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
Spring 2025 events coming soon!
Thesis/Dissertation Preparation
Navigating the Thesis/Dissertation Proposal Stage with Ease
Tuesday November 19th 4:30-5:30pm (In Person - Milner 213C)
Thursday November 21st 4:30-5:30pm (Virtual)
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 In Person Session on Nov. 19th
Register for the Virtual (Zoom) Session on Nov. 21st
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
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
Thursday Feburary 20th 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. 20th
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.
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.
| December 3rd | 3:30 - 4:30 PM |
| December 6th | 10:30 - 11:30 AM |
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.
Strategies for Writing Grant Proposals and Fellowship Applications
November 13, 2024 * Williams Hall 314 * 3 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Dr. John C. Hawkins, Post-Doctoral Writing Fellow
This interactive workshop will present graduate students with practical strategies for drafting grant proposals and fellowship cover letters. Topics will include identifying points of connection with the audience, organizing and formatting the writing, and using specific details to bring applicants' past work to life. Participants will also have the opportunity to develop their own proposals and receive feedback.
Fall 2024 Wrap-Up
December 4, 2024 * Williams Hall 314 * 3 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Join fellow graduate students, as well as Graduate School and Scholarly Teaching staff to celebrate the end of the semester with snacks, and a chance to have some co-working time to get end of the semester grading and writing done.
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
Nov. 20th: How To Unlock The Hidden Job Market (And Why You Need To Stop Looking At Job Boards). (1:00 - 1:30pm)
Dec. 11th: Networking But Not Landing Interviews? Common Mistakes And What To Do Instead (1:00 - 1:30)
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
Nov. 20th: How To Prepare For A First Round Interview For A Faculty Job (11:00 - 11:45am)
Dec. 9th - Dec. 12th: How To Decide Between An Academic And Non-Academic Career (11:00 - 11:45am with new topics daily)
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)