Workshops

10-10:45 a.m. Thursdays
IRIC 329 and via Zoom
Meeting ID: 819 2308 9223

The Professional Development Initiative (PDI) includes events, workshops, and classes intended to provide opportunities to promote the academic and professional success of graduate students, postdocs and other early career trainees. This series of events is facilitated by the Career Services office.

• January 30: Landing Your Dream Academic Job: Tips for Applications and Interviews
• February 20: Breaking into Industry: Tips for Applications and Interviews
• February 27: Conference Networking: Proven Tips for Building Professional Relationships
• April 10: You are Worth It: Strategies for Salary Negotiations

3-4 p.m. Tuesdays
Via Zoom: https://uidaho.zoom.us/j/83450865632
Meeting ID: 834 5086 5632

The Prestigious Fellowship Workshop series, led by Dean Jerry McMurtry, prepares students to submit federal fellowship applications in the upcoming funding cycle, 2025 - 2026. Students in the final stages of writing an application for the GRFP, National Defense, or F31- NIH fellowships are encouraged to attend these sessions. Attendees may bring in-progress application documents and any questions they have about the application process. Additionally, students will learn the differences between the major prestigious fellowships, how to determine which fellowship is the best fit, and how to effectively plan for the 2025 - 2026 application cycle. Any students in need of faculty reviewers for fellowship application components may contact Michael Decker (mdecker@uidaho.edu) for assistance.

• February 18: Introduction to Fellowship Applications
• February 25: The Application Process and Components

12 – 1 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays
Via Zoom: https://uidaho.zoom.us/j/86598180151
Meeting ID: 865 9818 0151

Led by Faculty from the Counseling and Mental Health Center (CMHC), these monthly presentations center around mental health topics especially relevant to graduate and professional students.

• January 22: Addressing the Elephant in the Room: Managing Financial Stress in Graduate School
• February 18: Refresh Your Mind: A Guided Workshop for Mindfulness and Mood Boosting
• March 4: Reclaim Your Focus: How Technology is Stealing Our Attention – and What to Do About it

1-2 p.m. Wednesdays
IRIC 321 and via Zoom
Meeting ID: 876 3089 5130

The Graduate Writing Symposium, led by the Graduate Writing Consultants in partnership with the College of Graduate Studies, focuses on breaking down genre-specific writing topics into practical, easy-to-understand strategies. These interactive sessions are designed to help graduate students confidently begin their writing process with actionable tips and techniques. Topics include effectively approaching and organizing literature reviews, with an emphasis on synthesizing—rather than simply listing—source material. Additionally, the symposium will explore the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in graduate-level writing, addressing both practical applications and the ethical considerations surrounding AI usage.

• February 19: Literature Reviews
• March 19: Artificial Intelligence Ethics and Use Cases in Writing

10 a.m. Mondays
Via Zoom: https://uidaho.zoom.us/j/82268562320
Meeting ID: 822 6856 2320

Workshops in the “Grad Student How To” series are focused on important skills to learn as a graduate student, including formatting a thesis or dissertation, building and editing a study plan, the process for earning a graduate degree, funding a graduate education, and applying for GPSA awards.

HOW TO: Create a Study Plan and Check your Degree Audit

January 27

In this program, College of Graduate Studies staff will show students where they can access study plan resources, in addition to demonstrating some strategies for the study plan development process. Students will also learn how to interpret their Degree Audit and use this function as a tool to inform their study plan.

HOW TO: Steps to Your Graduate Degree

February 3

The College of Graduate Studies presents this workshop to guide currently enrolled graduate students through every step of the master's and PhD processes, including dates, deadlines, planning documents, and explanations of COGS forms and procedures. Students should bring their questions!

HOW TO: Format Your Thesis or Dissertation

February 24

This workshop helps graduate students understand how to start formatting a thesis or dissertation, provides helpful tips and guidelines, and describes all required components of a finished product. The workshop includes troubleshooting any problems students encounter during the formatting process.

HOW TO: Apply for GPSA Awards

March 3

Led by students from the Graduate and Professional Student Association (GPSA), this workshop will guide graduate students through the process of applying for Travel, Publication, or Exhibition Awards through GPSA. Covered topics will include eligibility, deadlines, application requirements, and helpful tips to make the process go smoothly.

HOW TO: Fund Your Graduate Education

March 17

Join members of the College of Graduate Studies team along with other prospective students to learn the process of grad school funding. This session takes a close look at opportunities and resources for funding your graduate education. (ideally for prospective students)

5-6 p.m. Tuesdays | via Zoom
Meeting ID: 864 0721 1044

The Center for the Integration of Research, Teaching and Learning (CIRTL) and the College of Graduate Studies present a series of workshops relevant to graduate students and postdocs seeking future faculty positions. These workshops will explore Teaching as Research (TAR) and Learning Through Diversity (LTD) pedagogical frameworks. Workshops will be led by Michael Decker and Dr. Jen Elbeck. This is a valuable opportunity for graduate students and postdocs to become involved in CIRTL levels, opportunities, and credentials. For more information about the benefits of becoming involved in the CIRTL network, contact Michael Decker at mdecker@uidaho.edu.

January 21 - Practices of Reflective/Scholarly Teaching: Participants will explore strategies for developing their pedagogical approach, as well as learn about inquisitive and reflective teaching methods, which may potentially produce publishable or presentable results.

February 11 - Universal Design for Learning: Participants in this session will learn evidence-based practices for adapting, adopting, and integrating techniques that support multiple means of engagement, representation, and expression of knowledge.

March 18 - Culturally Responsive Pedagogy: Participants will develop insight into the role that culture plays in framing student presence, participation, and success, and strategies for identifying and navigating both multiple barriers to, and opportunities for, inclusive learning mindful of the impact cultural differences play in engaged learning.

April 15 - Inclusion by Design: Participants will apply a simple but effective methodology for embedding inclusive teaching and learning principles and practices in all aspects of a class, from the syllabus to the first day to final grades and everything in-between.

May 6 – Sharing and Developing Next Steps: This conversational session is reserved for participants to share what they have learned, to answer any remaining questions, to seek input, and to share inspiration and tactics for making a difference in the learning and lives of their students.

In person: 1-2 p.m. Tuesdays 
IRIC Atrium
January 21, February 4 & 25, March 18, April 1 & 15

Virtual: 5-6 p.m. Thursdays 
https://uidaho.zoom.us/j/83482423165
February 13, March 6 & 27, April 10

Graduate researchers can find support, share resources, and build community at the Grad Researcher Community Group, led by the College of Graduate Studies and graduate faculty members. This group is ideal for graduate students who wish to discuss their struggles and successes during the research process. Any graduate student or postdoc who is currently planning or conducting research is encouraged to join.

4-5 p.m. Thursdays
IPO Conference Room

The International Graduate Student Essentials Series is designed to address key topics that are especially relevant to international students. This series covers critical areas such as pathways to work sponsorship, mental health and well-being, and strategies for navigating global job markets. Participants will gain valuable skills while fostering connections and building a supportive community here at the University of Idaho.

• January 30: Cultural Differences Among Job Hiring Practices
• March 27: Fellowships and Grants for International Students
• April 24: Pathways to Work Sponsorship