The School of Graduate and Professional Studies (SGPS) offers a comprehensive series of professional development workshops designed to support graduate student success and enhance the overall graduate experience at Southern. These workshops are offered in a hybrid format and are open to all graduate students, providing flexible access to valuable learning opportunities. Graduate Student Graduate Assistants (GSGAs) are expected to attend workshops in person as part of their professional development experience.
Workshop topics span a wide range of academic, professional, and personal development areas, including academic writing, public speaking, time management, interviewing with AI, career readiness, and wellness, ensuring that students are well-equipped to navigate the demands of graduate school and prepare for future professional endeavors.
The series fosters a supportive and inclusive graduate community by encouraging networking, collaboration, and meaningful connections among students, faculty, and staff. Participants also gain access to mentorship opportunities and resources that support both academic achievement and career development.
Through this initiative, SGPS aims to promote academic success, nurture a sense of belonging, strengthen professional competencies, and empower graduate students to thrive during their time at Southern and beyond.
To support continuous improvement, pre and post-series surveys will be administered each semester to assess the effectiveness of the workshops, measure student learning and engagement outcomes, and ensure that the series remains responsive to the evolving needs and interests of Southern’s graduate student community.
Fall 2026 Schedule
Table of Contents
From Grad Orientation to Real Connections: Professional Visibility and Networking
September 4, 2026, 10-11 AM
Reconnect with fellow graduate students while learning practical strategies to strengthen your professional and academic presence. This interactive workshop features Amy Jansen, who will share guidance on cultivating a visible professional identity through academic profile platforms (Google Scholar, Scopus, ResearchGate, and Web of Science), LinkedIn, professional organizations, and conference participation. Participants will also hear from a faculty panel featuring Dr. Peiwen Wang, Dr. Elise Allen, and Dr. Saira Soroya, who will discuss the power of mentoring and networking, share experiences that shaped their careers, and offer advice on building meaningful professional relationships. The workshop concludes with hands-on time to review and enhance your academic or LinkedIn profile with feedback from peers and mentors.
Bring your laptops!
Research Ethics and IRB
October 2, 2026, 10-11 AM
Learn the foundations of responsible research and the ethical responsibilities of graduate students engaged in scholarship, creative activity, and research. This interactive workshop will feature Dr. Bill Lunn, Dr. Mikolaj J. Sulkowski, and Dr. Dina Moore, who will provide an overview of research integrity at Southern, including CITI training requirements, the roles of the IRB, IACUC, and Institutional Biosafety Committee, and the research proposal review process. Participants will gain practical guidance on navigating Kuali, understanding approval timelines, and identifying the compliance requirements relevant to their work.
From Goals to Progress: Mastering the Thesis, Dissertations and Special Projects
November 6, 2026, 10-11 AM
Staying on track with a thesis, dissertation, or special project can be challenging. This interactive workshop, led by Dr. Tess Marchant-Shapiro, will help graduate students transform long-term research goals into manageable milestones and develop practical strategies for maintaining momentum. Participants will learn about key research deadlines, create a personalized milestone map, explore accountability strategies, and hear faculty insights on successfully navigating the journey from idea to defense. Students will leave with a concrete action plan and connections to campus resources that support research success.
Mid-year Check-in/ community building: Reflect, Refocus, Reconnect
December 4, 2026, 10-11 AM
As the semester comes to a close, join fellow graduate students for a reflective and engaging session focused on celebrating achievements, assessing progress, and planning for future success. Participants will share milestones, discuss challenges, practice their 60-second elevator pitch, and explore ways to document and communicate their academic and professional growth. Topics include building your professional brand through LinkedIn, ORCID, and updated CVs, measuring growth beyond grades, revisiting goals, and strengthening mentor-mentee relationships. The session concludes with a guided reflection on accomplishments, lessons learned, and priorities for next semester.
