NSF-GRFP Info Session

Monday, September 14, 4-5 p.m., via Zoom 

Are you a graduate student in your first in a STEM-based discipline? Are you interested in three years of funding while in grad school? Are you a U.S. citizen, national, or permanent resident? Then please join us for an informational session about the National Science Foundation’s Graduate Research Fellowship Program (NSF GRFP)! In this information session we will discuss the program, eligibility, and how to prepare a strong application. The informational session will be followed by a four-week writing group where you can work on the application and receive feedback from peers and the Graduate Writing and Presenting Lab. Stay tuned for more information about that forthcoming writing group!

Grad School Crash Course

Tuesday, September 15, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m., via Zoom 

Have you ever asked yourself any of the following questions: “Who is my advisor?” “How do I form a committee?” “What even is a committee?” “What are comprehensive exams and do I even have to take them?” “What’s the difference between a thesis and a dissertation?” “What does ‘ABD’ mean?” Whether you are in a master’s or doctorate, there’s a lot of lingo to learn and academic culture to adapt to. Make sure you’re ready!

Reading with Focus and Purpose

Tuesday, September 22, 1 – 2 p.m., via Zoom 

Studying by simply reading and re-reading is one of the least effective forms of studying. The problem is that readers often read passively and without absorbing information. After reading the previous sentences, for example, did you move to this one and continue reading without processing what you had just read? Most readers do. We often don’t pause to think about what we have read. This workshop will offer graduate-level study strategies in addition to methods to maximize learning while reading purposefully.

Seminar on Effective Teaching

Thursday, September 24, 1:30-3 p.m., via Zoom

Graduate students who are TAs or are pursuing tenure track faculty positions will benefit from this workshop led by Dr. Kayon Murray-Johnson, winner of the 2021 URI Teaching Excellence Award and URI teaching and learning specialist. She will facilitate an interactive session on strategies and practices for creating a positive learning environment for students. This session counts towards the Graduate School’s Equitable and Inclusive Teaching and Pedagogy Badge.

Three Minute Thesis (3MT) Kick Off!

Wednesday, September 30, 2026, 12:30 – 1 p.m., via Zoom.

Learn about this fun way to compete for up to $1,000 in prizes, improve your research communication skills, and gain recognition for you and your work. Our 2026 winners will be there to get you excited about participating in this competition. Our 2024 3MT winner, Sarah Davis, PhD Candidate won regionals and competed at Nationals. You can too!

Teaching at Teaching Intensive Institutions

Friday, October 2, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Worcester State University, Student Center (In-Person)

Click HERE for registration information and updates.

Many faculty enjoy rewarding careers at colleges and universities that primarily emphasize teaching, including liberal arts colleges, community colleges, and regional comprehensive universities. This free one-day regional conference brings together graduate students, postdocs, and faculty to discuss what it’s like to work at teaching intensive institutions and how to apply for these faculty positions. Graduate students and postdocs will engage with faculty and deans from a range of teaching-intensive institutions across the New England region through a series of talks, panel presentations, and networking opportunities. Information will be continually updated on the TTII conference website, including a place to request notification of registration opening.

Time Management for Grad Students

Tuesday, October 6, 11:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., via Zoom

Have you ever wished there were extra hours in the day? In this 30-minute workshop, we will introduce time management strategies and help you identify approaches that might work for you so you will be better prepared to make each day a productive one.

Introduction to Equitable and Inclusive Teaching

Thursday, October 22, 2026, 12-2 p.m., via Zoom

Associate Dean and Professor of Education Annemarie Vaccaro will provide insight into and best practices for equitable and inclusive teaching. This seminar can be taken alone or be counted toward the Equitable and Inclusive Teaching & Pedagogy Badge Program.