Graduate Student Professional Development Series
Supported through the generosity of the G. Philip Johnson Endowed Fund
Elevate your graduate journey with Professional Development Workshops designed to provide skills and knowledge that will support you educationally and professionally.
This series is offered by Oakland University’s Graduate School and through the generosity of the G. Phillip Johnson Endowed Fund. We encourage you to RSVP to reserve a spot below; all workshops are available in person or virtually through Zoom.
RSVP: How to be a Great Mentor Workshop
These workshops are part of the Graduate Student Professional Development Series. However, the free sessions are open to the OU community.
Speaker: Dr. Berkley Browne, PhD; Assistant Professor in the Department of Foundational Medical Studies, Associate Dean for Student Affairs and Career Development, Assistant Professor - Dept of Foundational Medical Studies
Date: 12-1 p.m. Thursday, October 17, 2024
Location: Gold Room C, Oakland Center
Description: With the ever-growing pressures, needs, and demands on today’s graduate students and higher ed professionals, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. This session will provide you with practical tools and strategies to promote self-care, maintain well-being, and prevent burnout and fatigue. Through interactive exercises, group discussion, and self-reflection, participants will learn how to identify some of the early signs of burnout, develop personalized self-care routines, and foster emotional resilience. By the end of this workshop, participants will gain tools to help protect their energy and sustain their wellness.
Video recording of the event is available on youtube.
Speaker: Dr. Michelle Nelson, Assistant Vice President for Student Success Services, Mott Community College
Date: 12-1 p.m. Thursday, November 14, 2024
Location: Gold Room C, Oakland Center
Description: In this workshop, we will discuss the importance of networking and provide strategies for effectively identifying and approaching professional and discipline-based contacts. Participants will gain insights into the factors that influence and motivate others, empowering them to connect authentically and establish a strong foundation support network for success in graduate school and beyond. Walk away with actionable skills to enhance your networking effectiveness and foster meaningful relationships!
Speaker: Dr. Andrea Bittinger, DNP, CRNA, Admissions & Clinical Coordinator / Adjunct Faculty
Oakland University - Beaumont Graduate Program of Nurse Anesthesia
Description: Stress Management through Emotional Intelligence (EI) for Professional Success will introduce participants to the concept of Emotional Intelligence, exploring its key components and real-world applications. Attendees will gain insights into how EI directly impacts stress management, burnout, and resilience. By developing core EI skills, participants can better navigate the challenges of academia (and beyond), leading to improved well-being and increased professional longevity. The session will also highlight the critical role of EI in higher education, emphasizing its importance in creating supportive and thriving academic environments.
Date: 12-1 p.m. Friday, December 6, 2024
Location: HyFlex—In-person (OC Ballroom C East)
Speaker: Fatema Tuz Zohra BDS, MPH, Mentoring 4 Life (M4L), Early Childhood Program Coordinator for Allied Behavioral Health Solutions
Description: This workshop is designed to help professionals develop the skills needed to be impactful and inspiring mentors. Through an engaging mix of discussions and exercises, participants will learn the core elements of successful mentorship: building trust, setting clear and motivating goals, and communicating with empathy and clarity. The session also addresses common mentoring challenges, including setting boundaries and managing difficult conversations, equipping attendees with strategies to navigate these situations effectively. Whether new to mentoring or looking to refine your approach, this workshop provides a foundation of actionable techniques and insights to support, guide, and empower others in their growth. This workshop is supported through the generosity of the NSF Innovations in Graduate Education (IGE) Grant.
Date: 12-1 p.m. Saturday, January 11, 2025
Location: Zoom
Panelists:
Scott L. Crabill, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Communication, Department of Communication, Journalism, and Public Relations
Dr. Kristine Thompson, Coordinator of Ph.D. in Human Movement Science; Professor of Physical Therapy
Dr. Douglas W. Templeton, Consultant for Lockheed-Martin; Former Electronics Engineer with the U.S. Army Tank‑Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center
Description: Presenting your research at a conference is a crucial skill for academic and professional growth, yet many researchers struggle with effectively communicating their ideas to diverse audiences. In this engaging workshop, experts from various disciplines will share practical strategies and insights for delivering impactful conference presentations.
Through interactive discussions and expert-led guidance, participants will explore:
- Crafting clear, concise, and engaging presentations
- Leveraging visual aids effectively
- Managing audience questions with confidence
- Dealing with anxiety
- Networking at professional conferences
By the end of the session, attendees will leave equipped with actionable tips to enhance their public speaking skills and present their research with poise and professionalism.
Date: 6-7 p.m. Thursday, January 16, 2025
Location: Zoom (Link will be shared after registration)
Speaker: Dr. Julia Smith and Qian (Beth) Zou
Description: Coming soon!
Date: TBD
Location: HyFlex—In-person location TBD
RSVP: Coming soon!