Seminar Information Session Article

The GIS faculty members were delighted to attend a recent online event, the ‘Everything about GIS Seminars’ Session. Run by our hugely efficient Student Supporters, this was aimed at our 2nd year students, who are currently contemplating which seminar to join in their 3rd year. Faculty members and current seminar students hosted Breakout Rooms where 2nd years could enter to ask questions and learn more about seminars: our most challenging – and most rewarding – classes.

After sampling courses from across the curriculum in their first and second years, GIS students develop a passion in a particular area of interest. Seminars help to enhance their knowledge and expertise in this area, along with vital skills such as critical thinking and analysis that will be valuable in their future careers. Many seminars require their students to conduct their own research into a particular topic, as well as various practical activities such as field trips and guest speakers from companies and NGOs from across the globe.

The organiser of the event, Reinier Bonifacio, one of our 3rd year students, was delighted at how well things had gone, as more than 80 were in attendance. When discussing the event, Reinier told us “It was my first time organizing everything by myself this time. From planning, posters, inviting speakers, creating the flow and slides, and being the session facilitator. So, I was nervous, but the response was all great. The first years and second years messaged me by thanking me for arranging the session. They said they had a clearer understanding of seminars now too! Surprisingly, the third and fourth years messaged me too by thanking me for giving them a platform to pitch their seminar. Overall, the responses were very positive, so I was relieved!”

The department is most grateful for the hard work of Reinier, one of our dedicated Student Supporters, who do so much to help our current students feel part of the GIS community. Online or offline, once you’re part of GIS we will try our best to help you make the most of their time here!