Each semester, the Center for Communication Excellence offers events related to the development of academic communication skills for graduate students and postdocs. Topics of seminars, workshops, retreats, and boot camps target the specific communication skills needed for successful scholarly and professional communication in graduate college and beyond. Pre-registration for all events is required.
Scheduled Events
Ready to work on your thesis or dissertation?
The Graduate College and the Center for Communication Excellence provide events and programming support to help you navigate the requirements, deadlines, submission, and review procedures. Check out the different events for the semester.
The Graduate College and the Center for Communication Excellence invite you to a seminar to navigate the Graduate College requirements and deadlines, submission and review procedures, and writing support programs. Attend a seminar to get an overview of the different aspects of the thesis/dissertation journey so that you can be better prepared.
Watch the informational videos in this playlist, Thesis/Dissertation Seminar Series, BEFORE attending the seminar.
- Graduate College Requirements (1 video)
- Submission and Review Process (2 videos)
- Writing Support (1 video)
During the informational seminar sessions, Graduate College staff members will answer questions about deadlines, formatting guidelines, and provide other helpful hints for working on your thesis/dissertation. Register for one or more informational seminar sessions today!
Click here to register for the following session(s).
- Thesis/Dissertation Informational Session I | February 5, 1pm - 2pm | (*Virtual session, WebEx)
- Thesis/Dissertation Informational Session II | March 6, 1pm - 2pm | (*Virtual session, WebEx)
- Thesis/Dissertation Informational Session III | March 26, 1pm - 2pm | (*Virtual session, WebEx)
*Links for connecting to virtual sessions via WebEx will be sent prior to the day of the session.
If you register late and need access to the session, please contact kterrill@iastate.edu to get connected.
The Graduate College and the Center for Communication Excellence invite you to a boot camp to guide you through the final formatting of your thesis or dissertation. Graduate students often struggle with this final step of preparing this document for submission to ProQuest, so let us help you! CCE writing consultants specialized in thesis/dissertation formatting will be at the boot camp sessions to assist you in modifying your document to meet the submission requirements for the Graduate College. Register for one or more boot camps today!
Click here to register for the following session.
- Thesis/Dissertation Formatting Boot Camp | February 7, 1 - 2:30pm | Hybrid: Library Room 032 and WebEx
- Thesis/Dissertation Formatting Boot Camp | March 28, 1-2:30pm | Hybrid: Library Room 032 and WebEx
*Links for connecting to virtual sessions via WebEx will be sent prior to the day of the session.
Make sure to bring to the session an electronic copy of your thesis/dissertation. You may sign up for one or all of the boot camp sessions, but we ask that you do attend those for which you register. Registration is free to all ISU graduate students. For more information about thesis and dissertation requirements, consider attending a Thesis/Dissertation Informational Seminar.
If you register late and need access to the session, please contact kterrill@iastate.edu to get connected.
Get ready to graduate in the 2023-2024 academic year! CCE invites you to an all-in-one graduation slam dunk event. Join us at the inspiring Student Innovation Center for interactive presentations and formatting demonstrations, as well as dedicated, silent writing time to make major progress toward your thesis/dissertation goals! This event combines the Thesis/Dissertation Information Session, Thesis/Dissertation Boot Camp, and a writing retreat.
Click here to register for the one-time event!
- Graduation Kickoff | March 8, 9:00am-12:00pm | SICTR Launch Pad
We offer virtual and in-person drop-in clinic sessions if you need help with formatting questions.
The Thesis/Dissertation Submission Deadline is April 25, 2024!
| Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| April 22 | April 23 | April 24 | April 25 | April 26 |
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9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. |
-- | 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. |
-- | 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. |
| April 29 | April 30 | May 1 | May 2 | May 3 |
| 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. |
-- | 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. |
-- | 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. |
What to expect:
- Check in using our app (see below). When it is your turn to see the consultant, you will receive a notification via email.
- Drop-in hours are posted on the CCE calendar.
- If you request a virtual consultation, you will receive a link to the virtual consultation room.
Click here to check in (works when the drop-in clinic is in session)
Improve your writing and oral communication skills
Check out the available seminars and workshops. Sign up to improve your communication skills.
Register for one or both of the sessions in this two-part workshop series presented by the CCE and Parks Library. If you dread finding material for your lit review, join us for Part I of the series where you’ll learn about search strategies, how to find and search subject databases, and how to keep up with literature in your field. Join us for Part II where we'll discuss purposes of the lit review, overview qualities of a successful lit review, and provide easy-to-apply techniques to help you craft an effective argument in your lit review with as little stress as possible. Click here to register for one or all sessions. If you register late and need access to the session, please contact shuffman@iastate.edu to get connected.
- Part I: Conducting a lit review: A Citation Here, a Citation There. . .Pretty Soon You’ll Have a Lit Review | February 21, 2024 , 2:00 - 3:30 p.m.| *Virtual session, WebEx
- Part II: Lit Review Without Tears: Tangible Strategies for Writing a Pain-Free Literature Review | February 28, 2024 , 2:00 - 3:30 p.m.| *Virtual session, WebEx
*Links for connecting to virtual session via WeEx will be sent prior to the day of the session.
Whether you are writing a paper for class, a research report, a grant proposal, or job application document, understanding how to exploit sophisticated advanced software can help you grow your confidence as a writer. Each workshop in this series orients you to a valuable technological tool to ease your writing process. Please contact shuffman@iastate.edu for questions. Click here to register for one or all sessions.
- Part I: Producing Digitally Accessible Manuscripts | February 13, 2024 , 3:30 - 4:30 p.m.| *Virtual session, WebEx
- Part II: Elicit and Bing | February 14, 2024 , 3:30 - 4:30 p.m.| *Virtual session, WebEx
- Part III: Grammarly | February 15, 2024 , 2:30 - 3:30 p.m.| *Virtual session, WebEx
- Part IV: iThenticate | February 20, 2024 , 3:30 - 4:30 p.m.| *Virtual session, WebEx
- Part V: The Research Writing Tutor | February 22, 2024 , 2:30 - 3:30 p.m.| *Virtual session, WebEx
*Links for connecting to virtual sessions via WebEx will be sent prior to the day of the session.
Discover valuable tips on how to highlight your professional skills and abilities and market yourself as the most qualified candidate through polished job application materials. You'll be ready for the job market in no time! Click here to register for one, two, or any number of the sessions listed below. If you register late and need access to the session, please contact shuffman@iastate.edu to get connected.
- Part I: Compiling your CV/Résumé | March 4, 2024, 1:30 - 2:30 p.m.| *Virtual session, WebEx
- Part II: Creating your Diversity Statement | March 6, 2024 , 2:30 - 3:30 p.m.| *Virtual session, WebEx
- Part III: Writing the Research Statement | March 7, 2024 , 2:30 - 3:30 p.m.| *Virtual session, WebEx
- Part IV: Composing the Cover Letter| March 19, 2024 , 1:30 - 2:30 p.m.| *Virtual session, WebEx
- Part V: Crafting your Teaching Philosophy Statement | March 21, 2024 , 3:30 - 4:30 p.m.| *Virtual session, WebEx
*Links for connecting to virtual session via WeEx will be sent prior to the day of the session.
Do you struggle with preparations for presenting at meetings or conferences? Have parts of your presentation seemed to leave people underwhelmed or worse confused? Do you want to learn tips and techniques for presenting your work in ways that are memorable and engaging?
Come and learn presentation skills in this four-part series on "Preparing for Academic Presentations." Please contact lcompton@iastate.edu for questions. Click here to register for one or all sessions.
- Part I: Public speaking: A guide to captivating your audience and sharing what you know | February 13, 2024 , 1:30 - 3:00 p.m. | Pearson 3137
- Part II: What's important to speaking success? Ear-catching introductions, memorable conclusions, and signposts in between | February 20, 2024, 1:30 - 3:00 p.m.| Pearson 3137
- Part III: Choosing organizational patterns that make listening easy for your audience | February 27, 2024 , 1:30 - 3:00 p.m.| Pearson 3137
- Part IV: How do I respond?" "What do I do?": Managing your audience and yourself when presenting a speech | March 5, 2024 , 1:30 - 3:00 p.m.| Pearson 3137
"How do I have a difficult conversation with my group member/professor/landlord?" "How can I express my opinion effectively and tactfully?" "How do I initiate/maintain/end small talk?" Come and learn face-to-face interaction skills in this multi-part series. Become a better-prepared communicator in any challenging or nerve-wracking conversations, situations, or events. Please contact lcompton@iastate.edu for questions. Click here to register for one or all sessions.
- Part I: Planning and Participating in Difficult Discussions | April 9, 2024 , 1:30 - 3:00 p.m. | Pearson 3137
- Part II: It Takes Two: Conflict Management | April 16, 2024 , 1:30 - 3:00 p.m. | Pearson 3137
- Part III: Small Talk That Takes You Big Places: Social Communication | April 23, 2024 , 1:30 - 3:00 p.m. | Carver 0196
"How can I best tell my research story?" "How should I incorporate sources in my lit review?" "What should I include in my Methods section?" "Where should I put the research limitations?" Come find the answers to these and more research writing-related questions in this seminar series!
- Part I: Beginning a Scientific Argument in your Introduction | TBD | *Virtual session, WebEx
- Part II: Writing the Literature Review | TBD | *Virtual session, WebEx
- Part III: Describing your Methods | TBD | *Virtual session, WebEx
- Part IV: Unveiling the Results | TBD | *Virtual session, WebEx
- Part V: Composing the Discussion/Conclusion | TBD | *Virtual session, WebEx
- Part VI: Revising with the Research Writing Tutor | TBD | *Virtual session, WebEx
*Links for connecting to virtual session via WeEx will be sent prior to the day of the session.
Learn the key components necessary for making a compelling argument in your grant proposal! Identify appropriate sources of funding and familiarize yourself with the expectations of key, national grant-giving organizations.
- Part I: Finding Funding | TBD | *Virtual session, WebEx
- Part II: Introduction to Grant Writing | TBD | *Virtual session, WebEx
- Part III: Preparing Grant Proposals for NIH | TBD | *Virtual session, WebEx
- Part IV: Preparing Grant Proposals for NSF | TBD | *Virtual session, WebEx
- Part V: Preparing Grant Proposals for USDA/NIFA | TBD | *Virtual session, WebEx
*Links for connecting to virtual sessions via WebEx will be sent prior to the day of the session.