Needs-Based Event

This presentation will cover valuable programming the Center for Communication Excellence (CCE) offers to help graduate students and postdocs in developing their writing, speaking, and interpersonal communication skills. Some of the communication skill development support offerings highlighted are:

• Individual consultations with trained CCE consultants
• Seminars and workshops
• Peer writing and speaking practice groups 
• Certifications and trainings
• Courses

Presentations in the Research Writing Seminar Series provide practical tools and strategies for graduate students to use as they compose separate sections of their research write-ups. Individual presentations may be requested on any one of the following topics:

• Introductions
• Literature Reviews
• Methods
• Results
• Discussions and Conclusions
• Revising with the Research Writing Tutor (RWT)

The Grant Writing Seminars focus on critical components needed for making a compelling argument in a grant proposal and cover how to find appropriate sources of funding and specific expectations of major, national grant-giving organizations. Individual presentations may be requested on any one of the following topics:

• The basics of grant writing
• NSF proposal writing
• NIH proposal writing
• USDA/NIFA proposal writing
• Finding funding

Presentations in this series offer helpful suggestions for preparing for research talks and poster presentations, including design considerations when creating the research poster. Individual presentations may be requested on any one of the following topics:

• How to effectively design a research poster
• How to deliver an effective research talk

Our Job Application Materials Seminars offer valuable tips for marketing the applicant as the most qualified candidate through polished job application documents. Individual presentations may be requested on any one of the following topics:

• Cover letter
• Research statement
• Teaching philosophy
• Diversity statement
• CV/Résumé
• Communicating with potential employers

Workshops in the Writing with Advanced Technologies Series showcase sophisticated, cutting-edge technologies that can be exploited to boost writers' confidence, efficiency, and precision in their writing. Individual presentations may be requested on any one of the following topics:

• Research Writing Tutor (RWT)
• Grammarly
• Elicit and Copilot
• iThenticate
• Producing Digitally Accessible Texts
• Self-Editing with COCA (Corpus of Contemporary American English)

This presentation focuses on how to communicate your research to broader audiences in ways that are accessible and relatable, including tactics that will help capture and maintain interest in your message. 

The Interpersonal Communication Seminars supply useful strategies to prepare advanced communicators to deal with any challenging or nerve-wracking conversation, situation, or event. Individual presentations may be requested on any one of the following topics:

• Planning and participating in difficult discussions
• Listening and responding strategies
• Word choices for specific applications (e.g. avoiding misunderstandings, dealing with feedback, apologies, assertiveness)
• Non-verbal communication
• Conflict management and resolution
• Small talk