Dont’s and Do’s

DON’T underestimate the importance of the department. Think of yourself not as being enrolled in a university, but as being enrolled in a department.
DON’T get caught up in department gossip. Mess is mess.
DON’T volunteer information about your graduate school funding or personal finances to people who do not influence these funds. Your money is your business.
DON’T leave your advisor in the dark. Keep him or her informed of your progress and goals and keep notes on all agreements.
DON’T assume anything. Always check information out and verify it in writing, e.g., policies, requirements, deadlines.

DO identify faculty and student advocates to help you should you need help. Identify them BEFORE a problem arises.
DO establish good rapport with the secretaries. Your chairperson and advisors are important, but the secretaries run the show.
DO maintain positive relationships with the faculty, especially your advisor. You never know whom you will need.
DO create a calendar that clearly plots the steps and self-imposed deadlines required for degree completion. If you don’t plan, your chances for success are minimized.
DO keep a file of all written correspondence and catalogs. Document everything; you never know what you might have to prove later.

DON’T let dating, partying, hanging in the gym, watching TV, or other social activities interfere with your schoolwork. Make time for these activities, but keep everything in proper perspective.
DON’T let relationship problems disrupt your studies or dramatically alter your academic pursuits. It ain’t worth it.
DON’T let family or friends distract you from your goal: True friends and supportive family members will understand.
DON’T get so involved in your schoolwork that you neglect a healthy relationship. A truly healthy relationship will enable you to complete your program faster.
DO get involved in study groups and other academic endeavors. Two heads are better than one.
DO socialize with department associates. You don’t have to like everyone a whole lot, but you do have to work with everyone.
DO establish healthy functional relationships that don’t interfere with your academic progress. Life is not all graduate school, so you will need these relationships to sustain and reaffirm your goals.
DO make time for enjoyable activities outside of academic work. All work and no play makes Jack /Jill dull.
DO get involved in service to your community that allows you to share your talents. Your community needs this, and so do you.
DO maintain a positive spiritual relationship. Above all else, your faith will see you through.

DON’T assume that everything bad that happens is a result of racism. You may have brought the misfortune on yourself.
DON’T take on the entire burdens of your race. You should not take blame for inappropriate behavior of people who happen to belong to your race.
DON’T become the official spokes-person for your race. You don’t have to answer questions that begin, “How do people of your race feel about. …”
DON’T fight causes you can’t win. Choose your battles carefully and make sure they are worth your investment.
DON’T exclude people from outside of your race: It often will be necessary to work with other groups in order to accomplish your goals.
DO support others with similar backgrounds: There is strength in numbers; working together and sharing can often make all the difference.
DO remember where you came from. When things get really bad, the folks where you come from will help you the most.
DO research issues that are important to you. Your agenda might be different.
DO establish and nourish a strong sense of self: Knowing who you are will make life easier when you are challenged on the basis of your race, gender, religion, or other defining characteristics.
DO go when invited. Go even if you don’t want to listen to “that kind of music or eat that kind of food.”