Next to sleep, one of the most important aspects of wellness is nutrition.
Next to sleep, one of the most important aspects of wellness is nutrition.

December 17, 2019

In this issue: Why attend the Project Management workshop, spring events preview, and more.
Editor’s note: This is the last edition of GradConnections Weekly for the year. We’ll be back on Jan. 7, with regular issues resuming for spring semester on Jan. 21. Have a happy and safe New Year!
PhD Comic

Tips for Grads: Eating for wellness, convenience, and affordability

By Kirby Livingston, PhD student
Next to sleep, one of the most important aspects of wellness is nutrition. However, graduate students can face significant barriers to healthy eating such as a lack of financial resources to purchase food and limited time to plan, shop for, and cook meals. Using some of the following tips, you can make food more affordable and cooking less time consuming.
Affordability
  • Check nearby grocery stores to find the most affordable place to buy your staple food items like canned goods and produce.
  • For more expensive items, either leave them out or find acceptable substitutes. For expensive spices, you can sometimes find lower prices at international food markets or in a bulk spice section.
  • Take advantage of the many student food and financial resources offered on campus.
Convenience
  • During slow times, try to plan ahead for the busy months by freezing ingredients and meals. Things like soups, stews, curries, and pizza all freeze well.
  • Shopping online for grocery pickup or delivery can be a huge time saver. Some stores offer free pickup or affordable delivery, and if you can plan ahead and get all of your groceries in one order, the delivery cost may be worth the time it saves you.
  • The dining facilities on campus are a great option if you don’t have the time or inclination to cook. Residents of university housing get a 30% discount and non-residents get a 5% discount by paying with a Wiscard, and all students are exempt from the 5.5% Wisconsin sales tax.
This edition of Tips for Grads was adapted from Rachel Herrmann’s article in The Chronicle of Higher Education, FoodNotes: Cheap Eats in Graduate School (and Beyond)
 
GradConnections Weekly is looking for fresh perspectives on the graduate student experience.
If you have advice, counsel, or tips for UW grad students, you’re invited to write a guest column for “Tips for Grads.”
If you’re interested,
check out our infographic for details and email gspd@grad.wisc.edu to let us know.
DiscoverPD: Your guide to professional development
DiscoverPD is an innovative tool for UW–Madison graduate students to advance their academic and professional goals. Review the nine facets of professional development, complete a self-assessment, and get a customized report and recommendations.

Upcoming Professional Development Events


Why you should attend the Project Management workshop

Hear from sociology alum Frank Lefeng Lin in this video on the project management workshop and why it’s a great opportunity for graduate students.

Project management is a set of skills that can be applied in academic, non-profit, laboratory, business, and many other settings. Learn principles of project management and apply them to your own project in this collaborative, day-long program. You will think creatively, define a problem, establish project goals, create a plan, and prepare for implementation. Since no project runs perfectly, the program will also address how project leaders manage change and other common challenges. You will leave better prepared to lead a team and deliver results. Students will also hear from a panel of successful project managers. Lunch will be provided, with vegetarian and gluten free options.
Spring Events Preview
Successful Interviewing for Non-Academic Positions
Thursday, Jan. 30 | 11 am - 12:30 pm
Union South (Check TITU) |
 Career Development | Personal Effectiveness
Design Principles for Presentations
Thursday, Feb. 27 | noon - 1:30 pm
159 Wisconsin Idea Room, Education Building | Communication
Plus, workshops on:
  • Negotiation
  • Faculty careers at primarily undergraduate institutions
  • Writing productivity
  • Mentoring
  • Data visualization
  • Food and wellness
  • Individual Development Plans
Registration links are coming soon - check back in spring 2020 for details!
Deadlines & Announcements

Join a Fully Prepared to Lead workshop

Fully Prepared to Lead is a comprehensive, competency-based development program designed to help individuals master the knowledge, skills, and tools for effective leadership. Participation is free to UW–Madison employees, including graduate assistants. Previous and upcoming workshop topics include: Giving and Receiving Constructive Feedback, Your Interpersonal Style, and Personal Resiliency. Visit the Office of Human Resources Catalog Portal to learn more and sign-up.
Wellness
Free Group Fitness Classes
Tuesday, Dec. 17 - Thursday, Dec. 19 | Times vary by class
Natatorium

Mental Health Resources for Grad Students

SilverCloud. SilverCloud is a self-guided mental health resource that provides treatment options 24 hours a day, no referral from a mental health or medical provider needed. It includes evidence-based learning modules on anxiety, depression, body image, and stress, designed to help students manage day-to-day stresses and improve resilience.
24-hour Crisis Services. UHS provides a 24-hour mental health crisis help line. On-call crisis counselors can help address your most pressing concerns, address your safety, and help you connect with follow-up service needs. It’s available every day, including weekends, holidays, and semester breaks. If you are concerned for your own well-being or the well-being of someone you know, call the UHS crisis line at 608-265-5600. For situations that are immediately life-threatening, call 911.
For more mental health resources, visit the UHS website on mental health.
The Dean of Students Office provides resources to students struggling with a variety of issues, and can be your go-to spot for assistance as a graduate student. To contact the Dean of Students Office's Graduate Student Assistance Specialist Elaine Goetz-Berman directly, email egoetz2@wisc.edu.
Funding Opportunities
Please note: Some graduate students may be ineligible to hold graduate assistantship appointments. Be sure to check with your graduate program coordinator about your eligibility before applying.

Campus Employment

Fellowships & Grants

The Consortium of Universities for the Advancement of Hydrologic Science Summer Institute (CUAHSI) brings together graduate students, academic researchers, and National Water Center staff to work on projects designed to improve water-related products and decision-support services. Graduate students within three years of graduating with their PhD are eligible. Accepted students will participate in an 8-week Summer Institute at the National Water Center in Tuscaloosa, Alabama from June 8 through July 24, 2020. Accepted students will receive reimbursement of travel expenses to and from Tuscaloosa, and a meal stipend while attending the program. For more information, visit the CUAHSI website.
Mellon Public Humanities Fellowship
Applications due Feb. 21, 2020
These $25,000 fellowships are for dissertating doctoral students who will work at 50% time on a capacity-raising project for one of five community partners in the Madison-area for the academic year. The five community partners for 2020-21 are Dane County Library Service, Kids Forward, Midwest Environmental Advocates, Mead & Hunt Inc., and Odyssey Beyond Bars. Issues being addressed by these positions include race, equity, and access in rural libraries; food education and advocacy for youth and families; tribal environmental rights and education; cultural resource management for historic properties; and prison education. The fellowship is open to advanced UW-Madison graduate students in the humanities and related fields (i.e. PhD candidates currently working on their dissertations).
Follow us on social media to connect with more opportunities and resources:
Twitter Facebook YouTube
powered by emma
Subscribe to our email list.