Workshop Series
The Graduate School Workshop Series offers students the opportunity to learn from members of the Graduate School and various other offices on campus about guidelines, processes, opportunities, and possibilities for assistance. The individual sessions cover a wide range of topics and will be offered each semester.
If you have any questions, please contact the Graduate School.
Writing Workshops
Writing in APA Style: An Interactive Guide
Tuesday January 28th 6:00pm - 7:30pm (In Person)
Thursday January 30th 7:00pm (Virtual)
This workshop helps graduate writers understand APA as a writing style that works in recognizable patterns. Rather than memorizing rules, participants will learn tools to navigate APA and use it intentionally in their academic writing. Topics include in-text citations and source integration, clarity and voice in APA, and use of the manual and website to answer questions.
Please bring questions: we will tailor each workshop to the material participants most want to cover.
Register for the January 28th In Person Session
Register for the January 30th Virtual (Zoom) Session
It’s Not Just You: Overcoming Writing Anxiety, Writer’s Block, and Other Invisible Challenges
Wednesday March 5th 5:00pm (In Person)
Thursday March 6th 7:00pm (Virtual)
Writing is hard for almost everyone, but writing at the graduate level is especially difficult, a process writing coach Michelle Boyd calls “a cognitively, technically, and emotionally harrowing feat.” Sometimes the brightest, most dedicated graduate students hit walls or find themselves struggling with the act of writing, particularly when pushing into thesis and dissertation projects. Learning to move through this resistance with adaptability and self-compassion is crucial for anyone whose work requires regular writing.
This small-group interactive session offers participants a chance to hear from other writers, reflect on their own challenges, and learn research-based tools for moving forward in the writing process. While writing may never be easy, it can become a site for meaningful work with others instead of an isolating burden.
Register for the March 5th In Person Session
Register for the March 6th Virtual (Zoom) Session
Saturday Writing Sprints
Saturday February 1st, February 22nd, April 5th, and April 26th 10am - 1pm
Are you easily distracted trying to work at home? Do you wish you could work with others in a quiet space? Join us for Saturday Writing Sprints! Coffee and light breakfast will be provided. Please register individually for each date you plan to attend to help us plan food counts.
Register for the February 1st Session
Register for the February 22nd Session
Register for the April 5th Session
Register for the April 26th Session
Spring Graduate Student Writing Retreat
Monday - Wednesday March 10th - 12th 9am - 3pm
One of the hardest things about writing as a graduate student is making time for the work. This writing retreat will allow participants to spend three days prioritizing their writing in a supportive and focused environment. The Graduate School will provide lunch and snacks so that you can progress on your thesis, dissertation, capstone, coursework, or any other writing project. Dr. Hawkins will also be on hand to provide any writing support you need.
You are welcome to attend for as many days as you like, but please register separately for each day to help us plan food counts.
Register for Monday March 10th
Register for Tuesday March 11th
Register for Wednesday March 12th
Thesis/Dissertation Preparation
Navigating the Thesis/Dissertation Proposal Stage with Ease
Thursday January 9th 4:00-5:00pm (Virtual)
You probably know the stress of grad school all too well, but the thesis and dissertation process does not have to feel overwhelming and isolated. If you are starting the process and are lost, then we are here to help! Erin Hastings, the Thesis & Dissertation Associate at the Graduate School, and Colby Cilento, Milner Library’s Copyright Officer, will be your fearless guides, going over the thesis/dissertation proposal processes and deadlines, and copyright procedures step by step so you can start the proposal milestone with ease!
Key Workshop Takeaways:
- Overview of Proposal processes and starting your research
- Copyright and IRB approval processes and who to contact
- Graduate School Committee Requirements
Register for the Virtual (Zoom) Session on January 9th
The Grad Student's Guide to Everything Milner
Thursday January 23rd 4:30-5:30pm (Virtual)
You’ve found yourself in grad school, now what? Did you know Milner Library has a plethora of helpful resources to help you navigate your research and next academic era with ease. Milner’s Colby Cilento will be your guide to all things grad school in the library!
Key Workshop Takeaways:
- Navigating resources available through Milner Library
- Discuss how those resources can help with research
- Provide opportunities for questions on library resources and research assistance
AI Considerations for Your Scholarship at ISU
Tuesday January 28th 4:30pm - 5:30pm (In Person)
Thursday January 30th 4:30pm - 5:30pm (Virtual)
AI is everywhere these days, but how are people actually using it? And will any of those applications help you as a graduate student to successfully complete your research? In this workshop, Milner Librarians, Grace Allbaugh and María Tudela and Graduate Research Assistant, Jewel Woodard, will engage participants in a discussion about considerations of using AI tools when developing and writing your thesis/dissertation.
Key Workshop Takeaways:
- Develop a greater awareness for how AI tools operate and various ways of interacting with them.
- Cultivate a deeper understanding of ethical uses of AI when developing thesis/dissertation content.
- Formulate questions and discussion points for your committee chair about AI incorporation.
Register for the January 28th In Person Session
Register for the January 30th Virtual (Zoom) Session
One-Click Citations and Bibliographies
Tuesday February 11th 4:30-5:30pm (Virtual)
Whether you're working on a course research project, finishing your comps, or writing your thesis/dissertation, keeping track of your sources can be daunting. Not to mention making sure your citations and references are formatted correctly! Facilitated by Jennifer Sharkey from Milner Library, learn how to use a free source management tool called Zotero so that you can easily and quickly collect and organize your sources; AND in Microsoft Word, insert in-text citations and generate bibliographies with a click of button.
Key Workshop Takeaways:
- How to keep track of sources and format citations
- Learning how to use Zotero, a free source management tool
- Inserting Zotero citations into Microsoft Word
Grad School Guide to a Dauntless Defense
Tuesday Feburary 18th 4:30-5:30pm (In Person - Milner 213C)
Tuesday February 25th 4:30-5:30pm (Virtual)
You’ve passed the proposal stage, done your research, and compiled it into a draft of your thesis/dissertation. You’re now ready to hold your oral defense! You can go into this milestone without fear, as the Graduate School’s Erin Hastings is here to guide you through defense planning, procedures, and wrapping up your thesis or dissertation as you prepare to complete this chapter of your academic journey.
Key Workshop Takeaways:
- Right to Defend requirements and filing procedures
- Defense planning
- Post-defense steps and graduation prep
Register for the In Person Session on Feb. 18th
Register for the Virtual (Zoom) Session on Feb. 25th
Depositing Your Thesis/Dissertation in ISU ReD
Tuesday March 4th 4:30-5:30pm (Virtual)
ISU ReD, Illinois State University’s institutional depository, is the showcase for the scholarly outputs of the university – and the home for the required final deposit of your thesis or dissertation. Learn how to create an account, add metadata, upload your work, make requested corrections, and submit your scholarship. Milner Library's Colby Cilento will lead you through these steps and also discuss your rights as an author, access options, embargoes, and answer your questions.
Key Workshop Takeaways:
- Learn how to complete your required deposit in ISU ReD
- Navigate through the process for making revisions and corrections
- Understand your role as author and the dissemination of your research
Flawless Thesis/Dissertation Formatting
Tuesday March 18th 4:30-5:30pm (Virtual)
It's all by design, you're at the point where you're beginning to write your thesis or dissertation...but where do you start? You're not on your own! In this workshop the Graduate School's Erin Hastings will walk you through writing resources, tips, and the Graduate School's formatting template so you can flawlessly write and format your thesis or dissertation.
Key Workshop Takeaways:
- Establishing a writing routine and mindful writing process
- Writing resources for grad students
- Overview of the Graduate School's template and formatting guidelines
Thesis/Dissertation Assistance Drop-In Hours
Questions about copyright permissions? Fighting a tricky formatting issue? Just need a friendly face to help you navigate the procedural issues related to submitting your thesis or dissertation? Erin Hastings, the Graduate School's Thesis & Dissertation Associate, and Colby Cilento, Milner Library's Copyright Librarian, have drop-in hours! Find them on the main floor of Milner Library on the following dates and times. No appointment needed.
| January 13 | 3:30 - 4:30 PM |
| January 27 | 3:30 - 4:30 PM |
| February 10 | 3:30 - 4:30 PM |
| February 24 | 3:30 - 4:30 PM |
| March 10 | 3:30 - 4:30 PM |
| March 24 | 3:30 - 4:30 PM |
| April 24 | 3:30 - 4:30 PM |
| April 28 | 3:30 - 4:30 PM |
Gradbird Teacher-Scholar Series
Presented by the Graduate School and the Scholarly Teaching Unit of the Center for Integrated Professional Development
A teacher-scholar integrates teaching and research across their academic identity by embracing professional growth and thoughtful reflection on their practice. The Gradbird Teacher-Scholar Series is a seminar series open to all graduate students at Illinois State University to help them grow as teachers, scholars, and professionals, with topics related to teaching, grant writing, and professional development opportunities. Held on Wednesday afternoons throughout the semester, these events are also opportunities to network with graduate students from across campus. Registration is not required and all sessions are free.
Spring 2025 dates and topics coming soon!
Career Preparation
Illinois State University has partnered with Beyond Graduate School and Beyond the Professoriate to offer Graduate Students access to a comprehensive set of career preparation tools. Participate in live webinars or access the library of content on your own schedule.
Beyond Graduate School (Master's Students)
Beyond Graduate School is a one-of-a-kind, online platform that helps master’s students make the most out of their investment and build their careers. From video lessons on career exploration, to writing application materials, to interviewing and negotiating for that next career step — Beyond Grad School helps master’s students through each stage of their job search.
To log in, visit Beyond Graduate School, select Illinois State University, and enter your ULID and password.
Upcoming synchronous online events offered through the Beyond Graduate School Platform
Jan. 15th: I'm Submitting Resumes But Not Hearing Back (1:00 - 1:30pm)
Feb. 10th - 13th: How Master's Students Can Land Jobs And Gain Work Experience (1:00 - 1:30pm with new topics each day)
March 5th: Using LinkedIn In Your Job Search (1:00 - 1:30pm)
March 19th: How To Ace Your Interview As A Master's Student (1:00 - 1:30pm)
April 2nd: What To Do If You Are Getting Interviews But No Job Offers (1:00 - 1:30pm)
April 16th: How To Prepare For Your First 90 Days On The Job (1:00 - 1:30pm)
May 14th: Maintaining And Growing Your Network (1:00 - 1:30pm)
May 28th: Identifying Opportunities To Advance In Your Career (1:00 - 1:30pm)
Beyond the Professoriate (Doctoral Students)
Beyond the Professoriate’s Career Training Platform is an online professional development tool where postdocs and doctoral students can explore career options and learn job search strategies. Through two programs of study (Academic Careers and Professional Careers), students are empowered to make informed decisions about their career path and learn successful job search strategies from other PhDs.
To log in simply visit Beyond Prof’s Career Training Platform, select Illinois State University, and enter your ULID and password.
Upcoming online synchronous events offered through the Beyond the Professoriate Platform
Jan. 15th: Why A Successful Job Search Is A Focused Job Search (11:00am - 12:00pm)
Feb. 5th: How PhDs Can Identify Non-Academic Career Options (11:00am - 12:00pm)
Feb. 19th: Writing Resumes That Communicate Your Value To Employers (11:00am - 12:00pm)
March 5th: Going Beyond LinkedIn - How To Unlock The Hidden Job Market (11:00am - 12:00pm)
March 19th: How To Ace Your Non-Academic Interview (11:00am - 12:00pm)
April 2nd: What PhDs Need To Know About The Academic Job Market (11:00am - 12:00pm)
April 16th: Using AI In Your Job Search (11:00am - 12:00pm)
May 5th - 9th: PhD Career Conference ((11:00am - 12:00pm with new topics daily)