started on Wednesday, August 26.
Graduate-level students participated in a virtual two-day orientation, August 13-14, designed to get them acquainted with each other and the various resources available to them throughout their time at WVU. The first day, led by Director of Career Development & Student Success Scot McIntosh, included a welcome from Dean Jeffrey Coben, MD.
“In past years, we thought it was beneficial for our students to hear more about the importance of public health as they get started on their journey through our program,” said Dr. Coben as he greeted the graduate students. “But this year, things are different. This year we all have the shared experience of living through a global public health crisis that I think has made things very clear for everyone.
“All you need to do is turn on the TV and you can see five million reasons why public health is important,” he continued, referencing the number of COVID-19 cases in the United States at the time.
As Coben expressed his gratitude to the School’s newest cohort, he affirmed their decision to pursue public health.
“I want to thank you for joining us in this fight and congratulate you for making the choice to enter a field that I believe will provide you with personal fulfillment and help make our world a better place,” he said before discussing opportunities for students to get involved during the program, including those supporting COVID-19 response efforts in West Virginia and addressing racism, inequality and social justice across the country.
Following Dean Coben’s remarks, additional presentations included Senior Associate Dean for Academic, Student and Faculty Affairs Linda Alexander, EdD, and other members of the Academic & Student Affairs team, members of the Office of Academic Integrity, Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Student Association of Public Health, Delta Omega Honorary Society, AHEC Rural Community Health Scholars, and second-year students.
As the incoming students were thinking about their journey ahead, several alumni joined the session to reflect on their time in the School of Public Health and offer advice to the newest Mountaineers.
“Do not wait to get to know your faculty and do not wait to get involved,” stated Amy Hunter, PhD, ’17, an assistant professor at the University of Connecticut and injury epidemiologist at Connecticut Children’s Medical Center. “They are there to support to you, and I wish I had recognized the willingness of the faculty to engage me as a student sooner.”
“Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and utilize your connections,” added Toska Cooper, MPH, ’17 (pictured at right), a public health project manager at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. “I leveraged those connections and was able to work at the state health department for a few months before coming to the University, and a lot of that came from knowing Jeff Coben and his connections."
“You really have the chance to work individually with a lot of your faculty. Get engaged early on,” echoed Marco Schaaf, MPH, ’19, a health data analyst in the WVU Office of Health Affairs. “First semester, start talking to them about research you’d like to do.”
In addition to connecting with faculty, other alumni discussed taking advantage of resources, getting involved with national and School of Public Health organizations, engaging with classmates outside of academics, exploring different areas of public health and finding a balance between academic work and personal time.
During the second day of orientation, graduate students participated in Zoom breakout sessions to get to know more about their specific program of study and home department. The sessions provided an opportunity to discuss expectations and connect with faculty and staff they’ll work with most closely throughout their time in the School of Public Health.
First-year undergraduate students gathered virtually Monday, August 24, for a Welcome & Ask Us event. Led by Audra Hamrick, director of undergraduate studies and director of public health practice and service learning, students had the chance to connect with their fellow classmates, instructors and support staff. The group also had the chance to ask and answer some last-minute questions before the start of the fall semester.
“We’re thrilled that you’ve chosen the School of Public Health, and you couldn’t have picked a better time,” said Hamrick as she welcomed the group. “As a land-grant university, we are driven to solve problems and positively impact our community and our state, and it’s that same drive that has positioned us to provide each of you a unique, quality experience – despite the uncertainties we’ve all faced this year.
“As future public health leaders, no one is in a better position to lead by example than each of you.”
Pictured at Top: Undergraduate students, faculty and staff participate in a virtual welcome session prior to the start of the fall semester.
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CONTACT: Nikky Luna, Director of Marketing and Communications
School of Public Health
304-293-1699; nikky.luna@hsc.wvu.edu