The Graduate School’s Timely Topics is a series of learning opportunities for students, faculty, and staff to engage with subject matter experts on topics relevant to graduate education. The student track of this series features sessions that highlight University resources and supports, answer questions about academic processes and procedures, and provide strategies to help students successfully navigate their graduate career. All sessions are offered virtually.
Register for a Session | View the full student track schedule and session descriptions
Fall 2026 Student Sessions:
Difficult Subjects/Civil Conversations: A Structured Dialogue Workshop
In today’s polarized academic and social climate, graduate Teaching and Research Assistants play a critical role in fostering respectful and productive conversations. This one-hour, tools-based workshop introduces structured dialogue techniques that support active listening, constructive engagement, and communication across difference. Participants will gain practical strategies to navigate challenging discussions in classrooms, research settings, and collaborative environments. Join the Democracy & Dialogues Initiative to strengthen your ability to lead with clarity, empathy, and professionalism.
Date: Wednesday, September 16, 2026
Time: 11am – 12pm
Facilitators: Nana Amos, Director of Community Outreach & Engagement, The Dodd Center for Human Rights; Co-Director, Democracy & Dialogues Initiative & Brendan Kane, Professor, History and Literature, Cultures, and Languages; Co-Director, Democracy & Dialogues Initiative
Researcher Privacy for Graduate Students
In today’s increasingly connected academic landscape, researchers face unique privacy and security challenges. This session will provide you with practical strategies to assess and protect your digital footprint, implement essential privacy measures, and respond effectively to potential issues. From managing your scholarly identity to handling controversial research areas, learn how to balance academic visibility with personal privacy.
Learning Outcomes:
- Assess your digital footprint and identify potential vulnerabilities specific to your academic work and online presence
- Implement essential privacy protection strategies including password management, identity compartmentalization, and data removal techniques
- Develop a personalized response plan for managing potential privacy threats related to your research activities
Date: Wednesday, October 7, 2026
Time: 11am – 12pm
Facilitator: Jennifer Schaefer, Research Services Librarian, Homer Babbidge Library
Being Strategic: Career Readiness Milestones
Have you ever wondered whether you truly understood everything involved in reaching your career goals?
Do you ever feel like you wished you had taken a career prep action step sooner?
Maybe you know you need to do something, but “what” remains a mystery.
By the end of the session, you’ll have a clearer understanding of the career preparation process, a roadmap of important milestones for different career paths, and actionable next steps to help you navigate your career readiness with greater confidence. Identifying and reaching your career goals requires intentional steps and a structured plan.
Date: Wednesday, October 28, 2026
Time: 11am – 12pm
Facilitator: Kay Gruder, Associate Director, Graduate Student and Postdoc Career Programs and Services, Center for Career Readiness and Life Skills
Making Connections That Count: Professional Communication & In-Person Networking
Strong professional communication—whether in person, over email, or in professional settings—is essential to success in graduate school and beyond. This session highlights strategies for communicating clearly and professionally in a range of contexts, as well as strategies for starting conversations, navigating in-person networking events, and following up effectively to turn brief interactions into lasting professional relationships.
Date: Wednesday, November 18, 2026
Time: 11am – 12pm
Facilitator: Melanie Sinche, Director of Graduate Student and Postdoctoral Success, The Graduate School
Learn more about all of The Graduate School’s Timely Topics
