Grad Chronicle: October 2020
Student Events and Programs
Register for Three Minute Thesis
There is one week remaining to register for Kent State’s sixth annual Three Minute Thesis (3MT) competition for a chance to present your research and compete for cash prizes of up to $500! This year, the competition will be held virtually and interested students can submit a recorded three-minute presentation of their thesis, dissertation or other original research project by Wednesday, Oct. 14 at 11:59 p.m. to participate.
With only three minutes and one PowerPoint slide, students present their research in a concise and engaging manner to an intelligent but non-specialist audience.
To prepare for the 3MT you can:
- View Past Award-winning Presentations from Kent State students.
- Watch the Fall 2020 3MT Workshop and Panel to learn more about the competition, including rules, how to participate and tips from previous 3MT award recipients on making a successful 3MT presentation.
- View the slides from the Fall 2020 3MT Workshop and Panel.
Engage with Research Fundamentals Workshops for Graduate Students
As part of the Division of Graduate Studies’ dedication to your career readiness, graduate students have the opportunity to earn two certifications in fall 2020:
- Research Fundamentals (beginning October 2020)
- Career Planning Essentials (beginning November 2020)
For each certification, graduate students have access to a library of videos related to the topics. Videos for Research Fundamentals include:
1. Understanding APA 7th Edition
2. Searching for Funding Opportunities
3. Introduction to Qualtrics: Using Surveys in your Research
4. Grant Writing Funding Tips
5. Getting Started with Systematic Reviews
6. How to Prepare a Literature Review
7. Statistical Consulting and Research Software Support
You may impart what you have learned in your personal, professional and academic practices. After watching at least three videos in the Research Fundamentals area, you may complete an assessment to demonstrate your understanding of the content. Upon earning at least 80% on the assessment, you will be sent a certificate of completion that you may share on your résumé or CV.
Find more information about the workshops and assessment on our website.
Grad Fest
Coffee Hour with the Dean
Join the dean of the Division of Graduate Studies, Manfred van Dulmen, PhD, and other Kent State graduate students for an informal, virtual chat to discuss your experiences, concerns and questions.
Graduate Student Affinity Groups
Affinity Groups are groups of students linked together by a common interest, purpose or identity. Kent State University offers groups for graduate students who are parents and for those who are first generation graduate students.
Graduate Student Parent Affinity Group Schedule
Thursday, Oct. 15 from 3-4 p.m.
Thursday, Nov. 19 from 3-4 p.m.
Thursday, Dec. 17 from 3-4 p.m.
First Generation Graduate Student Affinity Group Schedule
Wednesday, Oct. 21 from 10-11 a.m.
Wednesday, Nov. 18 from 10-11 a.m.
Wednesday, Dec. 16 from 10-11 a.m.
Join an affinity group by completing the registration form.
Awards and Funding
Graduate Student Senate Research Award
The deadline to apply for the Graduate Student Senate (GSS) Research Award is 11:59 p.m. on Monday, October 12. The competitive award of up tp $2,000 supports research or project-related expenses for Kent State University graduate students. Additional information and the application are available on the GSS website.
Graduate Student Book Award
Apply for the Graduate Student Senate book award, a non-competitive award of $200. to assist with the cost of books for classes, research or mental health. The award is intended to support Kent State graduate students’ academic development during COVID-19. While there is no firm deadline for this award it is offered on a first come, first-served basis until the maximum allocation for Fall 2020 is reached. Learn more and apply for the award.
Stay Connected
Student Spotlights: Be Featured on Social Media
The Division of Graduate Studies is launching a Student Spotlight campaign where we will feature outstanding graduate students and recent alumni on our social media accounts.
We would like to highlight students who are thriving despite adversity during the COVID-19 pandemic, including achievements such as conference presentations, publications, awards, recognitions and dissertation or thesis completion. Please fill out this form for yourself or for any Kent State graduate student you wish to nominate.
Graduate Student Senate Mental Health Subcommittee
To join the Graduate Student Senate (GSS) Mental Health Subcommittee, please use this Zoom Link.
Meeting ID: 823 5093 1136
Passcode: 776391
If you're interested, please complete this short survey regarding mental health resources. The form should only take about five to 10 minutes to complete.
Stay Engaged with Graduate Student Senate
If you are a graduate student interested in gaining some experience on university committees you can contact Jordyn Stoll at jstoll7@kent.edu. See what committees have openings on the GSS website.
Make sure to follow GSS on Facebook and Twitter for updates throughout the semester.
Stay on Track with your Fitness Goals with Virtual Group X Classes
This past year has certainly seen its share of challenges, but this time has also given us the opportunity for growth. The Department of Recreational Services has been working hard to provide safe, fun and flexible programming this fall. In-person Group X classes will resume as soon as it's safe, but in the meantime, take this opportunity to work on your personal growth in the comfort of your own home with the new Virtual Group X program.
Join a mind-body class to help you de-stress or participate in a heart-pumping workout to burn off that extra energy! For more information about Virtual Group X program, visit the website.
BIPOC Safespace
Autism Connections
Autism Connections is a Kent State student-run organization providing recreational, educational and professional development opportunities for autistic students and their allies as well as forums for activism-related seminars and discussion relating to neurodivergence and disability. It is open to both graduate and undergraduate students and has transitioned to virtual meetings on Fridays at 6 p.m. using Google Meet.
So far, meetings have consisted of unstructured conversations and informal socializing, but future meetings with higher attendance may include virtual games and movie watch parties. More information can be found on the organization’s official Facebook page and in their associated Facebook group.
Graduate Student Orientation Courses Available via Blackboard
Avoid burnout this semester! Between juggling your graduate school responsibilities and dealing with the added challenges brought on by COVID-19, burnout may be a concern for you.
Recordings of the Graduate Student Orientation sessions are available to review on the GSO Blackboard course. Sessions include those on avoiding burnout, presenting at conferences, teaching in the synchronous and asynchronous environments, and more.
You can access the information and recorded sessions at your convenience within Blackboard. If you didn't register for GSO and would like access to the GSO course, email Kyle Reynolds at kreynol3@kent.edu.
Graduate Studies Offers Career Advising Appointments
Interested in gaining some career advice? Preparing your résumé or CV? Want to practice your interviewing skills? Visit our page on Career Advising for Graduate Students.
Health and Wellness Resources for Graduate Students
Free Virtual Meditation
Kent State of Wellness is once again offering virtual, facilitated meditation sessions every weekday this fall as part of the Meditation Across Campus program. Meditation sessions last 30 minutes and are free and open to students, faculty and staff at all Kent State University campuses.
Meditation has been shown to help reduce stress and anxiety, and can help to alleviate depression. It can also help to improve cognition and reduce distractions, among other benefits.
Never meditated before? Try one of our virtual facilitated sessions from the comfort of your home or office. You will join other members of the Kent State community for a stress-free and relaxing experience. There is no obligation to attend. You can choose when you decide to participate and you can exit when you wish. Register for a free session!
Free Virtual Koru Mindfulness Training
Learn how to become more mindful in just four weeks! Kent State of Wellness is offering Koru Mindfulness training for free to Kent State students, faculty and staff at all campuses. Koru Mindfulness is an evidence-based training specifically designed for emerging adults, but anyone can benefit from it.
You’ll discover how to incorporate mindfulness skills and meditation into your life to better manage stress during this free, four-week, 75-minute mindfulness class. Other benefits include becoming more rested and self-compassionate.
The classes are virtual and are facilitated by trained Koru Mindfulness instructors. Already completed Koru Basic training? Consider signing up for Koru 2.0. Learn more and register!
Dealing with Anxiety and Stress during COVID-19
COVID-19 News and Updates
Stay Updated on COVID-19 Procedures
In these uncertain times, stay up-to-date with Kent State news, procedures, Flashes Safe Eight and updates regarding COVID-19 such as the academic schedule, remote resources, preventative measures, emergency funding, testing, and more.