Graduate Calendar

The Graduate College is hosting the New Graduate Student Orientation: Meet & Greet events on the San Marcos and Round Rock campuses for all graduate students who began their programs during Spring, Summer, or Fall 2026.

• Browse university-wide student resources at the support services showcase and get your questions answered by representatives.
  
• Meet new graduate students from programs across campus and the Deans and staff of The Graduate College.
  
• Attend breakout sessions with valuable information for graduate student success.
  
• Enjoy games and snacks, and enter to win raffle prizes including a Texas State Bookstore gift card and other swag!
  

If you have any questions, contact us at futuregrad@txstate.edu. We wish you the best as you embark on your graduate studies!

If you require accommodations due to a disability in order to participate, please contact futuregrad@txstate.edu at least 72 hours in advance of the event.

Think of this Shop Talks session as a mini-orientation or orientation refresher! Ashley Carrington, Student Development Specialist II at The Graduate College, goes over several resources available through The Graduate College and the university, including career prep services, library tools, graduate student organizations, funding opportunities, and more. Tips from Ashley and other graduate students also shared at the end of this presentation that can help you succeed in your graduate studies.

Presented by Ashley Carrington, Student Development Specialist II for Retention, The Graduate College

Register today!

Think of this Shop Talks session as a mini-orientation or orientation refresher! Ashley Carrington, Student Development Specialist II at The Graduate College, goes over several online resources available through The Graduate College and the university, including career prep services, library tools, graduate student organizations, funding opportunities, and more. Tips from Ashley and other online graduate students also shared at the end of this presentation that can help you succeed in your online graduate studies.

Presented by: Ashley Carrington, Student Development Specialist II for Retention Initiatives, The Graduate College

Register today!

Have a business idea that’s ready for the next step? The Campus-to-Community (C2C) Student Fund helps student entrepreneurs turn campus ventures into real-world businesses. In this workshop, you’ll learn how C2C supports students from all majors—undergraduate and graduate— with mentorship, funding opportunities, and hands-on guidance. You’ll discover how to refine your business idea, test your market, and build a compelling pitch—while connecting with experienced entrepreneurs, investors, and alumni who can help open doors.
More than just a competition, C2C is a launchpad into the regional startup community. As part of the program, selected students pitch their ideas to Bobcat alumni and receive valuable feedback to move their ventures forward.

In this workshop, you will:
Learn what the C2C program offers and who should apply
Understand the application process and key deadlines
Get practical tips to strengthen your application and pitch.

Presented by: Quinn Valentine, Director, Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship, 
Kendall Perkinson, Program Coordinator, Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship, &
Tyson Rizzo, Fund Architect & Manager for the Campus to Community Launch Fund, Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship

Register today!

Interested in participating in the 3MT® competition? Join Graduate College Associate Dean, Dr. Patti Giuffre, for a 3MT® orientation and tips session, which will cover everything you need to know about preparing for and participating in the 3MT®.
The 3MT® is a research communication competition in which PhD/EdD and master's students on a thesis track present their thesis or dissertation research in three minutes or less and with one PowerPoint slide. More information can be found on our website, visit: www.gradcollege.txst.edu…
This workshop covers finding unique databases, identifying important articles through citation analysis, using citation management tools, exploring a topic with knowledge graphs, and opportunities for publishing your scholarship and building your research identity.

Presented by Dr. Patti Giuffre, Associate Dean, The Graduate College

Register today!

This Shop Talks session is designed for doctoral students seeking tenure-track and lecturer positions at four-year colleges and universities. It will provide an overview of different types of universities, the typical timeline of job searches, and job application materials. In addition, participants will learn where positions are posted, how to read job advertisements, and how to prepare the various documents needed for applications. It is never too early to participate in this workshop: The earlier you know what is expected, the better you can seek out opportunities during your graduate career that will make you marketable later on. (Interviews and negotiations will be covered in later workshops.) Job interviews and job offer negotiations will be covered in separate sessions.

Presented by Dr. Andrea Golato, Dean, The Graduate College

Register today!

Graduate students are more successful in their graduate studies and future careers if they have productive mentorship relationships. This session will provide tips about working successfully, effectively, and efficiently with research advisors, thesis or dissertation committee chairs, and/or mentors. The Associate Dean of The Graduate College will provide several tips for communicating and clarifying expectations with research advisors. By attending this session, you will learn how to seek out advisors and mentors, what to expect from an advisor or mentor, and what your role in a mentorship relationship involves.

Presented by: Dr. Patti Giuffre, Associate Dean, The Graduate College

Register today!

This presentation will introduce participants to the fundamentals of good science communication. Attendees will learn techniques such as storytelling and visual design, as well as strategies for increasing clarity while decreasing length. Whether you are preparing to present in the 3MT® competition, submit an application for external funding, or share the results of your research with the general public, this session will give you the tools you need to engage your audience and improve their understanding and recall.

Presented by Dr. Andrea Hilkovitz, External Funding Coordinator, The Graduate College

Register today!

Graduate school is time-consuming, and balancing academic, work, and personal life is challenging. This session will provide attendees with tips and techniques for evaluating and managing their time and attention. Students will learn mindful productivity strategies to increase time for deep work and reduce stress and overwhelm. Both print and digital tools will be introduced.

Presented by Donna Dean, Research Coaching Coordinator, University Libraries

Register today!

Thinking about the faculty job market? Join us for an insider conversation with recent TXST graduate alumni who have successfully navigated the transition from graduate student to faculty member. These new faculty will share what they learned on the job market: what worked, what surprised them, and what they wish they had known before applying and interviewing. From crafting strong applications to surviving campus visits and evaluating offers, you’ll hear practical advice, real-world insights, and honest reflections you won’t find in a handbook. Whether you’re just starting to think about academic careers or preparing to go on the market soon, this session will help you approach the process with greater confidence and clarity.

Panelists:
Dr. Katlyn Cassagrande, Assistant Professor, Department of Criminal Justice, Utah State University
Dr. Dillon Monroe, Assistant Professor, Department of Biology, Southern Utah University
Dr. Bren Vander Weil, Assistant Professor of Instruction and Undergraduate Coordinator, Department of Geography and Environmental Studies, Texas State University
Dr. Elizabeth Wrightsman, Assistant Professor, Department of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences, University of Nebraska at Omaha
Moderator: Dr. Patti Giuffre, Associate Dean, The Graduate College