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.

Summer 2025

Writing Support

One-On-One Support

One-on-one writing support sessions are available for students through the summer, whether in-person or online. These appointments can be used to make progress on thesis/dissertation projects or for specific writing assignments such as seminar papers. They can also be used to address particular writing skills, from organization and source integration to formatting and grammar. Please email Dr. John C. Hawkins to schedule an appointment.

Writing Clusters

We are currently assessing interest in small writing cluster groups for the summer. If we gather enough interest, we will schedule regular meeting times for a working group throughout the summer. The cluster will have a physical component and a virtual component, meaning that on- and off-campus students can participate. Please email Dr. John C. Hawkins if you are interested in participating in a writing cluster.

Thesis/Dissertation Preparation

Navigating the Thesis/Dissertation Proposal Stage with Ease

Thursday May 1st 4:30 - 5:30pm (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

Grad School Guide to a Dauntless Defense

Tuesday June 3rd 4:30-5:30pm (Virtual)
Thursday June 5th 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

Formatting your Thesis/Dissertation and Submitting your Final Deposit to ISU ReD

Thursday June 26th 4:00 - 5:15 (Virtual)

Learn how to create an account, add metadata, upload your work into ISU ReD, the institutional repository, 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. The Graduate School’s Erin Hastings will take you through the next steps and walk you through the Graduate School’s formatting template so you can complete your thesis/dissertation with ease.

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
Overview of Gradaute School template and formatting guidelines

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

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

May 5th - 9th: PhD Career Conference (11:00am - 12:00pm with new topics daily)

June 4th: Three Ways to Improve your Online Professional Presence (11:00 - 11:45am)

June 18th: Researching the Academic Job Market in your Field (11:00 - 11:45am)