Professional Development Workshops

Are you a new Graduate Teaching Assistant? Embarking on your journey as a graduate student instructor can be both exciting and daunting. This workshop is designed to equip you with the essential strategies and confidence needed to navigate your first day of teaching undergraduate students.

August 4, 11:00-12:30 p.m.; Zoom

This workshop discusses dynamics pertaining to teaching in the college classroom and presents pedagogical strategies for promoting student success such as Active Learning and Retrieval Practice.

August 20, 4:00-5:30 p.m.; Albright Entrepreneurship Garage Classroom

This workshop discusses dynamics pertaining to teaching in the college classroom and presents pedagogical strategies for promoting student success such as Active Learning and Retrieval Practice.

August 21, 1:30-3:00 p.m.; Zoom

Create solidly grounded learning experiences for your students by ensuring that course objectives are aligned with assessments and learning activities. To do this, we will look at evidence-based methods such as Backward Design and engage in analyzing and discussing examples. 

August 27, 4:00-5:30 p.m.; In-person TBD

Participants in this workshop will practice strategies for time managing a writing project and choosing a journal to publish their work. Specifically, participants will practice how to: Search for journals that are a good “fit” with their discipline and project, critically and navigate interpret journal websites to identify the journal’s scope, mission, and audiences, plan and manage a journal article or other large writing project, and set writing-related goals.

August 28, 12:00- 1:30 p.m.; Zoom

Create solidly grounded learning experiences for your students by ensuring that course objectives are aligned with assessments and learning activities. To do this, we will look at evidence-based methods such as Backward Design and engage in analyzing and discussing examples. 

August 29, 11:00-12:30 p.m.; Zoom

Contact colleagues at NC State and beyond with tact and ease! In this workshop, you will gain strategies for crafting effective professional emails. Participants will practice and discuss strategies for: organizing a professional email message, making inquiries and requests, and creating a professional tone or voice in email.

August 29; 1:00-2:00 p.m.; Zoom

In this two part workshop, we’ll focus on strategies for planning and managing a writing project, as well as fundamental tips for structuring writing for a variety of contexts. Participants will clarify their writing goals for the semester and learn strategies to implement on current and future writing projects. We will use different genres of writing projects as case studies, so participants will also gain tips for summarizing, paraphrasing, and synthesizing their writing projects.

September 2, 1:15-2:45 p.m.; Engineering Building II (EB 2) Room 1226

September 9, 1:15-2:45 p.m.; Engineering Building II (EB 2) Room 1226

Graduate school is a time of transition, so it is normal to experience a myriad of emotions during the course of your graduate experience. Join Michael Tuma, the Embedded Counselor for Graduate Students, to learn more about the campus resources and support that will help you not only survive graduate school but also THRIVE.

September 3, 12:00-1:00 p.m.; Zoom

Looking to engage your students? Explore strategies for promoting student engagement through methods such as pair-and-share, social annotation, collaborative projects and interactive polling.

September 3, 4:00-5:30 p.m.; Albright Entrepreneurship Garage Classroom

Developing one’s thesis and dissertation can be a intimidating final task to complete in your graduate degree. Through this workshop we will discuss how to build your own dissertation or thesis strategies “toolkit” to build your confidence when starting this process. We will cover an overview of what to expect from the thesis or dissertation process, create a manageable timeline, discuss best strategies for challenges and develop your communication strategy with your committee for success.

September 3, 1:00-2:30 p.m.; Albright Entrepreneurship Garage Classroom

Looking to engage your students? Explore strategies for promoting student engagement through methods such as pair-and-share, social annotation, collaborative projects and interactive polling.

September 5, 11:00-12:30 p.m.; Zoom

Speaker information coming soon.

September 5, 1:00-2:00 p.m.; Zoom

How do you assess student learning? In this workshop, you will learn about different approaches to assessment. You’ll also learn about rubrics and how they can help promote consistency and efficiency in your grading. 

September 10, 4:00-5:30 p.m.; Albright Entrepreneurship Garage Classroom

How do you assess student learning? In this workshop, you will learn about different approaches to assessment. You’ll also learn about rubrics and how they can help promote consistency and efficiency in your grading. 

September 12, 11:00-12:30 p.m.; Zoom

Translating your resume to a curriculum vitae and vice versa can be a daunting task, especially when trying to figure out which document will work best for your professional field. Join the Graduate School for a virtual workshop that will focus on the best approach for creating a CV for your academic and professional goals.

September 12, 1:00-2:30 p.m.; Zoom

Michael Giancola, Assistant Vice Chancellor and Student Ombuds, has helped many graduate students and postdocs navigate challenges in their mentor/mentee relationships. He will share proactive guidance for how to have successful and effective mentoring relationships with faculty.

September 17, 12:00-1:00 p.m.; Zoom

Strive to create a learning environment that accommodates and welcomes all learners by learning about approaches such as Universal Design for Learning and Culturally Responsive Teaching.

September 17, 4:00-5:30 p.m.; Albright Entrepreneurship Garage Classroom

Facilitated by the Director of Teaching Programs in the Graduate School, this is a multi-part discussion session series for graduate students and postdoctoral research scholars focused on questions, issues and challenges regarding the use of generative AI in teaching and learning (e.g., classroom). As a group, we will also explore perspectives and potential opportunities for how AI tools can enhance instructional strategies and student engagement. Please join us for this engaging, interactive learning experience!

September 18, 4:30-6:00 p.m.; Graduate School Conference Room 2328

Are you struggling with writing your thesis or dissertation? Join the Communication Skills Program with our virtual workshop, where we will discuss writing strategies to help address challenges of writing your thesis or dissertation. We will focus on common challenges of maintaining motivation, writer’s block, as well as review writing techniques to assist you in developing your thesis or dissertation to be defense ready. 

September 18, 11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m.; Zoom

Strive to create a learning environment that accommodates and welcomes all learners by learning about approaches such as Universal Design for Learning and Culturally Responsive Teaching.

September 19, 11:00-12:30 p.m.; Zoom

Speaker information coming soon.

September 19, 1:00-2:00 p.m.; Zoom

In this two part workshop, we’ll focus on strategies for planning and managing a writing project, as well as fundamental tips for structuring writing for a variety of contexts. Participants will clarify their writing goals for the semester and learn strategies to implement on current and future writing projects. We will use different genres of writing projects as case studies, so participants will also gain tips for summarizing, paraphrasing, and synthesizing their writing projects.

September 19, 2:00-3:30 p.m.; Zoom

September 26, 2:00-3:30 p.m.; Zoom

Join the Graduate School for an interactive workshop discussing how to approach the Electronic Thesis and Dissertation (ETD) process. This workshop will provide an overview of the ETD website, formatting specifications, graduation requirements, and resources that can help guide students through the ETD process. Participants will additionally get the opportunity to develop a thesis/dissertation writing timeline that aligns with their intended graduation date, as well as ask the ETD Reviewer questions about the overall process. This workshop is hybrid and free to attend, but registration is required.

September 24, 11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m.; Wilson College of Textiles, Convocation Center Room 2225

Are you ready to transform your teaching with effective, research-backed technology strategies? Join us for an interactive workshop where you’ll explore innovative tools and methods to enhance student learning and engagement. You’ll also explore ways to integrate technology into your course design so that it aligns with your teaching goals and demonstrates an intentional, strategic design process.

September 25, 3:00-4:30 p.m.; Zoom

In this interactive workshop, we address the challenge of creating literature reviews that situate your research for the dissertation or thesis. We will discuss strategies for locating research, as well as further your understanding of how to organize and synthesize literature reviews for your dissertation/thesis workshop.

September 30, 2:00 p.m.-3:30 p.m.; Graduate School Conference Room 2328

Need a way to cope with stress and anxiety? Mindfulness and meditation are constructive tools for mental health. Join Laura Boyd, Assistant Director and CARES Coordinator, and Christy Fiber Sigmon, Outreach and Resilience Specialist for Prevention Services, as they share techniques to regulate one’s emotional and mental well-being.

October 1, 12:00-1:00 p.m.; Zoom

How do you deal with Artificial Intelligence as a Graduate Teaching Assistant? What classroom policies should you have regarding questions of academic integrity? In what ways can generative AI be used to support the processes of teaching and learning? We’ll explore these questions and related issues in this interactive, discussion-focused workshop.

October 3, 11:00-12:30 p.m.; Zoom

Speaker information coming soon.

October 3, 1:00-2:00 p.m.; Zoom

Join the Graduate School for an interactive workshop discussing how to approach the Electronic Thesis and Dissertation (ETD) process. This workshop will provide an overview of the ETD website, formatting specifications, graduation requirements, and resources that can help guide students through the ETD process. Participants will additionally get the opportunity to develop a thesis/dissertation writing timeline that aligns with their intended graduation date, as well as ask the ETD Reviewer questions about the overall process. This workshop is virtual and free to attend, but registration is required.

October 3, 2:00-3:30 p.m.; Zoom

Do people say that your communicate style is too wordy? In this interactive Concise Communication (formerly Concise Writing) workshop, we’ll address the challenge of building clear, concise sentences that represent your science to diverse stakeholders. Using Richard Lanham’s famous “Paramedic Method” and other approaches, participants will leave the session with strategies for “user-friendly” sentences in reports and other areas of workplace communication.

October 7, 2:00-3:30 p.m.; Graduate School Conference Room 2328

The Virtual Writing Retreat Sprint offers graduate students and postdoctoral scholars dedicated time and structure to make progress on a major writing project in a supportive online setting.  The retreat is free to attend, but registration is required. 

October 13, 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.; Zoom

October 14, 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.; Zoom

Managing one’s money is an aspect of wellness; yet, knowing how to budget can be a challenge – especially in graduate school or as a postdoc! Tammy Adams, Financial Inclusion Leader for Truist Bank, will offer strategies for managing finances.

October 15, 12:00-1:00 p.m.; Zoom

Facilitated by the Director of Teaching Programs in the Graduate School, this is a multi-part discussion session series for graduate students and postdoctoral research scholars focused on questions, issues and challenges regarding the use of generative AI in teaching and learning (e.g., classroom). As a group, we will also explore perspectives and potential opportunities for how AI tools can enhance instructional strategies and student engagement. Please join us for this engaging, interactive learning experience!

October 16, 4:00-6:30 p.m.; Graduate School Conference Room 2328

Do people say that your communicate style is too wordy? In this interactive Concise Communication (formerly Concise Writing) workshop, we’ll address the challenge of building clear, concise sentences that represent your science to diverse stakeholders. Using Richard Lanham’s famous “Paramedic Method” and other approaches, participants will leave the session with strategies for “user-friendly” sentences in reports and other areas of workplace communication.

October 17, 12:00-1:30 p.m.; Zoom

In this two part workshop, we address the challenges of conveying your research story in a persuasive way for technical and nontechnical stakeholders. We will focus on various structures of writing across STEM and humanities fields to include organization and interpretation of results. These will include technical/non-technical reports, results & discussion sections or articles and theses, and similar types of writing projects.

October 21, 1:15-2:45 p.m.; Engineering Building II (EB 2) Room 1226

October 28, 1:15-2:45 p.m.; Engineering Building II (EB 2) Room 1226

Games can be an excellent means for promoting student engagement. Learn how game design principles can be applied in learning environments and different examples of how these can be implemented in your classroom.  

October 22, 4:00-5:30 p.m.; Albright Entrepreneurship Garage Classroom

Games can be an excellent means for promoting student engagement. Learn how game design principles can be applied in learning environments and different examples of how these can be implemented in your classroom.  

October 24, 11:00-12:30 p.m.; Zoom

In this two part workshop, we address the challenges of conveying your research story in a persuasive way for technical and nontechnical stakeholders. We will focus on various structures of writing across STEM and humanities fields to include organization and interpretation of results. These will include technical/non-technical reports, results & discussion sections or articles and theses, and similar types of writing projects.

October 24, 2:00-3:30 p.m.; Zoom

October 31, 2:00-3:30 p.m.; Zoom

Does it ever seem difficult to eat healthy, especially when money is limited? Tabitha Hickey, Coordinator for Wellness Programs in NC State’s Wellness and Recreation, will share how to follow a healthy diet while watching one’s finances.

October 29, 12:00-1:00 p.m.; Zoom

This workshop aims to provide some of the core fundamentals for effectively mentoring undergraduate students. You will explore key topics, including building supportive mentor-mentee relationships, setting realistic goals, offering constructive feedback, and fostering both academic and personal growth.

October 29, 4:00-5:30 p.m.; Albright Entrepreneurship Garage Classroom

Coming soon.

October 30, 4:30-6:00 p.m.; Graduate School Conference Room 2328

This workshop aims to provide some of the core fundamentals for effectively mentoring undergraduate students. You will explore key topics, including building supportive mentor-mentee relationships, setting realistic goals, offering constructive feedback, and fostering both academic and personal growth.

October 31, 11:00-12:30 p.m.; Zoom

Speaker information coming soon.

October 31, 1:00-2:00 p.m.; Zoom

Learn ways to interpret end-of-course evaluations so they can be a helpful tool for reflecting on your teaching and also as a resource for generating new ideas for change (e.g., continuous improvement). 

November 5, 4:00-5:30 p.m.; Albright Entrepreneurship Garage Classroom

Facilitated by the Director of Teaching Programs in the Graduate School, this is a multi-part discussion session series for graduate students and postdoctoral research scholars focused on questions, issues and challenges regarding the use of generative AI in teaching and learning (e.g., classroom). As a group, we will also explore perspectives and potential opportunities for how AI tools can enhance instructional strategies and student engagement. Please join us for this engaging, interactive learning experience!

November 6, 4:00-6:30 p.m.; Graduate School Conference Room 2328

Learn ways to interpret end-of-course evaluations so they can be a helpful tool for reflecting on your teaching and also as a resource for generating new ideas for change (e.g., continuous improvement). 

November 7, 11:00-12:30 p.m.; Zoom

Speaker information coming soon.

November 7, 1:00-2:00 p.m.; Zoom

Contact colleagues at NC State and beyond with tact and ease! In this workshop, you will gain strategies for crafting effective professional emails. Participants will practice and discuss strategies for: organizing a professional email message, making inquiries and requests, and creating a professional tone or voice in email.

November 7, 2:00-3:00 p.m.; Zoom

Time is something that there never seems to be enough of. However, there are ways to manage one’s time wisely, and this is an important skill to have as a graduate student or postdoc. Join Dr. Rhonda Sutton, Assistant Dean in the Graduate School, as she shares ways to engage in effective time management strategies.

November 12, 12:00-1:00 p.m.; Zoom

Understanding how to communicate in different situations ranging from academic to professional contexts is an essential skill in one’s professional development. In this interactive workshop, graduate students and postdoctoral scholars will be able to practice their speaking skills in the types of conversations expected within and outside of academia such as presentations or informal networking conversations. Additionally we will discuss best strategies to create effective verbal and nonverbal communication when encountering new communication situations as they arise. 

November 12, 3:00-4:30 p.m.; Graduate School Conference Room 2328

Speaker information coming soon.

November 14, 1:00-2:00 p.m.; Zoom

How would you describe your teaching philosophy to someone who has never observed your teaching? In this workshop, you’ll learn strategies for distilling the most important elements of your teaching philosophy and expressing it in a clear, succinct narrative. We will also consider how it can be used to highlight your strengths when applying for academic teaching positions. 

November 19, 4:00-5:30 p.m.; Albright Entrepreneurship Garage Classroom

How would you describe your teaching philosophy to someone who has never observed your teaching? In this workshop, you’ll learn strategies for distilling the most important elements of your teaching philosophy and expressing it in a clear, succinct narrative. We will also consider how it can be used to highlight your strengths when applying for academic teaching positions. 

November 21, 11:00-12:30 p.m.; Zoom

Speaker information coming soon.

November 21, 1:00-2:00 p.m.; Zoom