Connected Academics

Program for Graduate Students

A sense of community as well as support for the development of core competencies are key to academic success and student wellbeing. Named after the successful “Connected Academics” project developed by MLA in 2019, this initiative is designed to support graduate students in the faculties of Arts and Agricultural and Environmental Sciences in their personal, professional, and academic growth, and to create a space for interdisciplinary reflection on their scholarly work.

Faculty of Arts

Connected Academics for Arts graduate students features invited speakers from a variety of institutions, as well as the McGill community, to offer a broader perspective on topics related to professional development. Each talk will be followed by a 1 hour community café. During the community café participants will have the opportunity to connect with their peers, discuss the topic of the session and enjoy food and drinks.

1. The Psychology of Succeeding in Grad School

Maintaining your passion for your research and staying motivated through the pressure of grad school is not an easy task. Join us in a conversation with Dr. Anna Sverdlik (UQAM) about what it takes to persevere and achieve your goals in graduate school. 

When: Wednesday, September 25, 2024 from 11am to 1pm

Where: Room 1041, 680 Sherbrooke

How: Register here

2. Writing Your Dissertation without Tears

Does the thought of writing your thesis or dissertation make you want to pull your hair out? Fear not! Writing a dissertation doesn't need to be as draining as you might think. Join us in a conversation with writing coach Natalya Androsova about shaking off toxic dissertation writing myths and finding joy in the writing process.

When: Thursday, October 24, 2024 from 11am to 1pm

Where: Room 1041, 680 Sherbrooke

How: Register here

Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences

A sense of community as well as support for the development of core competencies are key to academic success and student wellbeing. The Connected Academics initiative is designed to support doctoral students in their personal, professional, and academic growth, and to create a space for interdisciplinary connections. The core elements of the Connected Academics Initiatives are:
  1. Providing information about services and resources
  1. Creating opportunities for inter-departmental discussions
  1. Supporting social engagement with peers.

1. Get a healthy start to the semester

Learn more about the Connected Academics Program and the Individual development plan (IDP). We will cover the mission of the series of workshops as well as the IDP requirement in your graduate program.

When: September 26, 2024 @ 11:30am-1:00pm

Where: Conference Room, Macdonald-Stewart, MS2-084

How: Register here

2. Staying organized, healthy and motivated: managing your energy effectively

Knowing how you work best is essential for managing your academic schedule while staying healthy in grad school. Join us to learn more about managing your energy levels. Together, we will talk about our ideas of productivity and assess our working habits.

When: October 24, 2024 @ 11:30am-1:00pm

Where: Conference Room, Macdonald-Stewart, MS2-084

How: Register here

3. Getting to know your inner leader and communicate with others

Discover your own leadership strategy as a graduate student and future professional. Learn the importance of effective communication in building successful networks, paving the way for career advancement and personal growth.

When: November 28, 2024 @ 11:30 am-1:00pm

Where: Conference Room, Macdonald-Stewart, MS2-084

How: Register here

4. Promoting your Research: Advice for proposals and presentations

Do you get nervous about presenting your research? Gain insight into managing anxiety in your life and overcoming your fear of public speaking. This session will be led by Shannon Walsh from the Student Wellness Hub at Macdonald Campus and Andrew Churchill the presentation training director for the Lister Family Engaged Science Initiative. Come with questions and expect to be involved!

When: January 30, 2025 @ 11:30am-1:00pm

Where: Conference Room, Macdonald-Stewart, MS2-084

How: Register here

5. Developing Writing Skills: Challenges and resources

Get advice on developing academic writing skills and developing good writing habits in grad school.

When: February 27, 2025 @ 11:30 am-1:00pm

Where: Conference Room, Macdonald-Stewart, MS2-084

How: Register here

6. What is a professional path after your graduate degree?

Learn how to plan for a meaningful career after grad school. Discover various paths beyond your graduate experience, reflect on your professional identity, and set goals for yourself that will help you figure out your next steps.

When: March 27, 2025 @ 11:30 am-1:00pm

Where: Conference Room, Macdonald-Stewart, MS2-084

How: Register here

7. Applying for funding: Planning for next year

Applying for funding can be challenging and time-consuming. So, it is better to start planning well in advance! Learn from past applicants and evaluators and get tips on how to make your application stand out. Bring your questions and join us for this session on funding applications.

When: April 24, 2025 @ 11:30 am-1:00pm

Where: Conference Room, Macdonald-Stewart, MS2-084

How: Register here

 

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