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Services and Information for Pratt Master's Students

March 17, 2020

Dear Pratt Master’s Students:

In these challenging and unprecedented times, the Pratt Master’s Programs team wants to make sure you know we are here for you, and that we have adapted our services to continue to support your success as a Duke Engineering student. 

In this message, we summarize some key information about how to access student services during this time. The situation is changing rapidly, and information is being updated on a regular basis. We strongly encourage you to bookmark the websites below and check these sites first for answers to any questions you may have. Please also make sure you read all emails from Duke University, Pratt, and your department or program.

  • Duke Coronavirus Response—coronavirus.duke.edu
    Includes all university-wide messages and important links to resources
  • Keep Learning @ Duke—coronavirus.duke.edu
    Student resources and FAQS, including an “International Students” section focused on visa issues and “Student Health and Wellness” focused on health services resources, including mental health support.
  • International House—studentaffairs.duke.edu/ihouse
    You can schedule remote appointments with IHouse staff each business day to discuss questions and concerns you have as an international student.
  • Emergency Food—dukegpsc.org/resources-for-students/community-pantry
    The GPSC Community Pantry is fully operational. Precautions have been set into place—the number of people gathered in the pantry at one time is controlled, surfaces are regularly sanitized, and all visitors are required to wash their hands upon arrival. There is no limit to the items you may take during walk-in hours (Wednesday 5:00-8:00 p.m. and Saturday 3:00-6:00 p.m.). If you have further questions, please contact gpscpantry@gmail.com
  • Graduate and Professional Student Council (GPSC) Resources—dukegpsc.org/resources-for-students
    GPSC has many resources available to you, including an Emergency Travel Fund and Lawyer Assistance program.

If you are unable to find the answers to any questions you may have or if you have additional concerns, we encourage you to reach out to the Graduate Student Programs and Services team at pratt-masters-studentservices@duke.edu.

For visa and travel-related questions, please reach out to Duke Visa Services at visahelp@mc.duke.edu. 

Be assured that the student services we provide will continue, although in altered format, and we’ve worked hard to make sure you have the best experience possible.

Here are some important details:

Career Services for Engineering Master's Students

  • Online Career Coaching appointments are available in CareerConnections
  • Daily online Job and Internship Search Office Hours are available with no appointment required; visit this dashboard to see upcoming times and retrieve the link
  • Search Work Teams provide an opportunity for students to execute their search with a team focused on accountability, support, and metrics. Apply to join a team online here and you will be contacted as space is available.
  • Online resources custom-designed for Engineering Master's students are available

Pratt Graduate Communications Center (GCC) Appointments

  • All Graduate Communications Center appointments will now be held online only
  • To attend your GCC appointment, please log onto the WCO scheduling system a few minutes before your appointment and click on your scheduled appointment. 
  • You will see the words "START OR JOIN ONLINE CONSULTATION" in red in the appointment window. Click this link. You may need to allow the use of your computer's microphone and camera
  • The WCO scheduling system allows for video conferencing, chat, and synchronous document editing and commenting between the student and the consultant. Students can import documents they would like to work on as needed
  • If you have any questions about this online functionality or if you have difficulty accessing your appointment, please email us at gcc-pratt@duke.edu 

In closing, we want to remind you of a few key things to help keep you and our community members as safe and healthy as possible.

  • You should not be coming to campus.
  • Hold any team meetings using online collaboration tools like Zoom
  • Refrain from hosting or participating in gatherings off campus
  • Follow current recommendations, including washing your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds; avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth; coughing/sneezing into a tissue or your sleeve; avoiding close contact with those who are sick; and staying home when you are sick
  • Practice “social distancing” as a way to reduce exposure, slow the spread, and minimize transmission of contagious diseases. Maintain at least a six-foot distance, avoid shaking hands and close physical contact, and stay away from public places whenever possible
  • Be there for each other—virtually. Set up informal online chats, use social media to connect, and reach out to friends who may feel vulnerable. Be kind and flexible with one another. These are tough times—we are stronger together

Again, we know this is a very difficult time, and we are absolutely here for you. We don’t have all the answers, and information is changing rapidly. Please check the sites above regularly for the most up-to-date information. And if there is anything we can do to support you, please do not hesitate to reach out to us at pratt-masters-studentservices@duke.edu.

Best regards, 

Deb Wojcik
Director of Graduate Student Programs & Services, on behalf of the Engineering Master’s Program