UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — From yoga and meditation to teaching tips, graduate students are invited to participate in a variety of virtual and in-person opportunities that will provide support and guidance both inside and outside of the classroom this upcoming week.
This list's events are hosted by the J. Jeffrey and Ann Marie Fox Graduate School and units around the University. Community members interested in having graduate student events included in future lists can contact Liam Jackson at lnj104@psu.edu for more information.
How to Plan a Class Session
Hosted by the Schreyer Institute for Teaching Excellence
Tuesday, Sept. 10
6:45-8 p.m.
Online via Zoom
In this interactive workshop, students will explore practical strategies for planning individual class sessions, with special attention to the alignment of learning objectives, assessments and learning activities. Students can register for "How to Plan a Class Session" here.
Yoga and Meditation
Wednesday, Sept. 11
Noon-1 p.m.
Palmer Museum of Art (Check front desk for specific room)
Wednesday, Sept. 11
5:30-6:30 p.m.
122 Pasquerilla Spiritual Center
Students can stop by for yoga and meditation classes to help relax during the semester. A limited amount of yoga supplies will be provided, and no experience is necessary.
Well-Being Wednesday
Wednesdays, Sept. 11 to Dec. 11
3-5 p.m.
Intramural Building
Stop by any time for various activities, focused on student wellness, taking place throughout the Intramural Building. When students enter the building, they can look for large information tables staffed by students. Learn more about upcoming wellness events.
Feeling Confident and Comfortable in a U.S. Classroom (Especially for International TAs)
Hosted by the Schreyer Institute for Teaching Excellence
Thursday, Sept.12
9-10:15 a.m.
Online via Zoom
International instructors and TAs might sometimes find it challenging to navigate the values and attitudes inherent in U.S. undergraduate education. In this interactive workshop, we'll explore practical strategies that international instructors/TAs can implement. Interested students can register for "Feeling Confident and Comfortable in a U.S. Classroom" here.
Writing Time: Work on Your Teaching Statement and Get Feedback
Hosted by the Schreyer Institute for Teaching Excellence
Thursday, Sept. 12
10:35-11:50 a.m.
315 Rider Building
Graduate students and postdoctoral scholars who are getting ready for the academic job market are invited to bring a draft of their teaching statement (also known as a teaching philosophy statement) for developmental advice and feedback. Space in the workshop is limited, but students can also schedule an individual consultation at a different time this fall, if desired. Register for the "Writing Time" event here.
Shinrin-Yoku, Forest Bathing
Thursdays, Sept. 12 to Oct. 24
4-5:15 or 5:30-6:45 p.m.
Hartley Wood
Students can join an Association for Nature and Forest Therapy-certified guide on Thursdays, Sept. 12 through Oct. 24, for slow sensory guided walks with tips on how attendees can immerse themselves in nature. Walks are in Hartley Wood behind the Arboretum, and advance registration is required. Interested attendees can register for Shinrin-Yoku, Forest Bathing or contact promotinghealth@psu.edu for more information.
Preparing for Industry Job Interviews in the United States
Hosted by the English for Professional Purposes Intercultural Center (EPPIC)
Thursday, Sept. 12
4:30-6 p.m.
E403 Paterno Library
International students and postdoctoral scholars can prepare for their future U.S. job interviews at this workshop, part of EPPIC’s semester-long "Applying for Jobs in the United States" workshop series. Register in advance on the EPPIC website.
How to: Science Policy – Advocacy 101
Hosted by the Science Policy Society
Thursday, Sept. 12
5-6 p.m.
401 Steidle Building
Join the Science Policy Society for an hour of talking about current science policy issues and eating donuts. At this event, attendees will learn how to find bills in their public comment period, meet other students interested in science policy and learn some tips about writing about science policy to non-scientists. Learn more about the Science Policy Society here.
How CIRTL Can Benefit Grad Students and Postdocs
Hosted by the Schreyer Institute for Teaching Excellence
Friday, Sept. 13
Noon-12:30 p.m.
Online via Zoom
Penn State is part of the international CIRTL Network, which focuses on preparing the next generation of faculty to teach effectively. Join the Schreyer Institute for Teaching Excellence for this brief overview of how CIRTL programming — both at Penn State and through the 45-university network — can help graduate students and postdoctoral scholars to strengthen their teaching skills and document their professional development through CIRTL certification. Interested students can register for the session here.
The Sparkshop Lunch Series: Break the Ice! Penguins Can Swim!
Hosted by the Schreyer Institute for Teaching Excellence
Friday, Sept. 13
12:30-1 p.m.
Online via Zoom
This event will explore Lev Vygotsky’s view of learning as a team sport and learn ideas on how to spark a sense of community in the classroom. Registration for the Sparkshop Series includes enrollment in a Canvas resource with recordings from each of the sessions, additional resources and more.
Targeted Teaching Transformation (T3)
Hosted by the Schreyer Institute for Teaching Excellence
Monday, Sept. 16, to Sunday, Dec. 22
The Targeted Teaching Transformation (T3) program is open to any Penn State instructor(s) of record, working as individuals or in small groups. The T3 program pairs participants with an expert coach, who will work with them to identify and meet teaching transformation goals. Attendees will receive up to 10 hours of one-on-one coaching (in person and virtual sessions available) over the fall semester and will have access to a host of T3 resources. Those interested can apply for the T3 program here.
Submission Period Opens for Three Minute Thesis Competition
Registration Opens on Monday, Sept. 16
Online
Graduate students from all campuses and colleges interested in participating in the second annual Penn State Three Minute Thesis (3MT) competition should register between Sept. 16 and Oct. 24. Students will submit a three-minute video when registering to be considered for the first round of the competition, taking place online in November. Interested students can learn more on the Fox Graduate School 3MT website.
Coffee Chat with the Dean
Co-hosted by the Fox Graduate School and the College of the Liberal Arts
Tuesday, Sept. 17
4-6 p.m.
102 Burrowes Building
Graduate students from all programs are invited to join an informal, open discussion with Levon T. Esters, vice provost for graduate education and dean of the Fox Graduate School, Clarence Lang, Susan Welch Dean of the College of the Liberal Arts and professor of African American studies; and other graduate education leaders. Interested students can register in advance on the Fox Graduate School website.
Participating in Group Work: What to Expect and How to Get Involved
Hosted by EPPIC
Tuesday, Sept.17
4:30-6 p.m.
E403 Paterno Library
International students and postdoctoral scholars can learn skills to improve group collaboration at this discussion, part of EPPIC’s semester-long Foundational Academic Skills in the United States workshop series. Interested students can register on the EPPIC website.
STEM-H Graduate Student Mixer
Hosted by the University Libraries
Tuesday, Sept. 17
5-7 p.m.
Physical and Mathematical Sciences Library, 201 Davey Laboratory
At the third-annual STEM-H Graduate Student Mixer, graduate students can meet other STEM-H graduate students and postdocs, enter to win prizes and enjoy free food and beverages. Students interested in attending should register for the mixer by 5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 15.