Graduate Student Professional Development Series

Supported through the generosity of the G. Philip Johnson Endowed Fund

Elevate your graduate journey with Professional Development Workshops designed to provide skills and knowledge that will support you educationally and professionally.

This series is offered by Oakland University’s Graduate School and through the generosity of the G. Phillip Johnson Endowed Fund. We encourage you to RSVP to reserve a spot below; all workshops are available in person or virtually through Zoom.

These workshops are part of the Graduate Student Professional Development Series. However, the free sessions are open to the OU community.

Nurturing Resilience: Self-Care Strategies to Combat Burnout and Fatigue Workshop

Speaker: Dr. Berkley Browne, PhD; Assistant Professor in the Department of Foundational Medical Studies, Associate Dean for Student Affairs and Career Development, Assistant Professor - Dept of Foundational Medical Studies

Date: 12-1 p.m. Thursday, October 17, 2024

Location: Gold Room C, Oakland Center

Description: With the ever-growing pressures, needs, and demands on today’s graduate students and higher ed professionals, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. This session will provide you with practical tools and strategies to promote self-care, maintain well-being, and prevent burnout and fatigue. Through interactive exercises, group discussion, and self-reflection, participants will learn how to identify some of the early signs of burnout, develop personalized self-care routines, and foster emotional resilience. By the end of this workshop, participants will gain tools to help protect their energy and sustain their wellness.

Video recording of the event is available on YouTube.

Professional Networking for Graduate Students Workshop

Speaker: Dr. Michelle Nelson, Assistant Vice President for Student Success Services, Mott Community College

Date: 12-1 p.m. Thursday, November 14, 2024

Location: Gold Room C, Oakland Center

Description: In this workshop, we will discuss the importance of networking and provide strategies for effectively identifying and approaching professional and discipline-based contacts. Participants will gain insights into the factors that influence and motivate others, empowering them to connect authentically and establish a strong foundation support network for success in graduate school and beyond. Walk away with actionable skills to enhance your networking effectiveness and foster meaningful relationships!

Video recording of the event is available on YouTube.

Stress Management Through Emotional Intelligence Workshop

Speaker: Dr. Andrea Bittinger, DNP, CRNA, Admissions & Clinical Coordinator / Adjunct Faculty

Oakland University - Beaumont Graduate Program of Nurse Anesthesia

Date: 12-1 p.m. Friday, December 6, 2024

Location: HyFlex—In-person (OC Ballroom C East)

Description: Stress Management through Emotional Intelligence (EI) for Professional Success will introduce participants to the concept of Emotional Intelligence, exploring its key components and real-world applications. Attendees will gain insights into how EI directly impacts stress management, burnout, and resilience. By developing core EI skills, participants can better navigate the challenges of academia (and beyond), leading to improved well-being and increased professional longevity. The session will also highlight the critical role of EI in higher education, emphasizing its importance in creating supportive and thriving academic environments.

Video recording of the event is available on YouTube.

Mentoring 4 Life (M4L) How to be a Great Mentor Workshop

Speaker: Fatema Tuz Zohra BDS, MPH, Mentoring 4 Life (M4L), Early Childhood Program Coordinator for Allied Behavioral Health Solutions

Date: 12-1 p.m. Saturday, January 11, 2025

Location: Zoom

Description: This workshop is designed to help professionals develop the skills needed to be impactful and inspiring mentors. Through an engaging mix of discussions and exercises, participants will learn the core elements of successful mentorship: building trust, setting clear and motivating goals, and communicating with empathy and clarity. The session also addresses common mentoring challenges, including setting boundaries and managing difficult conversations, equipping attendees with strategies to navigate these situations effectively. Whether new to mentoring or looking to refine your approach, this workshop provides a foundation of actionable techniques and insights to support, guide, and empower others in their growth. This workshop is supported through the generosity of the NSF Innovations in Graduate Education (IGE) Grant.

Video recording of the event is available on YouTube.

Presenting Your Research At A Conference Workshop

Panelists:

A headshot of Scott Crabill

Scott L. Crabill, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Communication, Department of Communication, Journalism, and Public Relations

A headshot of Kris Thompson

Dr. Kristine Thompson, Coordinator of Ph.D. in Human Movement Science; Professor of Physical Therapy

A headshot of Doug Templeton

Dr. Douglas W. Templeton, Consultant for Lockheed-Martin; Former Electronics Engineer with the U.S. Army Tank‑Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center

V. Thandi Sule Headshot

Moderator: V. Thandi Sulé- Professor and Program Coordinator, Oakland University

Date: 6-7 p.m. Thursday, January 16, 2025

Location: Zoom (Link will be shared after registration)

Description: Presenting your research at a conference is a crucial skill for academic and professional growth, yet many researchers struggle with effectively communicating their ideas to diverse audiences. In this engaging workshop, experts from various disciplines will share practical strategies and insights for delivering impactful conference presentations.

Through interactive discussions and expert-led guidance, participants will explore:

Crafting clear, concise, and engaging presentations
Leveraging visual aids effectively
Managing audience questions with confidence
Dealing with anxiety
Networking at professional conferences

By the end of the session, attendees will leave equipped with actionable tips to enhance their public speaking skills and present their research with poise and professionalism.

Video recording of the event is available on YouTube.

From Dissertation to Publication Workshop

Panelists:

Julia Smith Headshot

Dr. Julia Smith, Ph.D. Program Coordinator, Department of Organizational Leadership

Daniel N. Aloi Headshot

Daniel N. Aloi, Ph.D. Professor and Chair, Electrical and Computer Engineering Department

Rachel Smydra Headshot

Rachel V Smydra, Ph.D. Associate Professor, Department of English

Moderator: Thandi Sulé, Professor and Program Coordinator, Department of Organizational Leadership

Description: This panel discussion, featuring three published professors, provides valuable guidance on transforming your dissertation into a publishable article or book. Participants will learn practical strategies for identifying appropriate journals or publishers, adapting their research to meet publication standards, and navigating the peer-review process.

Each panelist will share insights on restructuring and refining your dissertation, choosing the right publication venue, and effectively responding to reviewer feedback. Attendees will be equipped with actionable advice to confidently move forward in publishing their research.

Who Should Attend: Graduate students and early-career researchers who are ready to share their scholarship with a broader academic audience.

Date: Saturday, February 8, 2025, 12 p.m.-1 p.m.

Location: Zoom (Link will be shared after registration)

Video recording of the event is available on YouTube.

Visit the CETL workshops and events page for additional professional development events and resources.