Graduate Calendar

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.

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

Do your palms sweat at the thought of presenting in class or at a conference? You're not alone—and you're not stuck. This workshop is designed specifically for graduate students who want to conquer their fear of public speaking and become confident, compelling communicators. 
 
In this workshop, you will learn how to:
•    Understand the psychology behind speaking anxiety
•    Reframe nervous energy into powerful presence
•    Structure and deliver clear, impactful messages
•    Practice techniques for managing stress and building confidence
 
Whether you're preparing for a thesis defense, teaching your first class, or presenting at a professional conference, this workshop will equip you with the tools to speak with clarity, confidence, and authenticity.

Do your palms sweat at the thought of presenting in class or at a conference? You're not alone—and you're not stuck. This workshop is designed specifically for graduate students who want to conquer their fear of public speaking and become confident, compelling communicators.

In this workshop, you will learn how to:
• Understand the psychology behind speaking anxiety
• Reframe nervous energy into powerful presence
• Structure and deliver clear, impactful messages
• Practice techniques for managing stress and building confidence

Whether you're preparing for a thesis defense, teaching your first class, or presenting at a professional conference, this workshop will equip you with the tools to speak with clarity, confidence, and authenticity.

Presented by: Mark Paz, Assistant Professor of Construction, Department of Communication Studies

Elevate your professional presence on LinkedIn with essential strategies. Discover how to craft a standout profile, strategically network, and unlock hidden opportunities in the job market. This Shop Talk session will provide actionable insights to help you navigate LinkedIn with confidence and maximize your career potential.

Elevate your professional presence on LinkedIn with essential strategies. Discover how to craft a standout profile, strategically network, and unlock hidden opportunities in the job market. This Shop Talk session will provide actionable insights to help you navigate LinkedIn with confidence and maximize your career potential.

Presented by: Sherry Yang, Career Counselor, Career Services

In this session, students will learn about preparing for the Graduate Student Research Conference (GSRC), held by The Graduate College. The GSRC will be a live in-person poster conference. This Shop Talks session will provide an overview of the conference, details about how to create an excellent poster, and information about submitting the poster for the conference. We hope to have lots of graduate students showcase their work in the GSRC!

In this session, students will learn about preparing for the Graduate Student Research Conference (GSRC), held by The Graduate College. The GSRC will be a live in-person poster conference. This Shop Talks session will provide an overview of the conference, details about how to create an excellent poster, and information about submitting the poster for the conference. We hope to have lots of graduate students showcase their work in the GSRC!

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

This Shop Talks session is designed for doctoral students seeking tenure-track and lecturer positions at four-year colleges and universities. It covers the last part of the interview process, namely job offer negotiations. Specifically, we will discuss which factors to consider when evaluating a job offer, what questions to ask, and how to negotiate the terms you were offered. In addition, we will discuss concerns of dual career couples and international students.

This Shop Talks session is designed for doctoral students seeking tenure-track and lecturer positions at four-year colleges and universities. It covers the last part of the interview process, namely job offer negotiations. Specifically, we will discuss which factors to consider when evaluating a job offer, what questions to ask, and how to negotiate the terms you were offered. In addition, we will discuss concerns of dual career couples and international students.

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

When you write a thesis, dissertation, or academic journal article, you are addressing a small audience of academics in your field. However, academic writers sometimes need to speak to wider audiences with limited or no specialized knowledge, such as when writing proposals for funding, when creating outreach materials for the public, or when communicating with the media. During this session, you will gain practice with the following:

• analyzing your audience
• recognizing and avoiding jargon
• editing for simplicity and conciseness
• using examples and anecdotes
• writing with directness

When you write a thesis, dissertation, or academic journal article, you are addressing a small audience of academics in your field. However, academic writers sometimes need to speak to wider audiences with limited or no specialized knowledge, such as when writing proposals for funding, when creating outreach materials for the public, or when communicating with the media. During this session, you will gain practice with the following:

• analyzing your audience
• recognizing and avoiding jargon
• editing for simplicity and conciseness
• using examples and anecdotes
• writing with directness

Presented by: Dr. Andrea Hilkovitz, External Funding Coordinator, The Graduate College &
Dr. Brian Smith, External Funding Coordinator, The Graduate College

This virtual workshop will equip you with the communication tools you need to effectively engage with professors, peers, and advisors. Learn how to craft professional emails, navigate office hours with ease, and handle advisor relationships with confidence. We’ll also cover best practices for collaborating with classmates, ensuring you make a positive impression in all your academic interactions. Join us to sharpen your skills in professional communication and build the confidence to handle any situation that comes your way!

This virtual workshop will equip you with the communication tools you need to effectively engage with professors, peers, and advisors. Learn how to craft professional emails, navigate office hours with ease, and handle advisor relationships with confidence. We’ll also cover best practices for collaborating with classmates, ensuring you make a positive impression in all your academic interactions. Join us to sharpen your skills in professional communication and build the confidence to handle any situation that comes your way!

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

Feeling stuck in the cycle of perfectionism and procrastination? You are not alone. Join this interactive workshop designed for dissertation writers who want to move forward with confidence. A panel of experts from the Writing Center, Counseling Center, and a successful alum will share practical strategies to overcome perfectionism, manage stress, and keep your writing on track. Learn how to set realistic goals, maintain momentum, and silence the inner critic so you can finish strong.

After all, “perfectionism is the enemy of progress.”

Panelists:
Dr. Lauren Brentnell, Assistant Professor of Instruction in English and Associate Director of the University Writing Center
Dr. Alyssa Fernandez, Psychologists, The Counseling Center
Dr. Andrea Fernandez (Texas State alum, Ph.D. School Improvement, 2025), Area Superintendent, IDEA Public Schools
Moderator: Dr. Patti Giuffre, Associate Dean of The Graduate College

Feeling stuck in the cycle of perfectionism and procrastination? You are not alone. Join this interactive workshop designed for dissertation writers who want to move forward with confidence. A panel of experts from the Writing Center, Counseling Center, and a successful alum will share practical strategies to overcome perfectionism, manage stress, and keep your writing on track. Learn how to set realistic goals, maintain momentum, and silence the inner critic so you can finish strong.

After all, “perfectionism is the enemy of progress.”

Panelists:

Dr. Lauren Brentnell, Assistant Professor of Instruction in English and Associate Director of the University Writing Center
Dr. Alyssa Fernandez, Psychologists, The Counseling Center
Dr. Andrea Fernandez (Texas State alum, Ph.D. School Improvement, 2025), Area Superintendent, IDEA Public Schools
Moderator: Dr. Patti Giuffre, Associate Dean of The Graduate College

Comparison and perfectionism are difficult to avoid in graduate school. This webinar will not only provide information about these issues, but it will also include activities and a discussion about how to cope with perfectionistic tendencies, as well as comparing oneself to peers.

Comparison and perfectionism are difficult to avoid in graduate school. This webinar will not only provide information about these issues, but it will also include activities and a discussion about how to cope with perfectionistic tendencies, as well as comparing oneself to peers.

Presented by: Dr. Alyssa Fernandez, Psychologist, Counseling Center