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October 4, 2022In this issue: Food assistance for graduate students, design series, and more.
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Tips for Grads: Things to look at if you're looking for faculty positions
If you’re thinking about, dead set on, or unsure if you want a faculty job after you graduate, this is the tips column for you! While going the route of pursuing an academic faculty position is not your only option after graduate school, it is undoubtedly a popular one. But it’s a path that can easily feel overwhelming, like there are so many different elements to juggle that must line up for you to land a position. The good news is, as a UW–Madison graduate student, you have access to tons of resources specifically geared towards helping you prepare for, apply to, and land faculty positions. Here is a list of resources to check out:
- The Delta Program in the Graduate School: The Delta Program is a must for anyone looking to become not only a competitive candidate for faculty positions, but also someone with the ability to support a wide variety of students and to be the most effective mentor possible. Between their workshops, courses, internships, or certification, Delta is a great place to check for ideas as you embark on your academic career professional development journey.
- National Center for Faculty Development and Diversity (NCFDD): UW–Madison students can make a free NCFDD account to access the NCFDD’s wide array of excellent online programming. Some upcoming highlights include a 14-Day Writing Challenge, a workshop on engaging in healthy conflict, and a webinar geared towards folks who want to work at small, liberal arts colleges.
- For Future Faculty: The For Future Faculty page provides a curated feed of upcoming in-person and virtual events geared towards students interested in a career in academia, as well as connections to other resources and advice.
- Beyond the Professoriate: While the name might suggest otherwise, Beyond the Professoriate is a great place to access even more specific help and resources for faculty careers. The website offers programs for STEM and Humanities and Social Sciences students, so you can be sure you’re getting advice that directly relates to your path and interests.
- The Writing Center: In addition to some fantastic online resources (like the UW–Madison Writer’s Handbook), the Writing Center offers a yearly workshop series called “On the Academic Job Market," with workshops on everything from how to write diversity statements to writing an effective academic CV.
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.
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DiscoverPD is an innovative tool for UW–Madison graduate students to advance their academic and professional goals. Review the eight facets of professional development, complete a self-assessment, and get a customized report and recommendations.
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Upcoming Office of Professional Development EventsAll event times and deadlines are listed in Central Time.
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Communicating your research to a non-specialist audience is an essential career skill, whether you're preparing for job interviews, networking at a conference, or just tryung to explain to family and freinds what you do with your time. This online workshop, sponsored by the Writing Center and the Graduate School Office of Professional Development, will help graduate students from all discimpline to prepare for an accessible, intriguing three-minute talk about their research. If you're interested in learning how to craft a concise, general explanation of your research, or if you plan to participate in the 3MT Three-Minute Thesis competition, this workshop is for you.
Successful interviewing relies heavily on effective preparation. What should you know to prepare for interviewing for faculty positions? What expectations will institutions have of you as an applicant? What type of meetings might occur during the interview process and what "unexpected events" or questions should you expect during an interview? What questions will (and should) you have for your interviewers? This workshop will focus on helping you think through the process of getting ready for interviews. A panel consisting of new and experienced faculty will give tips and information and answer your questions. Panelists include:
- Tawnya Cary, Assistant Professor of Biology, Beloit College
- Christen Smith, Assistant Professor of Chemistry, Madison College
- Noah Weeth Feinstein, Professor of Curriculum and Instruction, UW–Madison
- Al Kovaleski, Assistant Professor of Horticulture, UW–Madison
- Russ Castronovo, Professor of English, UW–Madison
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Design Series: Creating Effective Presentations and Posters
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Whether you're presenting your research, teaching, or creating a presentation for a job talk, utilizing principles of effective design in presentations is incredibly important as a professional. A well-designed presentation can be the difference between an engaged audience and one that is bored, multitasking, or even scrolling through social media. In this workshop, we will look at the DesignLab's "CAT" of designing presentations, that is the Conceptual, Aesthetic, and Technical aspects of your research/scholarly project. Mandy Morrow, Associate Director of DesignLab, will discuss how to structure your presentation for your audience, explore common mistakes/errors, and provide you with tools to communicate your desired message clearly and effectively.
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If you need to create a research poster, this workshop is for you! This workshop will be presented in partnership with UW-Madison’s DesignLab, the Writing Center, and the Graduate School Office of Professional Development. You’ll discover how to create a research poster that clearly communicates its message through both written composition and captivating design. You’ll be introduced to basic design concepts, learn about the fundamental components of strong research posters, and analyze sample posters. By the end of this workshop, you’ll have the tools necessary to craft a poster that clearly conveys your research and appeals to your audience. Lisa Marvel Johnson (pictured to the left), Faculty Associate at the Writing Center, and Mandy Morrow (pictured above) will lead this workshop.
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In-class group work can be a rich and important learning experience. So why do so many people hate it? Group work with inadequate structure invites typical behaviors such as dominating and withdrawing, conflicts, and limits student learning. This workshop is designed for graduate students and post-docs looking to build skills for both current and future teaching roles. We'll talk about:
- How to design group work effectively
- How to (and not to) assign groups
- How to respond in-the-moment to typical challenges with in-class group work
This workshop is offered in partnership with University Health Services.
This introductory workshop will present strategies to support both student learning and well-being by cultivating a welcoming and empowering learning environment. Join us to explore evidence-based health-promoting practices and to consult with others and workshop applying these strategies in courses you teach or anticipate teaching in your future career.
This workshop is both didactic and consultative. We will provide an overview of health-promoting and trauma-informed teaching practices that support student, instructor, and community well-being and promote student learning through academic belonging and empowerment. We will engage in scenario-based learning together, and you will be introduced to resources you can use through the Healthy Academics Toolkit. Participants will also engage in consultation and work time towards putting these strategies into practice.
Participants should come prepared with:
- Your own real-world examples or questions about how to support well-being in the context of your (current or hypothetical future) teaching
Participants will leave with:
- Knowledge of specific health-promoting pedagogies and trauma-informed practices that support both learning and well-being
- A commitment to integrate a chosen strategy into your work, and the next steps and resources to do so
- Access to ongoing consultation support for incorporating these practices into your teaching
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Additional Upcoming Professional Development Events
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Finding and landing an internship isn’t just about submitting a resume, crossing your fingers, and waiting for a phone call. Internships can be crucial for your career success and satisfaction, and you’ll need to be strategic in how you pursue them.
In this webinar for master’s students, L. Maren Wood, PhD (Founder of Beyond Graduate School), will help walk you through how to find and land a successful internship. After attending the webinar, you will be able to:
- Identify your goals and expectations for an internship
- Describe the importance of networking when looking for internship opportunities
- Develop a networking strategy to search for your optimal internship
The challenge is simple: write for at least 30 minutes every day (Monday through Friday) for two weeks. This focused 14-day program will enable you to experience the skills and habits that lead to explosive writing productivity. It includes group accountability, coaching and access to our WriteNow custom software platform. Before you can register, you will need to create a (free) NCFDD account using UW–Madison's institutional membership.
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FAFSA Frenzy
Most Fridays throughout fall semester | noon – 2 pm
Bring your laptop and get help completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Lunch provided. Dates and locations include:
- Oct 7, Red Gym, Black Cultural Center
- Oct 14, Education Building, Wisconsin Idea Room
- Oct 21, Carson Gulley Center, Upper Program Room
- Oct 28, Gordon Dining and Event Center, Symphony Room
- Nov 4, Health Sciences Learning Center, Room 2158
- Nov 11, Engineering Hall Lobby
- Nov 18, Grainger Hall, Multicultural Center (Room 2250)
- Dec 2, 333 East Campus Mall, STARR Lab (9th Floor)
- Dec 9, 333 East Campus Mall, STARR Lab (9th Floor)
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- Excel 2: Data visualization
- Python
- Illustrator 1
- InDesign
- Regression Diagnostics with Sata
- Mediation Models with Stata
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Special Events & Symposia
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The Public Service Fellows program is a three-semester professional development sequence for graduate students and postdocs in STEM. The program builds foundational knowledge, skills, and practical experience in public service and community engagement. Graduate and postdoc students from any STEM discipline will be able to incorporate issues of public concern into their career goals. This fellows program culminates in a mentored practicum with a campus, community, or governmental organization.
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Winter commencement and academic attire dates- Friday, Oct 21: Last day to purchase academic attire to arrive in time for the December 2022 ceremony
- Now through Saturday, Nov 19: Early badger pricing on academic attire rentals
- Sunday, Nov 20 through Friday, Dec 16: Academic attire rental continues (regular pricing supplies
- Sunday, Dec 18: UW Winter Commencement
Food assistance available for students
Food insecurity can mean skipping meals because you can't afford them, or it can mean not having enough access to healthy and nutritious food that allow you to focus on your academic and scholarly goals. If you are facing food insecurity, there are free food resources available on campus:
- The Badger Fare program provides a $75 deposit directly to your Wiscard that you can immediately use to purchase food on campus. The program is offered through the Dean of Students Office and is available once each academic year to students who are experiencing food insecurity or an unexpected life event.
- The Open Seat Food Pantry supplies students in need with free boxes of food and hygiene products packed and distributed by Second Harvest Foodbank. To get a food box, fill out the Open Seat food box request by Thursday at noon. The following week, you can pick up your food at locations at Eagle Heights or East Campus Mall.
While these are some highlights, there are many other food assistance resources on campus and in the community for all students facing food insecurity or who have experienced an unexpected life event. Please take advantage of them if you need them.
Applications open now for Student Research Grants Competition second cycle
Have you been invited to present your research at a conference or do you need additional funds to support research travel in preparation for your dissertation, final exhibition, or thesis? If so, you should consider applying for a Student Research Grants Competition (SRGC) Award. The application is now live to receive funding or reimbursement for trips between October 1 and December 31.
Award levels are $1,500 for Research Travel awards and $600 or $1,200 for Conference Presentation funds. Priority will be given to dissertators and final-year MFA students, and to those who have not previously received an SRGC Research Travel or Conference Presentation Award. Please note that we will receive many more applications than we are able to fund.
Help campus estimate graduate students’ cost of attendance
The Office of Student Financial Aid (OSFA) is working to better understand the cost for students to attend UW–Madison, and would love your help. Take a few minutes to complete a survey about your expenses. Your response will help OSFA calculate average costs for students and ultimately help provide accurate financial aid to you and your fellow Badgers.
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Updated COVID-19 boosters are available at flu shot clinics. Students and employees can boost their immune systems and help keep campus healthy this fall with a flu vaccine and Pfizer bivalent booster, conveniently available together for no cost at vaccine clinics across campus this fall. Visit the UHS website for more information and to schedule your appointments today.
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COVID-19 Response and Testing Information
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Mental Health Resources for Grad Students
According to the 2019 Healthy Minds Survey, 93% of UW–Madison graduate students do not think any less of a peer who seeks mental health care, and 89% of UW–Madison graduate students who used mental health care found it helpful.
- UHS 24-hour Crisis Services. 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. Call the UHS crisis line at 608-265-5600. For situations that are immediately life-threatening, call 911.
- Individual Counseling. University Health Services offers individual counseling conducted remotely over phone or video, with bilingual mental health providers available in Mandarin or Spanish. Counseling topics can be any issue that causes distress – emotional, psychological, interpersonal, or academic.
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UHS services available remotely
University Health Services is committed to supporting you. Many medical, counseling, and wellness services are available by phone and accessible online. Find out more on the UHS Remote Health and Connection webpage.
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| Graduate Student Support and Assistance
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 Graduate and Professional Student Assistance Specialist Elaine Goetz-Berman directly, email egoetz2@wisc.edu.
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| Hostile and Intimidating Behavior
The University of Wisconsin–Madison is committed to preventing hostile and intimidating behavior (HIB) and will take prompt and appropriate corrective action whenever it learns that it has occurred. If you have experienced HIB, there are resources to help and staff available to talk.
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Please note: Graduate students enrolled in service-based pricing programs, such as online and accelerated programs, are ineligible to receive tuition remission. Be sure to check with your graduate program coordinator and read your admission and appointment letters carefully to understand your benefits eligibility.
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The Christine Mirzayan Science & Technology Policy Graduate Fellowhsip Program is a full-time hands-on training and educational program that provides early career individuals with the opportunity to spend 12 weeks at the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine in Washington, DC, learning about science and technology and the role that scientists and engineers play in advising their nation. Individuals who have completed graduate studies within the last five years (graduated on or later than March 6, 2017) may apply. Graduate and professional school students are also eligible, with preference given to those at a later stage of their graduate/professional studies. Areas of study may include social/behavioral sciences, health and medicine, physical or biological sciences, engineering, law/business/public administration, or relevant interdisciplinary fields.
This program provides one-year fellowships to doctoral students to support research at Smithsonian Institution facilities. Students must have completed all coursework for their program, be admitted into doctoral candidacy, and completed all requirements except for completion of the dissertation. The one-year fellowships carry a stipend of $42,000. All fields of study that are actively pursued by the museums and research organizations of the Smithsonian Institution are eligible. UW–Madison Fellowships Officer Jeff Cary is the campus contact for students with questions about this fellowship.
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Pet(s) of the Week
Sometimes, it just isn't possible for us to have our pets with us while we are in graduate school. Here are some beloved pets our fellow graduate students have had to leave back home:
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Yejung Lee, graduate student in Chemistry, misses Seor-ee very much. Seor-ee, whose name means "snow" in Korean, is back in Korea. Says Yejung, "I miss him so much (a little more than my “human” family…sorry mom and dad)."
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Due to obstacles such as COVID-19 and the war in Ukraine, it has been three years since Valeriia Umanets, graduate student in Political Science, last hugged Pippa. However, she receives pictures of her beloved pup every day, which brings her much joy. She hopes we all have something (even very small!) to help us get through this semester.
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