Wisconsin winters present lots of logistical challenges, and the lack of
Wisconsin winters present lots of logistical challenges, and the lack of

December 3, 2019

In this issue: Winter wellness, project management, and more.
PhD Comic

Tips for Grads: Winter Wellness

Personal Effectiveness
By Kirby Livingston, PhD student
Wisconsin winters present lots of logistical challenges, and the lack of sunlight can zap your energy and motivation. With the end of the semester and all of its deadlines and exams looming, December is a critical time to practice self-care. This month, we will be sharing winter wellness tips for graduate students as a reminder to take care of your mental health and finish the semester strong!
  • Get outside during mid-day to soak in some natural Vitamin D. This could mean walking to meet a friend for lunch at a nearby building instead of eating at your office or the library.
  • Continue to walk or ride your bike (time and weather permitting), or get off the bus a few stops early to build in more outdoors time and physical activity. See our Winter Transportation Tips from last year for additional info on winter biking and busing.
  • Set meetings with peers and mentors to break up the monotony of your day. If you’re looking for more mentorship, check out our recent Tips for finding additional mentors.
  • Wake up earlier and go to bed earlier. Follow the pattern of the sun as best as possible.
  • Make sure to include some blank space in your calendar for creative thought and reflection. 
  • When possible, opt for indoor study and work spaces with an abundance of natural light. See UW–Madison’s recent article about the best study spaces on campus if you need some ideas.
Seasonal depression is a recognized disorder affecting about half a million people in the U.S., so if you’re feeling down this winter, you should know that you aren’t alone. If you are experiencing symptoms, UHS offers both in-person and online mental health services, which we also frequently feature in the Wellness section of GradConnections Weekly
This edition of Tips for Grads is adapted from winter darkness wellness recommendations by 
Eric Schueffner.
 
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

Save the date!
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.

For Future Faculty

Preparing for success on the job market and beyond.
Find a full list of events on the For Future Faculty website.
Active Teaching Lab - Team Teaching, Feedback, and Redesign
Wednesday, Dec. 4 | 1 - 2 pm
120 Middleton Building 
Active Teaching Lab - Using Video in Canvas
Friday, Dec. 6 | 8:30 - 9:45 am
120 Middleton Building
This week's Software Training for Students (STS) courses:
  • Illustrator 1
  • Excel 1
For dates and times of each class, and for more software classes, visit the STS website. 
Cookies/Cocoa & Express Travel Signatures
Wednesday, Dec. 4 | 11:30 am - 1 pm
ISS Office, 2nd floor, Red Gym
New accelerated Master of Science in Design + Innovation Open House
Wednesday, Dec. 4 | 4:30 - 6:30 pm
DesignLab, 2250 College Library
Study Abroad Open House
Thursday, Dec. 5 | 4 - 5:30 pm
MSC Lounge, 2nd floor, Red Gym
Health Equity Symposium
Thursday, Dec. 5 | 5 - 8 pm
1121 Humanities Building
LGBTQ+ Social Hour
Thursday, Dec. 5 | 5:30 - 8 pm
The Sett, Union South
ASM Campus Wide Clothing Swap
Friday, Dec. 6 | 2 - 5 pm
Hearing Room, 4th floor, Student Activity Center 
Horticulture Society Orchid Sale
Friday, Dec. 6 | 3 - 7 pm
Saturday, Dec. 7 | 9 am - 5:30 pm
Sunday, Dec. 8 | 9 am - 2:30 pm
D.C. Smith Greenhouse
Deadlines & Announcements

Bouchet Graduate Honor Society accepting applications

The Edward Alexander Bouchet Graduate Honor Society recognizes outstanding scholarly achievement and promotes diversity and excellence in doctorate education and the professoriate. PhD students who reach dissertator status by Spring 2020 and postdoctoral researchers are eligible to nominate themselves for consideration as long as they exemplify the five Bouchet qualities: scholarship, leadership, character, service, and advocacy for students who have been traditionally underrepresented in the academy. Self-nominations for the Bouchet Society are open until Jan. 27.
Wellness

Mental Health Resources for Grad Students

Let’s Talk. If you’re on-campus, Let’s Talk provides free, informal, and confidential consultations at locations across campus. Drop in to talk to a counselor about any topic – stress, sadness, relationships, academic performance, financial struggles, and family problems are common topics. Counselors can help you explore solutions from their perspective, or, if you’re interested, introduce you to what it’s like to talk to a counselor more regularly.
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 HDRS Postdoctoral Fellowship Program funded since 2005 by the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health & Human Development and supported by the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology in the School of Medicine and Public Health provides training at the postdoctoral level in interdisciplinary research that addresses disparities in health status and health outcomes among minority populations with an emphasis on maternal/child, adolescent and family health. There are 1-2 positions available beginning Sept. 1, 2020. Stipend commensurate with experience, based on levels mandated by the National Intitute of Health. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents at the time of application.  
Scott Kloeck-Jenson Fellows
Applications due at noon on Feb. 3, 2020
In memory of Scott Kloeck-Jenson (SKJ), a scholar dedicated to global peace and justice, the Institute for Regional and International Studies annually offers two awards: the SKJ Pre-Dissertation Travel Fellowships to support overseas travel to potential field research sites for doctoral students and the SKJ International Internship Fellowships to support graduate students (working towards a doctorate) interested in undertaking practitioner internships. SKJ Pre-Dissertation Travel Fellowships are available to students of any nationality who are enrolled in a doctoral program at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and are planning to conduct preliminary dissertation field research abroad. SKJ International Internship Fellowships are available to students of any nationality who are enrolled in any graduate program at UW–Madison (working towards a doctorate) and are planning to spend a summer working as an intern with an organization abroad. Award amounts vary year-to-year but have averaged $4,500 over the past few years.
Graduate Student Summer Fieldwork Award  
Applications due at noon on Feb. 3, 2020
The purpose of these awards is to support graduate students at UW–Madison planning to conduct a minimum of 6 weeks of summer fieldwork outside of the U.S.. Any continuing graduate student at the UW–Madison may apply for these awards. These are one-time awards of $3,000 to be used in support of 6 or more weeks of summer fieldwork conducted outside the U.S.. Time abroad outside the summer months will be considered though applicants should address these circumstances in their statement and should have their advisor address them in their letter of recommendation as well. 
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