Conferences, Publications, and Grants

Interested in learning about resources available to fund your graduate research and activities?  Want to know how to prepare for conference presentations? Intrigued by the ins and outs of the publication process?  In this workshop we will provide information and insight into three important aspects of your graduate student and professional career: grant writing, conference presentations, and the publication process. The Kent State University Office of Special Programs will also provide information about funding opportunities available to all graduate students.  Come with questions!  

Exploring and Conducting Research

As a future scholar, it is important to understand the dual role you play at Kent State University as both a student and a researcher. This workshop seeks to provide insight into exploring and conducting research, which is the most fundamental mission for graduate students at Kent State. All graduate students would benefit from learning more about research, and this workshop will be especially valuable for Graduate Research Assistants. Relax and come with questions—we will talk about them!

Grading and Evaluation

In this workshop, you’ll hear graduate teaching assistants’ useful tips for handling grading and evaluations in your upcoming classes. You will also be given insight into the responsibilities and options you have regarding the evaluation and reporting of your students’ work as an employee of Kent State University.  There will be discussions about some options for different forms of evaluation.  The workshop offers grading and evaluation information that teaching assistants need, but is open to everyone.

Kent Campus and Community

Maybe you’ve just moved to Kent or the surrounding area and you don’t know where to buy groceries. Maybe you have some free time this week and want to know what fun activities you can do. Maybe you’d like more information about the PARTA bus system. This workshop will address your specific questions about the area, as well as provide you with useful information about the Kent campus and community, including its historical significance and local resources and events.

Leading Lectures and Discussions

This workshop is designed to help give graduate students examples of when to use lecture and when to use discussion in the classroom to aid in students' various ways of learning. All graduate students are welcome in this workshop whether you are on appointment or not—we can all remember what it’s like to hear a lecture or a discussion and what works and what doesn’t! We will discuss the variations of each lecture format, learn about delivery styles, and also spend time discussing tips for how to improve lectures and discussions as well as explore pitfalls to avoid. We more than anticipate discussing participants’ experiences, so please come ready to share your own ideas as well as to learn from others.

Open Forum: Graduate Student Panel Discussion

Do you have unanswered questions about graduate work or the graduate school experience? The Graduate Student Panel will provide answers based on the knowledge and personal experiences of returning graduate students. No questions are too daunting or too trivial and all will be welcome. Take advantage of this one-of-a-kind opportunity to discuss and learn what it takes to be a successful graduate student at Kent State University!

Planning Your Course: Syllabus and Scheduling

Never written a syllabus before? Wondering how to design or improve your syllabus and course schedule? In this workshop, we’ll address the necessary components of a syllabus at Kent State University. We’ll also provide sample copies of syllabi for you to look over and discuss, as well as share our tips for managing your classroom and developing a balanced course schedule.

Stress and Time Management, Health and Wellness

Coping with stress as a graduate assistant can be challenging.  We are asked to fill multiple roles (advisor, mentor, advisee, teacher, student, spouse, and friend) and are frequently pulled in many directions at the same time.  With our busy schedules, it can be difficult to find time for proper nutrition and regular physical activity.  In this workshop, participants will learn how to minimize stress with specific relaxation techniques, incorporate healthy eating and physical fitness habits, and find resources at Kent State University.  We will also discuss time management techniques to help you be a more efficient graduate student.

Teaching and Researching in Laboratories

This workshop will familiarize new graduate students with the basic strategies required while teaching and working in the laboratory. Discussions will focus on general teaching responsibilities, working with a functional syllabus, maintaining professional relationships with the course professors, other TAs and graduate students. We will also provide tips for effective lab management and highlight safety rules. Teaching Assistants, Research Assistants, and graduate students working in laboratories will benefit from this workshop.

Tech Tools

This workshop looks at various technological tools, both free and for purchase, that graduate students are certain to find useful for their diverse roles (student, assistant, teacher, researcher, etc.) while here at Kent State University and beyond. Participants will be introduced to a few tools in depth and will receive a packet of other useful software and websites.

Your Money and You: Personal Finances

This workshop will introduce you to methods for managing your personal finances while in graduate school and thereafter. We will explain how to create a balance sheet and a budget, wisely use credit cards, and understand credit ratings and personal financial statements. Additionally, we will also discuss coupons and money saving tips to help your graduate school dollars go further! 

New Media Center - Blackboard Vista 8.0 (Office in Moulton Hall, Workshop in the Student Center) 

Kent State University has upgraded to Blackboard (formerly WebCT) Vista 8.0 as its course management system, providing enhanced student learning through the delivery of high quality, online education.  Blackboard Vista offers a complete set of easy-to-use teaching tools for faculty and learning tools for students. From online learning modules to Web-based quizzes and assignment submission, all are options using Vista.  We encourage you to attend this insightful training session and learn all the new features that Blackboard Vista 8.0 has to offer you, as a student and/or a teacher! 

Campus Tour

You’ll take a walking tour of the campus led by an experienced student guide in this session. The walking tour will familiarize you with many important locations and buildings on campus, such as the Library and the Recreation Center.

Faculty Professional Development Center and You 

This workshop will be broken into two parts to introduce you to the resources available at the Faculty Professional Development Center (FPDC, which is located in Moulton Hall, but the workshop will be in the KSU Student Center).  In the first part, Jillian Hill will discuss ways that the FPDC can help grads develop their research, learning goals, and professional development.  In the second part, Jillian will discuss how to effectively compose a curriculum vitae (CV).  In addition to knowing the necessary elements of a CV, being cognizant of the various design elements of a CV will be a necessary skill as you continue your education and prepare for your professional career. 

Office of Experiential Education and Civic Engagement

The new Office of Experiential Education and Civic Engagement (OEECE) was developed to support a pedagogic movement toward learning-centered education.  Today’s presentation is designed to create a clear definition of experiential learning, inform you of the role of OEECE in supporting civic engagement, and to introduce Service Connect, an online data management system for faculty, students and community partners.

Ombuds Q & A 

In this session, you’ll get the chance to engage in a question and answer session with the Student Ombuds. The primary goal of the Office of the Student Ombuds is to provide students confidential consultation to assist with the possible resolution of any university-related concern, grievance or appeal. Students work closely with the Student Ombuds in developing both informal and formal strategies that will help them resolve their university-related concerns.  The Ombuds Office also works directly with faculty and staff, providing consultation related to university policies and procedures. It has established itself as an objective, nonbiased operation that continues to work towards developing a fair and equitable university community. 

Student Accessibility Services (SAS)

This information session will provide you with details about SAS, which provides assistance to students with varying degrees and types of disabilities in order to maximize educational opportunity and academic potential. Types of disabilities that students have who are served by SAS include mobility impairments, visual impairments, hearing impairments, speech impairments, specific learning disabilities, attention deficit disorder, chronic health disorders, psychological disabilities, and temporary disabilities.

Library Facilities and Services (Office and Workshop in Library)

The library session will demonstrate how to use a variety of resources for research, including use of Kent LINK / Ohio LINK, research databases to identify articles, and interlibrary loan options. Other services, such as renewing your own books online, appointments with subject specialist librarians, and free seminars with hands-on experience using information resources will also be explained. A brief tour of the first three floors of the library will also be offered at the end of each of the sessions. These presentations should prove helpful for assistantship work as well as for your research.

Media Services (Office in Library, Workshop in Student Center)

Discover how Media Services can help you become a more effective teacher through the use of technologies to support your lectures and project / writing assignments.  Representatives from Teleproductions, Design Solutions, Classroom Services and the Student Multimedia Studio will be on hand to describe the teaching/learning benefits offered through their instructional support services.  Informational handouts will be provided and time allotted to answer any questions you might have concerning your particular needs.