Self-Determination. The political right of the majority to the exercise of power within the boundaries of a generally accepted political unit, area, or territory. The principle of self-determination is mentioned in the United Nations Charter and has often been stressed in resolutions passed by the UN General Assembly. The concept is most often used in connection with the right of colonies to independence.
grad-a person who has received a degree from a school (high school or college or university). alumna, alumnus, graduate, alum. Ivy Leaguer-a student or graduate at an Ivy League school. old boy-a former male pupil of a school.
Given the state of higher education today, students cannot afford to attend grad school to figure things out or just for the love of learning (Ironically, I did it for just that reason), and hope for fate to favor them. Students should approach grad school as a time to develop concrete professional skills. Since grad programs focus primarily on developing specialized knowledge, advanced critical thinking, and innovative research, grad students cannot rely solely on their programs to develop more basic skills.