GRAD CHRONICLE: October 25, 2024

Fall 2024 Graduate College Programming

Check out the fun and educational events we have planned for you this October. Hope to see you soon!

• Career Drop-In: Tuesdays: 2:30 pm-4:30 pm in University Library 314
• The Write Place: Thursdays from 12 pm-3 pm in University Library 314
• Graduate Student Writing Affinity Group: October 8th from 2 pm-4 pm in University Library 365 and via Microsoft Teams
• Research Writing Retreat: October 11th from 8 am-5:30 pm and October 12th from 9 am-5 pm in Room 332 (3rd Floor)
• Three Minute Thesis (3MT) Competition: October 15th from 1 pm-4pm in the KIVA
• First-Generation Graduate Student Affinity Group: October 21st from 2 pm-3 pm in University Library 352 and via Microsoft Teams
• Navigating GenAI as a Graduate Student: October 23rd from 10 am-11:30 am via Microsoft Teams
• AAUW Salary Negotiation Workshop: October 23rd from 6 pm-7:30 pm via Microsoft Teams
• Graduate Student Writing Affinity Group: October 24th from 12 pm-2 pm in University Library 352 and via Microsoft Teams
• Graduate Student Self-Care Affinity Group: October 29th from 1:30 pm-2:30 pm in University Library 352 and via Microsoft Teams

Check out the fun and educational events we have planned for you this November. Hope to see you soon!

• Career Drop-In: Tuesdays: 2:30 pm-4:30 pm in University Library 314
• The Write Place: Thursdays from 12 pm-3 pm in University Library 314
• First-Generation Graduate Student Roundtable Discussion: November 4th from 3 pm-4:30 pm in University Library 352 and via Microsoft Teams
• Graduate Student Writing Affinity Group: November 7th from 2 pm-4 pm in University Library 352 and via Microsoft Teams
• Graduate Student Self-Care Affinity Group: November 19th from 2 pm-3 pm in University Library 352 and via Microsoft Teams
• Graduate Student Writing Affinity Group: November 21st from 2 pm-4 pm in University Library 352 and via Microsoft Teams
• Research Writing Retreat: November 22nd from 8 am-5:30 pm and November 23rd from 9 am-5 pm on the 3rd Floor of the University Library

*We are commited to accessibile and inclusive events. If you need disability accommodations, please contact Sekhar Mamidi at smamidi2@kent.edu.*

Graduate Student Teaching Award: Applications Open Through November 15

Applications for the Graduate Student Teaching Award are now open!

Are you a graduate student instructor or teaching assistant? Consider applying for the Graduate Student Teaching Award, co-sponsored by the Graduate College and the Center for Teaching and Learning. Each year, we recognize one masters student and one doctoral student who exemplifies excellence in teaching as part of their professional development and training. Applications are open through November 15!

Career Drop-In

The Graduate College is partnering with Career Exploration and Development every Tuesday beginning August 27. Join a Career Exploration and Development staff member to get assistance and information about programs and careers, resumes and cover letters, increasing your networking skills, learning interviewing tips and more! The sessions will be held from 2:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m. on Tuesdays in University Library 314. Students are welcome to join whenever they are able!

The Write Place

The Graduate College is offering the Write Place every Thursday beginning August 29. Join your fellow graduate students for weekly writing accountability groups. The sessions will be held from 12 p.m.-3 p.m. on Thursdays in University Library 314. In collaboration with the Writing Commons, a  Graduate Writing Consultant will be present during every session to assist students as needed. Students are welcome to join whenever they are able!

Graduate College Affinity Groups

Are you interested in building community with other graduate students? The Graduate College has three affinity groups you join to develop community in your choice of areas. There is a first-generation graduate student affinity group, a graduate student self-care group affinity group, and a graduate student writing affinity group. Depending on the group(s) you choose to join, there will be at least 1 monthly meeting to build a community with other graduate students. Join by either scanning the QR code or using the link http://tiny.cc/gcaffinitygroups. We hope to see you join and participate!

First Generation Graduate Student Roundtable Discussion (I AM FIRST WEEK of Celebration):
November 4, 2024

As a part of I AM FIRST WEEK of Celebration (November 4-8, 2024) the Graduate College in collaboration with Student Success Programs is hosting a First-Generation Graduate Student Roundtable Discussion on Monday, November 4th from 3:00 pm-4:30 pm in University Library 352 and on Microsoft Teams. This roundtable discussion is open to all graduate students. 

If you are interested in attending other I AM FIRST WEEK of Celebration events, you can check out the I AM FIRST WEEK of Celebration website for more information.

November 2024 Research Writing Retreat: November 22 & 23, 2024

The Research Writing Retreat on  November 22 (8 am-5:30 pm) and 23 (9 am-5 pm) will provide you with an opportunity to make progress on your writing with no distractions or interruptions. Additionally, you will have dedicated space and time so you can focus only on writing. Participants can sign up for one day of the retreat for $20 and two days for $30. You can register using this link. The Research Writing Retreat will take place on the 3rd Floor of the University Library.

Teaching Recognition Awards

The Center for Teaching and Learning offers Teaching Recognition Awards to
all instructors at Kent State, including graduate students and faculty of all appointment types (TT, NTT, adjunct). The objective of the teaching development awards program is to recognize actions that enhance teaching and learning at Kent State University. The program allows instructors to earn tiered awards (bronze, silver, gold & platinum) for their efforts to learn about, implement, evaluate and investigate evidence-based instructional practices. To learn more about these awards, visit the CTL website.

CAMPUS AND COMMUNITY OFFERINGS

Forecasted Notice of Funding Opportunity for Dissertation Research

The Administration for Children and Families (ACF) has long supported rigorous dissertation research by advanced doctoral students addressing policy relevant issues. We are excited to announce that the Office of Planning, Research & Evaluation (OPRE) has forecasted funding opportunities for fiscal year 2025 for dissertation research on key topics of interest to ACF. Please visit   grants.gov for the  Child Care Dissertation Grants,  Head Start Dissertation Grants, and   Behavioral Interventions Scholars forecasts to view descriptions, estimated application due dates, and to subscribe to email notifications regarding these award opportunities visit the ACF website to view previously awarded projects under  Child Care,  Head Start, and  Behavioral Interventions Scholars Grant Programs. We encourage regular visits to ACF’s Grants  home page for information about applying. Please circulate this information to any interested parties. Note: These forecasted award opportunities are contingent on available funds and the continued interest of the federal government.  

Writing Commons Graduate Consultations

Graduate consultants are available in the Writing Commons on the 4th Floor of the University Library to help graduate students with their writing 7 days a week during the following times:

• Monday: 9 am-9 pm
• Tuesday: 9 am-3 pm
• Wednesday: 9 am-3 pm
• Thursday: 9 am-3 pm
• Friday: 11 am-4 pm
• Saturday: 12 pm-2 pm
• Sunday: 6 pm-9pm

Visit their website or scan the QR code in the flyer to schedule an appointment!

Kent State Fraud Training Program Now Live: Complete by October 29, 2024

The state-mandated fraud training program is now live and available for completion. All Kent State employees, including student employees are required to complete this training by October 29. The training is now accessible through SafeColleges. The training can be accessed by clicking on the SafeColleges link . You will have to sign in with your Kent State credentials to access the fraud training. Key points to remember:
1.Training must be completed by October 29, 2024.
2.Training is mandatory for all Kent State employees, including faculty, staff, graduate assistants and part-time student workers.
3. The state of Ohio requires 100% employee participation in the training program.
4.The training covers identifying potential fraud, proper reporting procedures, your rights and responsibilities, and university policies and legal requirements.
5.The training takes approximately 10 minutes to complete.

All employees will be required to retake this training once every four years, in accordance with the Ohio Revised Code. If you encounter any technical issues while accessing or completing the training, please contact our IT Help Desk at 330-672-HELP (4357) or helpdesk@kent.edu. For any other questions or concerns about the training program, please contact the Division of People, Culture and Belonging at 330-672-2100 or people@kent.edu.

Dialogue and Difference: Post-Election Reflections: November 7, 2024

Please join us for the final session in this semester's Dialogue and Difference series. On November 7th at 4 pm in KSC 313 , we will process the recent impacts of the presidential election. Whether the votes are still being counted or a winner has been projected, we have witnessed strong feelings and attitudes expressed during this campaign cycle. The election represents many different values to members of the Kent State community. This discussion will allow community members to process the election in addition to providing wellness tips as we head into the winter months. Registration is appreciated, and can be found at www.kent.edu/dialogue.

Kent State Brain Health Research Institute Annual Neuroscience Symposium: November 7 & 8, 2024

The Brain Health Research Institute (BHRI) is holding their annual Neuroscience Symposium and Research Exchange on November 7th and 8th  at the Kent State Hotel downtown. Graduate students are welcome to present their research and compete for prizes, but anyone interested in brain-related topics is also welcome to attend. Additionally, there will be a public lecture on the 7th that is fully open to the general public, so students are welcome to invite their family, friends, and neighbors. This public lecture will discuss black maternal health, with speaker Dr. Angela Neal-Barnett.

More information about can be found on the BHRI's website. Registration will open in the next two weeks. If you have any questions feel free to reach out to Robin Bearss, a fourth year Neuroscience PhD Student and the Graduate Student Representative for the BHRI (rbearss@kent.edu) or Mary Koch (BHRI Special Assistant, mekoch@kent.edu).

Graduate Student Trustee Search: Completed Applications Accepted Through November 8, 2024

We seek a graduate student trustee to serve on the Kent State University Board of Trustees. The Office of the Senior Vice President for Student Life is now accepting applications from interested candidates. Our Student Trustee website provides information about the student trustee position, including expectations, responsibilities, and qualifications. Documents necessary for completing an applicant’s file are application form, resume, and three letters of recommendation (two from individuals affiliated with Kent State University and one from a personal source not affiliated with the University). Students may choose to include additional relevant information with their application. For best consideration, complete applicant files will be accepted through Friday, November 8, 2024.
The term for Graduate Student Trustee will begin on the date of appointment specified by the governor and end in May 2027. Prospective graduate students who are 18 years or older, a registered voter in Ohio, and can serve a 2-year term are eligible to apply. 

Save the Date: Case Western Reserve University Preparing Future Faculty Retreat! November 8 & 9, 2024 

This Preparing Future Faculty Retreat on November 8th & 9th is designed to assist Ph.D. students and Post-Docs with their transition to a career in academia as tenure track faculty and/or researchers. The 2024 CWRU Future faculty cohort will spend two days in both specialized workshops and plenary sessions with higher education experts who will provide a unique lens and proven strategies for success particularly among underrepresented minority graduate students and Post-Docs, with mentoring and guidance for pursuing faculty positions and ensuring a smooth transition to a faculty role. Register for the Preparing Future Faculty Retreat!

Laura Bassi Scholarship Winter 2024 Funding: November 25, 2024 

The Laura Bassi Scholarship was established in 2018 with the aim of providing assistance to postgraduates and junior academics whose research focuses on neglected topics of study, broadly construed. The scholarships are open to every discipline and the next round of funding will be awarded in Winter 2024, and the details are listed below:

• Winter 2024
• Application Deadline: November 25, 2024
• Results: December 11, 2024

All currently enrolled master's and doctoral candidates are eligible to apply as are academics in the first five years of full-time employment. Applicants are required to submit a completed application form along with their CV through the application portal by the relevant deadline. Further details, including previous winners, and the application portal can be found at: https://editing.press/bassi.

Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS): Fall 2024 Workshops & Skills Series

 Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) offers single- and multiple-session workshops on 14 different mental health and wellness topics, either virtually or in-person. All of their workshops are offered at no cost to students, though they do require that they register through their website. More information and our registration pages can be found at their website: https://www.kent.edu/caps/workshops.

Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS): Fall 2024 Understanding Self & Others (USO) Therapy Groups

Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) offers two therapy groups called Understanding Self & Others (USO) that are especially suitable for students whose concerns have an interpersonal component (loneliness, anxiety, relationships, etc.). Interested students should call CAPS at their number to schedule a consultation appointment, or they can contact Dr. Jen Grzegorek, the coordinator of CAPS' group services directly with their questions. Information about their USO groups can be found on their website https://www.kent.edu/caps/groups.

PNC Bank Fall 2024 Financial Ed Webinars

PNC offers a wide range of financial ed webinars throughout the school year; view free financial webinars at  2024 Full Webinar Calendar . Improve your financial health this school year! Be sure to join free financial education workshops provided by PNC. Find the full fall schedule of webinars and registration at  2024 Full Webinar Calendar. The information for October's student webinar is listed below:

Student Webinar: Credit Scores and Reports: Understanding and Improving Your Score
Date: November 21, 2024 at 7 pm ET
Description: Understand how credit scores and reports work to help you keep your finances healthy and achieve your financial goals, such as buying a new home, leasing a car, or paying off debt.

Here are some helpful links that might be useful for you.

• PNC Banking Solutions for Kent State Students
• PNC My Finance Academy

PNC International Student Banking and Finance Services

PNC Student Solution Scholarship

You have a chance to win a scholarship that can help cover your expenses. There is no essay or minimum GPA that is required, but is important to read the details for it. 

• Visit pnc.com/scholarship
• Create a free Financial Literacy account

Opt in for your chance to win

Mental Health Support

The new  Mental Health Resources and Support website is live! Here you'll find all mental health and well-being services that support the Kent State University community across any of our campuses and abroad. This site will help you identify support for yourself or others and empowers you with educational resources.

Additionally, we have compiled a list of graduate student support resources. Please click here to view the list.