A new semester is upon us, full of possibility and promise. Yet many...
A new semester is upon us, full of possibility and promise. Yet many...
GradConnections Weekly

January 22, 2019

In this issue: Starting your semester with a strategic plan, Bouchet Honor Society nominations, and more.
PhD Comic

Tips for Grads: Managing Projects and People

By Matthew J. Zinsli, PhD student
A new semester is upon us, full of possibility and promise. Yet many students find that, with the demands of classwork, teaching, or just “adulting,” the ground quickly gives way beneath their feet. That’s why it is important to go into each semester with a strategic plan.
A strategic plan is fairly straightforward. It merely sets out what long-term goals you wish to accomplish, the tasks that will move you towards those goals, and when you will do the actual work required. That last bit is key: you must strategically set aside time each week when you’re going to focus on tasks that contribute to your goals. Creating the space to work towards long-term projects helps ensure you don’t lose track of them while meeting the demands of urgent, but less important, commitments.
Once you’ve got your plan, it’s vital to stay committed to it. As a grad student, it’s likely that one of your big goals is a writing project. Plan to spend at least 30 minutes each day writing. It may not sound like much, but this ensures that you are making a little progress each day. A good strategy is to find a supportive community to keep you motivated, such as a writing group.
If you’re unsure what long-term goals are important right now, consider creating an individual development plan. Check out campus resources like DiscoverPD, or institutional subscriptions like ImaginePhD or VersatilePhD. Speak with your advisor, colleagues, or supervisors to see what they think you should be working on.
For more detail on strategic planning, check out the webinar “Every Semester Needs a Plan” from the National Center for Faculty Development and Diversity. 
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.

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: Managing Grades in Canvas
Wednesday, Jan. 23 | 10 - 11:30 am
B1144A Middleton Building
Active Teaching Lab: Evidence-Supported Learning Activities
Thursday, Jan. 24 | 1 - 2 pm
120 Middleton Building 
This week's Software Training for Students (STS) courses:
  • Excel 1
  • Drop-in Session at DesignLab
  • Photoshop
For dates and times of each class, and for more software classes, visit the STS website.
This week's Social Science Computing Cooperative (SSCC) courses:
  • Data Wrangling Essentials in R
  • Markdown for Technical Writing
For dates and times of each class, and for more software classes, visit the SSCC website.
School of Medicine and Public Health Annual Diversity Summit
Thursday, Jan. 24 | 4:30 - 7:30 pm
Health Sciences Learning Center
Deadlines & Announcements

Internships available at Idaho National Laboratory

Internships at the Idaho National Laboratory span a wide range of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields and other important disciplines. INL is currently looking for interns in a variety of areas, from advanced manufacturing technology, to environmental safety, health, and quality. The general internship postings on INL’s website are used to fill a number of individual positions each year. Most applications are open until Feb. 16.

Bouchet Graduate Honor Society accepting applications

The Bouchet 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 2019 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. Applications for the Edward A. Bouchet Graduate Honor Society are open until Jan. 28. Visit the Bouchet Honor Society webpage for details and a link to apply.
Wellness

Mental Health Resources for Grad Students

According to the 2016 UW–Madison Healthy Minds Study, 94% of UW–Madison students do not think any less of a peer who seeks mental health care, and 90% of students who used mental health care found it helpful. As a student, there are a variety of mental health resources available to you at no cost. A few of these resources are listed here.
Multicultural Student Center Drop In Hours. In partnership with other campus resources, the MSC provides in-house support, counseling, and programs aimed at fostering mental health and wellbeing. Drop in hours are free, confidential consultations for UW students. Check the MSC website for hours and location.
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

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