Space Studies will be offering its annual “Cornerstone Conference” prior to fall semester. This conference provides an opportunity to visit the UND campus, meet professors and on-campus students, participate in the official School of Graduate Studies cornerstone session, and tour the UND Campus, Space Studies labs, and the School of Aerospace facilities. There will also be sessions with the Space Studies Graduate Director, Financial Aid, the Chester Fritz Library, as well as training for using HTMLeZ and Campus Connection and understanding The School of Graduate Studies forms process. A visit to the Space Studies Observatory is also planned. Cornerstone is open to all newly admitted students in the program, and to those already part way through their program.

A large majority of past distance education students attending the Capstone Week at the end of their Space Studies program have requested that we offer an cornerstone or cornerstone session at the beginning as well, rather than a first time meeting at the end of their program. They felt that it would have been a great advantage to visit the UND campus and meet their professors to learn about their research earlier in their studies. Here are a couple of recent comments:

“An early face to face would have been more beneficial at the beginning than at the end, as part of orienting us to the program and making tangible relationships with our professors, and maximizing our experiences through the life of the program.”

“The distance program is excellent, but it is hard to feel a part of the university without ever having been there.”

This year’s “Cornerstone Conference” is planned for August 20-23, 2013. This conference will include three full days of sessions beginning with an open house on Tuesday, August 20th at the Space Studies department at 5:00 p.m. and ending with a picnic on Friday evening. Attendance is not required, but strongly recommended for your benefit. Please submit your registration form as early as possible.

Students will be responsible for their own travel expenses including lodging and meals. Some meals will be provided. UND Housing will not be available due to campus students moving into the dorms for fall semester. Please contact Bev Fetter at fetter@space.edu, or dial toll-free 800-828-4274, extension 3197, or direct dial 701-777-3197 if you have any questions.