Welcome to the October edition of the Ph.D. Academy Newsletter!
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The semester is now well underway, and we know your schedules are filling up quickly. This month’s newsletter brings you important updates, upcoming events, resources to support your academic journey, and a reminder about fall recess on October 9–10. We’re glad you’re here! Let’s take a look at what’s ahead in October ~
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Please take a look at our upcoming events for October. You'll also receive separate email invitations for the events tailored to your cohort. Keep in mind, our Ph.D. Academy events count towards eligibility to apply for our funding in the spring... :)
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Time Management Tips from Senior Ph.D. Students [YR 1]
Tuesday, October 7, 2025 | MCB 101 + Zoom | RSVP
5:00pm-6:30pm
Designed for first-year PhDs: Your first year sets the tone for the rest of your PhD journey. Meet with your cohort and hear from our amazing panel of senior PhD students who will share real strategies on how to juggle coursework, research, and life without burning out.
This is the first academic event offered for first years so we recommend attending in person, if possible! Otherwise, we will have a Zoom option available.
Zoom Meeting Link
Meeting ID: 994 5786 7462
Passcode: 855983
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The (Academic) Job Search: How to Cast Your Net [YR 4+]
Tuesday, October 14, 2025 | MCB 101 + Zoom | RSVP
5:00-6:30pm
Designed for fourth-year PhDs and beyond: As you approach the final stages of your PhD, it’s time to start thinking about your next career move. This session will guide you through finding opportunities, expanding your search, and using effective networking strategies for careers in academia. Learn how to identify positions that align with your skills and values, and how to position yourself as a strong candidate in a competitive job market.
This fall’s panel will feature speakers with academic career experience. A complementary session focused on industry and non-academic careers will be offered in the spring semester.
Zoom Meeting Link
Meeting ID: 954 9703 6887
Passcode: 800553
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Balancing Service and Scholarship: When to Say Yes (and No) [YR 2+3]
Wednesday, October 22, 2025 | DML 240 + Zoom | RSVP
5:00-6:30pm
Designed for second and third year PhDs: As you advance in your PhD, opportunities to serve on committees, in student organizations, and at conferences can enrich your experience and expand your network. But overcommitment can drain time and energy from your research and writing. This session will help you evaluate service requests, set professional boundaries, and make choices that align with your long-term academic and career goals. Learn how to say “yes” strategically and “no” confidently.
Zoom Meeting Link
Meeting ID: 947 8776 4921
Passcode: 677957
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Other Important Upcoming Events |
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Nucleate Activator Info Session
Nucleate Info Session: Monday, October 6, 2025
5:00-6:00pm | MCB 101 | RSVP - Register for "USC UPC October 6" Session!
Attention Dornsife Natural Science Ph.D. students!: Nucleate, a student-led nonprofit organization that empowers the next generation of biotech leaders, is hosting an in-person info session on Monday, October 6 in MCB 101 from 5-6pm!
If you’re interested in learning more, this session is a great opportunity to meet new friends and explore how Ph.D. students can collaborate on interdisciplinary teams, connect with innovators across disciplines, and transform research into real-world impact.
Nucleate runs the Activator program, a six-month initiative that helps academic researchers and students translate scientific discoveries into real-world ventures.
📝 Apply here by October 15, 2025
📽️ Watch tutorial
More Information
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| Ph.D. Academy Scholarship and Research Fund - AY 2025-26 Important Information |
We are excited to share that the Dornsife Ph.D. Academy is planning to offer the 2026 Ph.D. Academy Scholarship and Research Fund (pending final budget approval). Students from all Academy cohorts who attend at least four Academy events this academic year will be eligible to apply for support of professional development and scholarly needs.
We’ll share updates as soon as everything is finalized, so keep an eye on our website and newsletters. In the meantime, attending events now will ensure you’re eligible in the spring.
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USC GSG Resources
Visit the Graduate Student Government (GSG) website for a wide range of resources to support your academic, professional, and personal wellbeing.
More Information
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| Know Your Rights Presentation and Resources
The USC Immigration Clinic and Immigrant Legal Assistance Center (ILAC) has compiled a list of resources, presentations, and materials on Dropbox.
More Information
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Trojan Food Pantry
The Trojan Food Pantry is now open! Open to students currently enrolled in Fall 2025 courses, do not possess a meal plan, and are impacted by food insecurity. Fill out their brief survey form and visit them Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 10:00am-2:00pm in KOH 103.
More Information
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| October Fall Recess - October 9 & 10
Fall recess is right around the corner: Thursday, October 9 – Friday, October 10!
Whether you’re planning to catch up on rest or traveling, we hope you take these two days to recharge. You’ve already powered through over a month of the semester, so you deserve it!
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| Missed an Event?
Curious about Ph.D. Academy events you were unable to attend? All event recordings for your cohort are available in USC Brightspace. Find your Ph.D. Academy Cohort and go to the Content tab. Recordings are uploaded within the week or so of the event.
Contact us if you have any questions.
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University of Southern California Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences | Los Angeles, CA 90089 US
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