School of Graduate and Professional Studies

Simplifying the Writing Process: One Chunk at a Time
2026-03-24 17:00 - 18:00 (America/Halifax) | https://southernct.webex.com/wbxmjs/joinservice/sites/southernct/meeting/download/73bf5209ea9546aaaebfec5ddb3bd405?MTID=m7a0dadf0e5a1bc5f66ed6a767d1041b3
Facilitator: Dr. Tess Marchant-Shapiro SCSU Writing Director, Professor of Political Science

Online Meeting Link

Annual Graduate Student & Faculty Excellence Awards 2026
2026-03-25 15:00 - 17:30 | Scholars’ Space, Room 438, 377 Fitch St, New Haven, CT, 06515, United States
A ceremony designed to celebrate the recipients of each award this year.

What I Wish I Knew When I Started as a School Leader
2026-03-26 17:00 - 19:00 | Michael J. Adanti Student Center, Ballroom, 345 Fitch St, New Haven, CT, 06515, United States
Join us for one casual, two-hour pit stop: 5-7 PM, light refreshments, no prep work. Share for twenty minutes on the panel with other school leaders—just one question, “What do you wish you knew when you started as a school leader?” Then pull up a chair at a round table and let the questions come to you. Leave knowing you shortened someone’s learning curve—and maybe met the AP you’ll want to hire next year.
One evening, straight talk, big ripple effect.
Register Today!

Business Writing for Professionals
2026-03-31 17:00 - 18:00 | https://teams.microsoft.com/dl/launcher/launcher.html?url=%2F_%23%2Fl%2Fmeetup-join%2F19%3Ameeting_YTMwNGY2MDctOTQ0Yi00M2JlLTg0MjgtMjI5NmQ0OWNjZjhl%40thread.v2%2F0%3Fcontext%3D%257b%2522Tid%2522%253a%252258736863-d60e-40ce-95c6-0723c7eaaf67%2522%252c%2522Oid%2522%253a%252251192b12-28d1-4ab8-9c94-13d9b43e8951%2522%257d%26anon%3Dtrue&type=meetup-join&deeplinkId=cc1b8c37-52ff-4003-a688-b4d39317c4e6&directDl=true&msLaunch=true&enableMobilePage=true&suppressPrompt=true
Facilitator: Attorney Rob Smith, Jr. Chairperson of the Management and International Business Department

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Dissertation Defense: Serginho Walker
2026-04-01 09:00 - 10:00 | Adanti Student Center, Room 217, 345 Fitch Street, New Haven, Connecticut, 06515, United States
Title: Examining the Unique Mental Health Challenges of Nonbinary and Gender Expansive Gay Black Men
Abbreviated Abstract: This study examines the unique mental health challenges experienced by nonbinary and gender expansive gay Black men, with particular attention to how intersecting systems of oppression—including anti-Black racism, cisnormativity, heteronormativity, and gender binarism—shape their lived experiences. Despite growing research on LGBTQ+ mental health, the experiences of gender expansive Black men remain significantly underrepresented in counseling and psychological literature. Using a qualitative methodology grounded in Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) paired with autoethnography, this study centers the voices and narratives of participants to generate rich, in-depth understandings of how individuals make meaning of their intersecting identities, mental health experiences, and sources of resilience. IPA, combined with autoethnographic reflection, is particularly appropriate for this inquiry because the researcher serves as a participant-observer, allowing for deeper interpretive engagement with the phenomenon being studied (Hurst, 2023). This methodological approach emphasizes the co-construction of meaning between researcher and participant and is grounded in phenomenological and interpretive traditions that prioritize lived experience (Smith, Flowers, & Larkin, 2009). The study is further informed by counseling and counselor education frameworks that emphasize culturally responsive, identity-affirming, and strengths-based perspectives when working with marginalized populations (Hays & Singh, 2019). Findings from this research aim to contribute to a deeper understanding of the mental health needs of nonbinary and gender expansive gay Black men while informing more inclusive clinical practices, strengthening culturally responsive mental health interventions, and supporting ongoing social justice efforts within counselor education and related helping professions. This presentation will be held Wednesday, April 1, 2026 at 9:00 a.m. via Microsoft Teams, with an in-person viewing available in Room 217.

Volunteers for Commencement Celebration video response due
2026-04-03

Commencement Student Speaker Application Due
2026-04-06
Apply Now!
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GSA Meeting
2026-04-06 16:30 - 17:30 | Scholars’ Space, Room 438, 377 Fitch St, New Haven, CT, 06515, United States
A meeting where graduate students can speak their mind and receive support form us and their fellow students. The Graduate Student Association acts as an advocacy group to better serve the needs of the graduate student body as a whole. for the If you are enrolled in the School of Graduate and Professional Studies you are automatically a member of the organization, no need to apply!

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Poster Design - The Basics
2026-04-06 17:00 - 18:00 | Buley Library, Room 118, 377 Fitch St, New Haven, CT, 06515
Facilitator: Todd Lane MAT, MLS Assistant Librarian – Research and Instruction
(Bring your poster drafts to this workshop!)

Building Writing Structures to Communicate Clearly
2026-04-07 17:00 - 18:00 | https://southernct.webex.com/wbxmjs/joinservice/sites/southernct/meeting/download/f827428e74914050b57b9971fc0412a8?MTID=m0a473871b492d719951b7db78e1ac9f4

Day of Caring
2026-04-08

Chill-Out & Care: Ice Cream for the Grad Fund
2026-04-08 12:00 - 15:00 | Academic Quad, 345 Fitch St, New Haven, CT, 06515, United States
Join us on Southern’s Day of Caring and support the Graduate School by getting some delicious ice cream! The Mister Softee Ice Cream Truck will be on campus from 12pm – 3pm, and a portion of all proceeds will go to the School of Graduate and Professional Studies. Show that you care by stopping by and treating yourself to some ice cream!
Give Today!

Academic Oral Presentations
2026-04-08 15:00 - 16:00 | TBA
Facilitator(s): Dr. C. Michele Thompson, Professor of Southeast Asian History and Dr. Jonathan Wharton, Associate Professor of
Political Science & Urban Affairs

Networking at Professional Conferences
2026-04-10 10:00 - 10:30 | Scholars’ Space, Room 438, 377 Fitch St, New Haven, CT, 06515, United States
Facilitator: OCPD

Poster Presentations: Perfecting Your Pitch
2026-04-10 10:30 - 11:30 | Scholars’ Space, Room 438, 377 Fitch St, New Haven, CT, 06515, United States
Facilitator: Dr. Kelly Bordner, Professor of Psychology
(Bring your poster drafts to this workshop!)

Last Day to Submit Abstracts (Graduate Research and Creativity Conference 2026)
2026-04-12
Abstract Requirements

Maximum 250 words
Clearly state the purpose, methods/approach, results or outcomes, and significance/impact

Your faculty advisor must approve your proposal before submission.
!! You must register for the event as a presenter after submitting your proposal !!

Proposal Submission Form

Event Registration

Graduate Research and Creativity Conference Info

GSA Sponsored Poster Printing
2026-04-12 - 2026-04-27
This year (2026), the Graduate Student Association will be covering the cost of poster production (24×36 color posters (no foam backing, no lamination) for graduate students participating in the Graduate Research and Creativity conference.
To make use of this, graduate students will fill out the Poster Request form and write “Graduate Conference” in the section for Academic department.
GSA will only cover the cost of the 24×36 color posters (no foam backing or lamination). If they choose to include foam or lamination, or select a larger size, GSA will not cover the cost and the student will be charged.

Poster Printing Request Form

Powerpoint Poster Template (Optional)

Graduate Research and Creativity Conference Info

Dissertation Defense: Keith Smith
2026-04-13 13:00 - 14:00 | https://southernct-edu.zoom.us/j/2681641067
Title: THE WORK: EXAMINING THE LIVED EXPERIENCES OF CT INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DEI DIRECTORS
Abbreviated Abstract: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) practitioners play a critical role in advancing equity within independent schools, yet research examining their lived experiences remains limited—particularly within K–12 independent day school contexts. This qualitative study addresses this gap by exploring the lived experiences of DEI directors in Connecticut independent schools, centering how they navigate complex, often ambiguous roles within institutions historically shaped by privilege.

Journal Quality - Why It Matters for Your Research
2026-04-14 17:00 - 18:00 | Online
Facilitator: Amy Jansen, M.L.I.S., Library Services
Not all sources are created equal. Learn to evaluate journal credibility, interpret impact metrics, and identify predatory publishers to ensure your thesis or project is built on a foundation of high-quality scholarship.
Online Meeting Link

Thesis Defense: Xinyi (Cindy) Gao
2026-04-15 14:00 - 15:00 | Health and Human Services, Room 270, 493 Fitch Street, New Haven, 06514, United States
Title: COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF TONGUE STRENGTH MEASUREMENT IN YOUNG ADULTS: WITH AND WITHOUT BITE BLOCK COVERS
Abbreviated Abstract: The use of bite block covers is a common infection control measure in dental and medical settings; however, little is known about their impact on tongue strength measurements using the Iowa Oral Performance Instrument (IOPI). Further, there is little to no previous research investigating how bite block covers may influence tongue strength assessments during regular and effortful swallowing across different bolus consistencies. In this study, tongue strength measurements with and without a bite block cover were compared in healthy young adults to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of using these covers in clinical and research settings. Findings from this study may help inform best practices for speech-language pathologists (SLPs) and researchers assessing oral motor function while maintaining infection control standards.

Spring 2026 Graduate Open House
2026-04-16 15:00 - 19:00 | Michael J. Adanti Student Center, 501 Crescent Street, New Haven, CT, 06515, United States
Stop by and have all of your questions answered about our more than 100 graduate programs.
Register Now!

Dissertation Defense: Mercedes Mckelvie
2026-04-16 19:40 - 20:40 | https://southernct.webex.com/wbxmjs/joinservice/sites/southernct/meeting/download/97e12769ef0e46e7afb342dc7d2191e8?MTID=mae928ef39e73e57c971ef8fb7d26f967
Title: TECHNOLOGY INTEGRATION IN URBAN HIGH SCHOOLS: GENERATIONAL PERSPECTIVES AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Abbreviated Abstract: This mixed-methods study explored school staff perceptions of generational differences in the use and benefits of various classroom technologies. The study investigated how educators perceive technology integration across different generational cohorts, emphasizing the perceived impact of these differences on teaching, learning, and communication in an urban high school setting. The research employed a survey with both Likert-scale and open-ended questions, along with focus group interviews, to assess staff perspectives on generational differences in technology use in the classroom. These qualitative and quantitative data points were used in tandem to provide context. The students were not directly surveyed or interviewed, nor were observations of classroom instruction included. The findings revealed how staff perceptions of generational differences inform professional development strategies and guide technology integration in multi-generational educational environments. This study contributed to the limited research on generational divides in K-12 education, focusing on educators’ technology use rather than on student access.

25th Women’s & Gender Studies Conference: (Re)Making the World: A “How-To” Conference on Feminist, Crip, and Decolonial Worldmaking
2026-04-17 - 2026-04-18
In As We Have Always Done: Indigenous Freedom Through Radical Resistance (2017), Leanne Betasamosake Simpson writes: “Resurgence is not a metaphor. It is the flight out of settler colonialism, towards something we have been taught is impossible.”
The 2026 WGS conference takes Simpson’s call for radical resurgence seriously – positioning “how-to” as a feminist practice, politic, and theorizing. We invite communities to gather for a feminist, crip, and decolonial practice of refusal, survival, and worldmaking.
We are currently seeking proposals for our 2026 Conference!
For more information on submission guidelines and conference details, please visit our Conference Website here: https://inside.southernct.edu/womens-and-gender-studies/conferences/2025

Revising your Writing for Clarity
2026-04-21 17:00 - 18:00 | https://southernct.webex.com/wbxmjs/joinservice/sites/southernct/meeting/download/13bd3d78973f48e89b9a5d08409a1749?MTID=m45717aa5823beb6b4f194a810ca99610

3MT Regional Competition Watch Party
2026-04-22 08:00 - 17:00
Watch our representative Keith Smith compete in the 3MT Regional Competition!

SCSU Culture Fest
2026-04-22 11:30 - 14:00 | Academic Quad, 345 Fitch St, New Haven, CT, 06515, United States
Food! Music! Celebration!
Celebrating the Diversity of our Campus Community

Dissertation Defense: Kristin Bengtson Mendoza
2026-04-30 12:00 - 13:00 | Davis Hall, Room 009, 36-40 Prescott St, New Haven, Connecticut, 06514, United States
Title: DEVELOPING SECONDARY TEACHERS’ CRITICAL LANGUAGE AWARENESS AND TRANSLANGUAGING STANCE IN AN ADOLESCENT NEWCOMER PROGRAM: A CRITICAL PARTICIPATORY ACTION RESEARCH STUDY
Abbreviated Abstract: This study employed cycles of mixed methods critical participatory action research (CPAR) to explore how content educators in a high school newcomer program conceptualized language in their instruction and developed their critical language awareness (CLA) and translanguaging stance. A new conceptual framework, the Translanguaging Instructional Core, integrated a critical translanguaging perspective into a longstanding educational leadership definition of instruction, and the accompanying Translanguaging Instructional Core Developmental Continuum was utilized as a holistic measurement tool to assist educational leaders in synthesizing multiple sources of data and positioning educators at stages on a continuum between a monoglossic approach and a robust translanguaging stance. The study found that most of the high school content educators developed their CLA and a translanguaging stance through a community of practice that engaged in storytelling, emotional processing, use of figurative language, and both social and internal/reflective experiences grounded in research. Five out of six educators who participated in the community of practice were found to have moved one stage or more along the Translanguaging Instructional Core Developmental Continuum through the experience. This study contributes findings to the underexplored intersection of translanguaging pedagogy, transformative teacher leadership, and multilingual education. It offers practical insights and a new conceptual tool for school leaders, district policymakers, and educator teams seeking to shift away from monolingual norms toward more inclusive, student-centered language policies.

Dissertation Defense: Dan Ostasiewski
2026-04-30 19:40 - 20:40 | https://southernct.webex.com/southernct/j.php?MTID=m9d11123b2943a34a4b99aac8603e0688; Meeting password: [REDACTED]
Title: A Case Study on School Improvement through Leadership & Professional Learning Communities in One Urban Connecticut High School
Abbreviated Abstract: Many students require supports to promote academic achievement and eliminate barriers to achievement. Different schools work with organizations to promote success. The RISE Network is a non-profit organization that partners with schools to improve systems and practices to promote student success. Some RISE supports include tools and strategies such as an improvement cycle framework, a data hub application, protocols for distributed leadership and teacher collaboration, professional experiences, and classroom interventions. Currently, RISE works with over 50 schools across four states. The RISE program features numerous programs, including the 9th Grade Success and Postsecondary Success programs. These programs are implemented through collaboration with school administration, teachers, and counselors at partner schools. The purpose of this study is to examine the RISE program at one urban Connecticut High School to gain insights on how school leaders and educators implement and collaborate in the program, its successes and challenges, and how this will impact educators’ perceptions of student learning and achievement. This information will be organized and viewed through frameworks of Social Constructivism, Leadership, Collaboration, and the Kotter 8-Step Change Model with the intention of understanding how external educational programs operate within organizational, interpersonal, and educational contexts.

Dissertation Defense: Daisy Everingham
2026-05-01 10:00 - 11:00 | Jennings Hall, GIS Lab 3rd Florr, 501 Crescent Street, New Haven, CT, 06515, United States
Title: Identifying Coastal Resilience Solutions by Community Design in New Haven County, Connecticut
Abbreviated Abstract: In the US’ coastal North East, the impacts of climate change are already being felt by communities who live near the shore – from destructive hurricanes and heavy winter storms to nuisance flooding and rapidly rising sea levels. Over the next decade there will be an increasing need for local government, businesses and individuals to collaborate in identifying and implementing solutions that allow communities to adapt without negatively impacting environmental, social and economic conditions. Heavily grounded in specific places, these solutions need to be shaped by both expert knowledge and the perspectives of local people who have strong attachment to these locations. This project is based in New Haven County, Connecticut, and identifies the climate change adaptation solutions that can have the most positive impact on the county’s socio-ecological systems now and into the future. This study takes a three tiered approach by 1) identifying the coastal resilience priorities of experts within the state, and 2) understanding coastal resilience priorities of local community members in New Haven County, and finally, 3) visualizing climate resilience futures being considered by these community members. The solutions that are frequently chosen by participants tend to be multi-faceted and lead to multiple positive impacts that improve habitat, local economic viability and opportunities for increased community engagement with the coastline. Ultimately, this research outlines possible climate change adaptation pathways for New Haven County communities moving forward that can be extrapolated to inform decision-making processes in other coastal counties throughout the region.

Phi Kappa Phi Induction Ceremony
2026-05-01 16:00 - 18:00 | School of Business, Room 102, 10 Wintergreen Ave, New Haven, CT, 06515, United States
A ceremony dedicated to the induction of new members into our chapter of the Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society.
