Graduate Student Event Digest, Sept. 18-25

September 16, 2024

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - Whether it is learning about imposter syndrome, picking up new teaching tips or understanding how to set healthy academic boundaries, graduate students can find many workshops and community events between Sept. 18 and 25 designed to support graduate student success at Penn State.

This list's events are hosted by the J. Jeffrey and Ann Marie Fox Graduate School and partner units around the University. Community members interested in having graduate student events included in future lists can contact Liam Jackson at [email protected]for more information.

Inclusive Teaching Practices

Hosted by the Schreyer Institute for Teaching Excellence
Wednesday, Sept. 18, 10-11 a.m., Online via Zoom

This workshop examines what inclusive teaching is and why it matters for student learning. Presenters will discuss practices that can cultivate a sense of belonging for students during the first few weeks of the semester. Participants will also look beyond the critical first weeks of the semester and determine a set of inclusive teaching practices they can implement throughout the semester. Students can register for "Inclusive Teaching Practices" here.

An Introduction to Active Learning

Hosted by the Schreyer Institute for Teaching Excellence
Tuesday, Sept. 24, 10-11 a.m., Online via Zoom

This interactive workshop offers participants a first look at active learning and how active learning can be used in the classroom. Participants will build their understanding of what active learning is, how to effectively use active learning, and methods and techniques to leverage active learning in their own teaching. Students can register for "An Introduction to Active Learning" here.

Physical & Mathematical Sciences Library Open House

Hosted by the University Libraries
Tuesday, Sept. 24, Noon-5 p.m., 201 Davey Lab

The University Libraries Open House event is an interactive and fun event that introduces students to University Library resources and services. Each year, thousands of students participate. Advance registration is not required.

Before You Apply - Graduate Application Workshop Series

Hosted by the Fox Graduate School's Office of Graduate Educational Equity Programs and the Division of Undergraduate Studies
Tuesday, Sept. 24, 5-6 p.m., 301 Benkovic Building

This workshop series is geared toward undergraduate students considering graduate school or master's students applying for a doctoral degree program. The first in a three-part series, the "Before You Apply" workshop will feature a panel of Penn State faculty and staff who will share admissions knowledge and experience. Register for the "Before You Apply" workshop here.

Strategies for Reading Academic Articles

Hosted by the English for Professional Purposes Intercultural Center
Tuesday, Sept. 24, 4:30-6 p.m., E403 Paterno Library

International students and postdoctoral scholars can learn skills to improve group collaboration at this discussion, part of EPPIC's semester-long Foundational Academic Skills in the United States workshop series. Interested students can register on the EPPIC website.

The College Classroom

Hosted by the Center for the Integration of Research, Teaching, and Learning (CIRTL)
Tuesdays, Sept. 24-Dec. 10, 2-3:30 p.m., Online via Zoom

This twelve-week course will focus on developing inclusive, learner-centered approaches to teaching. Participants will explore the interconnectedness of learning objectives, assessment, and learning activities through both discussion of course materials and developing and practicing their own lesson plan. Penn State graduate students and postdoctoral researchers can register for this series for free.

Managing the Impostor Phenomenon as a Grad Student

Hosted by the Schreyer Institute for Teaching Excellence
Wednesday, Sept. 25, 10:10-11:25 a.m., Online via Zoom

In this workshop, presenters consider the critical complexities of impostor phenomenon experiences for graduate students as well as the implications this has for wellbeing, academic work and teaching. Topics include how to productively manage impostor phenomenon at the individual level and how strategize what it might mean to effect culture change in graduate school. Students can register for "Managing the Impostor Phenomenon as a Grad Student" here.

Setting Boundaries and Building Healthy Relationships

Hosted by the Fox Graduate School's Office of Graduate Educational Equity Programs and the Gender Equity Center
Wednesday, Sept. 25, Noon-1 p.m., 107 Pasquerilla Center (Memorial Lounge)

The first session of the Graduate Empowerment & Equity Series, this event will allow participants to learn how to set healthy academic relationships that can set the foundation for future success. Students can register for "Setting Boundaries and Building Healthy Relationships" here.

Relatable Research: Communicating Complex Ideas to the Public

Hosted by the Fox Graduate School
Wednesday, Sept. 25, Noon-1 p.m., Online via Zoom

This two-part workshop series is designed to help graduate students communicate their research to a broad audience. Led by two Penn State faculty members - Marcy Milhomme, associate teaching professor for continuing education in communication arts and sciences, and Andy Gustafson, associate clinical professor of accounting - the workshop will focus on how structured and dynamic communication can set a speaker on a path for success. This is a two-part workshop series, and students must be available Sept. 25 and Oct. 2 at noon. Students can register for the "Relatable Research" series here.