TUESDAY, JANUARY 8

12 - 1 p.m.

Classics 110

SATURDAY & SUNDAY, JANUARY 12 & 13

9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Kent Hall, Rm 120

Computational Literacy Workshop
This two-day intensive workshop, led by professionals from Software Carpentry, teaches researchers the concepts, tools, and techniques to use computers more productively. Topics include: The Unix shell, Python, version control, program design, testing, & data management. All materials can be used on Linux, Windows, and Mac OS X. Participants must have some prior programming experience to participate.

To learn more and register, click here!

FRIDAY, JANUARY 25

9:30 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Ida Noyes Hall

GradUCon: Graduate Student Career & Professional Development Conference
Co-sponsored by GSA, CAPS, CTL, OMSA, and the Alumni Association, this fourth annual conference will feature several breakout sessions on topics related to professional development and other key questions raised by the graduate student experience. More information is available at: http://graducon.sites.uchicago.edu.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 13

12 - 1 p.m.

Classics 110

Fulbright-Hays Doctoral Dissertation Research Abroad (DDRA) Fellowship Information Session

All potential applicants are requested to attend this CRITICAL workshop. In light of last year's abbreviated competition timeline (announced in May with a June deadline), we are working under the assumption that this year will follow the same pattern. The information session will be led by Brooke Noonan, Director of Graduate Student Affairs, who will discuss crucial application instructions and strategies.

About the fellowship program: The Fulbright-Hays DDRA: Fellowships of 6-12 months to do doctoral dissertation research in 1 or more countries worldwide, except Western Europe (unless visited briefly for archival research); this program is intended to create modern language and world area specialists who have an interdisciplinary approach to research. Eligibility: U.S. citizens or permanent residents who have Ph.D. candidacy at time of grant and who wish to do dissertation research in non-Western countries; students must have achieved a level of language proficiency necessary to conduct proposed research; grants are not generally provided for research in countries where the United States has no diplomatic representation. Questions? Contact Jessica Smith.

PhD Session: WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 5 - 7:30 p.m., Kent 120

MA Session: WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 5 - 7:30 p.m., Kent 120

Money Matter$: Graduate Student Financial Management Workshops, Part 2

Attend one of these FREE workshops, led by financial professionals and aimed to help you manage your graduate student finances. You’ll learn to analyze your spending habits, develop a realistic budget that works for your life, and set and achieve financial goals. The day will also feature a representative from Student Loan Administration to answer questions and current graduate students who will share their personal experiences. Light snacks and beverages will be served.

Please register for only ONE of the two sections listed here.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 27

12 - 1 p.m., Classics 110

IRB (Institutional Review Board) Information Session

Does your research involve working with human subjects in any capacity, including conducting interviews?  If so, you should know when and how to go through the IRB (Institutional Review Board) process. Proof of IRB clearance may be required by some (but not all) grant agencies, journals and publishers. IRB and University Research Administration (URA) staff will explain the application process and address any questions you may have.

Mary Barnhart, Director of Ethics, Education, Policy and Compliance for IRB and Aaron House, Training Manager for URA, will present. Graduate students, faculty, and departmental administrators are all welcome to attend.

Questions? Contact Jessica Smith, Assistant Director, Graduate Student Affairs.

*Please note that this session is geared towards graduate students in Social Sciences, Humanities, and Divinity. 

TUESDAY, MARCH 5

12 - 1 p.m., Kent 107

FRIDAY, APRIL 26

Teaching at a Public Research Institution Conference

Join the Deputy Provost for Graduate Education and UChicago alumni from the BSD, Humanities, PSD, SSD, and the Divinity School for a conversation about:

• Being on the faculty at a public research university;
• What it takes to land a job at a public research university;
• How to develop teaching, research, and other professional skills to succeed at a public research university.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 1

12 - 1 p.m., Classics 110

THURSDAY, MAY 9

12 - 1 p.m., Classics 110

Fulbright IIE Fellowships Workshop

This workshop provides essential information for graduate students at all levels who wish to study or do research abroad on a Fulbright IIE grant.  The internal deadline for 2014-2015 funding is the first day of fall quarter: MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2013.  Start planning now to prepare everything you'll need to apply for these prestigious fellowships.

About IIE: These grants are open to graduate students in all stages and programs, and are available in approximately 140 countries.  Applicants for these grants design their own projects and will typically work with affiliations at foreign universities or other institutes of higher education.  Program requirements vary by country, so the applicant’s first step is to familiarize themselves with the program summary for the target host country.  For more application and eligibility information, click here or contact Jessica Smith in Graduate Student Affairs.

FRIDAY, MAY 31

9 a.m. - 12 p.m., Ida Noyes Hall, East Lounge (2nd Floor)

Social Sciences Research Funding Workshop

Are you applying for funding to support overseas research? Join the Office of the Dean of Students, Graduate Student Affairs, and faculty experts for a full morning of tips and strategies for putting together a competitive application. Workshop your introduction to get your writing started right.

N.B.: All participants are asked to bring an introductory paragraph to a fellowship application essay prompt (see the registration page for more information). All students in the Social Sciences are invited to attend, however, this session will be most helpful for domestic students applying for funding to support research abroad. Additional bootcamps may be offered in the future.

This workshop will feature a discussion of grant-writing tips and strategies, a faculty panel, and an opportunity to workshop your introduction with other students, including students who've won these fellowships before. Registration is now open! http://fundingworkshop.eventbrite.com

Fall 2012 Events

MONDAY - FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 10 - 14

9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Dissertation Write-In

Don't miss this last chance to make good progress on your writing this summer! Sign up for the September Write-In and get 20 hours of solid work, plus free snacks and caffeine for the week! Visit the Write-In website to learn more. 

MONDAY, OCTOBER 1

12:15 - 1:15 p.m., Harris School

Robert Bosch and Alfa Fellowships Discussion

The Robert Bosch Foundation and Alfa Fellowship Programs are distinguished international initiatives that each year offer accomplished young Americans the opportunity to complete high-level professional development programs in either Germany (Bosch) or Russia (Alfa). 

Over the course of these programs, fellows complete work phases at leading institutions, attend professional seminars, and receive intensive language training.  Fellows are recruited from the fields of business, journalism, law, public policy, and other closely related fields.  The fellowships provide monthly stipends, health insurance, all program-related travel costs, language training in Germany or Russia, and private tutoring in the US on an as-needed basis. German and Russian language proficiency is not required at the time of application. 

Key goals of the Bosch and Alfa Fellowship Programs are to expand the networks of American and German/Russian professionals, develop greater intercultural understanding, and advance US and German/Russian relations.

The application deadline for The Robert Bosch Foundation Fellowship is October 15^th; the Alfa Fellowship’s deadline is December 1^st each year.  For more information, please contact us at (212) 497-3527, bosch@culturalvistas.org for the Bosch Fellowship, or (212) 497-3525, alfa@culturalvistas.org for the Alfa Fellowship.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 3 

4 - 5 p.m., Reynolds Club South Lounge (2nd Floor)

National Security Education Program David Boren Graduate Fellowships Program Discussion

Boren Fellowships offer graduate students funding for language study and independent research abroad, in countries less frequently visited by American students. This session will be hosted by a representative from the Institute for International Education, which oversees the Boren application process. Get your questions about the application answered by someone who really knows her stuff! For more information about the program, visit http://www.borenawards.org or, on campus, contact Jessica Smith in GSA (jessicasmith@uchicago.edu).

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 4

12 - 1 p.m., Reynolds Club South Lounge (2nd Floor)

Presidential Management Fellowship Information Session

This session will provide you with all the information you need to apply to become a Presidential Management Fellow.  Graduate students from all academic disciplines who expect to complete an advanced degree (master's, law, or doctoral-level degree) during the 2012-2013 academic year are eligible to apply to this year’s competition, closing on November 19, 2012. The purpose of the Program is to attract to the Federal service outstanding men and women from a variety of academic disciplines and career paths who have a clear interest in, and commitment to, excellence in the leadership and management of public policies and programs.  Sponsored by Graduate Student Affairs and presented by Kelly Pollock, Associate Dean of Students of the Social Sciences Division. 

Learn more about the program here: https://www.pmf.opm.gov/

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 10

12 - 1:30 p.m., Classics 110 

College fourth years and first- and second-year graduate students in the social, physical, or biological sciences are eligible for these prestigious fellowships. Come to the first session to learn more about the application process and get specific tips on the three required essays; then join a writing group with your colleagues from throughout the University (not just your department) to get feedback on your essays! Attendance at this information session is mandatory for those wishing to participate in the breakout writing groups. If you are unable to attend but want to know more about NSF please contact Jessica Smith in GSA (jessicasmith@uchicago.edu). 

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 11

12 - 1:30 p.m., Kent 107

Graduate Student Health Insurance Information Session

Attend this session to learn about the benefits of the UChicago student health insurance plan.  The session will be led by healthcare experts from on- and off-campus who will be ready to respond to your questions and concerns.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 20

&

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 3

   Money Matter$: Graduate Student Financial Management Workshops

Attend one of these FREE workshops, led by financial professionals and aimed to help you manage your graduate student finances. You’ll learn to analyze your spending habits, develop a realistic budget that works for your life, and set and achieve financial goals. The day will also feature a representative from Student Loan Administration to answer questions and current graduate students who will share their personal experiences. A complimentary lunch will be provided.

Please sign up for only ONE of these two sections.

PhD Session: SATURDAY, OCTOBER 20
10 a.m. - 2 p.m., Kent 120

MA Session:SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 3
10 a.m. - 2 p.m., Harper 140 

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 28

4:30 - 5:50 p.m., Classics 110

 Discerning Your Graduate Trajectory Part II: From an MA to a PhD

Many Master’s students come to the University of Chicago expecting to apply for a PhD in the year that follows their degree program. Some change their mind throughout the course of their program. As we approach winter quarter, what are the questions you should be asking yourself about how to shape the rest of your year—especially if you’re on the fence about applying to PhD programs? What are the issues that you should begin to consider as you look toward what comes after your degree? And how might you shape the trajectory of your year to prepare for either PhD applications or something else?

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 5

12 - 1 p.m., Classics 110

FLAS (Foreign Language & Area Studies) Fellowships Discussion

This brown bag workshop provides an overview of the FLAS fellowship program for language and area studies. Summer and academic year fellowship opportunities will be discussed.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 6

12 - 1 p.m., Reynolds Club, South Lounge (2nd Floor)

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12

12 - 1 p.m., Rosenwald 015

MONDAY - FRIDAY, DECEMBER 17 - 21

9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Dissertation Write-In at the Logan Center for the Arts
We're protesting procrastination, and want you to join us! By committing to 4 hours of writing for 5 days, the Write-In will help you break through your barriers to finishing your dissertation. To find out more, check out: Dissertation Write-In.