Thesis and Dissertation Events

Attend our informational seminar to get an overview of the different aspects of the thesis/dissertation journey so that you can be better prepared. This seminar covers the Graduate College requirements and deadlines, submission and review procedures, and writing support programs. During the 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! To begin:

  1. Watch all of the informational videos in this Thesis/Dissertation Seminar Series playlist BEFORE attending the seminar.
  2. Register for the following session(s).
  • Creative Component/Thesis/Dissertation Informational Seminar I | February 11, 3:00 - 4:30 pm | Student Innovation Center, room 4237
  • Thesis/Dissertation Informational Seminar II | February 27, 1:00 - 2:00 pm | (*Virtual session, Teams)
  • Thesis/Dissertation Informational Seminar III | April 2, 9:00 - 10:00 am | (*Virtual session, Teams)

*Links for connecting to virtual sessions via Teams 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. 

Register Here

Our boot camp will guide you through the final formatting of your thesis or dissertation to meet the submission requirements for the Graduate College. CCE writing consultants specialized in thesis/dissertation formatting will be at the boot camp sessions to assist you in modifying your document. Register for one or more boot camps today! To begin:

  1. Register for the following session.
    • Thesis/Dissertation Formatting Boot Camp | March 2, 9:00 am - 11:00 pm | Library Room 192
    • Thesis/Dissertation Formatting Boot Camp | April 3, 9:00 am - 11:00 pm | Library Room 192
  2. Bring an electronic copy of your thesis/dissertation to the session. 

If you register late and need access to the session, please contact kterrill@iastate.edu to get invited. 
For more information about thesis and dissertation requirements, consider attending a Thesis/Dissertation Informational Seminar. 

Register Here

Getting ready to graduate in the 2025-2026 academic year? The CCE invites you to an all-in-one graduation slam dunk event! This event combines the Thesis/Dissertation Information SessionThesis/Dissertation Boot Camp, and a writing retreat all into one. Join us for interactive presentations, formatting demonstrations, as well as dedicated, silent writing time to make major progress toward your thesis/dissertation goals! 

  • Spring 2026 Thesis & Dissertation Retreat | March 9, 9:00 am - 12:00 pm | Student Innovation Center Room 4250

 

Register Here

The Creative Component/Thesis/Dissertation Submission Deadline is December 4, 2025! If you need help with formatting your document, we offer virtual and in-person drop-in clinic sessions. Check out our schedule below. To begin:

  1. Check in using the 2meters app. When it is your turn to see the consultant, you will receive a notification via email.
  2. If you request a virtual consultation, you will receive a link to the virtual consultation room in your email.
DateTimeLocation
Monday, April 279:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. and 1:00-4:00 p.m.1137 Pearson Hall or Online (Teams)
Wednesday, April 299:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. and 1:00-4:00 p.m.1137 Pearson Hall or Online (Teams)
Thursday, April 309:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. and 1:00-4:00 p.m.1137 Pearson Hall or Online (Teams)
Monday, May 49:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. and 1:00-4:00 p.m.1137 Pearson Hall or Online (Teams)
Wednesday, May 69:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. and 1:00-4:00 p.m.1137 Pearson Hall or Online (Teams)
Thursday, May 79:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. and 1:00-4:00 p.m.1137 Pearson Hall or Online (Teams)

* Link only works when the drop-in clinic is in session

Writing Development Events

Join us 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.

Note:   
* Links for connecting to virtual session via WebEx will be sent prior to the day of the session.         
** If you register late and need access to the session, please contact Dr. Sarah Huffman at shuffman@iastate.edu to get connected.

WorkshopDate and TimeLocation
Part I: Conducting a lit review: A Citation Here, a Citation There. . .Pretty Soon You’ll Have a Lit Review

Thursday, February 12, 2026

3:00 - 4:30 PM

*Virtual session (WebEx)
Part II: Lit Review Without Tears: Tangible Strategies for Writing a Pain-Free Literature Review

Wednesday, Feb 18, 2026

3:00 - 4:30 PM

Student Innovation 4237 & *Virtual session (WebEx)

Register Here

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! Register for any number of the sessions listed below. 

Note:   
* Links for connecting to virtual session via WebEx will be sent prior to the day of the session.         
** If you register late and need access to the session, please contact Dr. Sarah Huffman at shuffman@iastate.edu to get connected.

WorkshopDate and TimeLocation
Part I: Composing the Cover Letter 

Monday, March 30, 2026

1:30 - 2:30 PM

*Virtual session (WebEx)
Part II: Compiling your CV/Résumé 

Tuesday, March 31, 2026

2:30 - 3:30 PM

*Virtual session (WebEx)
Part III: Crafting your Teaching Philosophy Statement 

Wednesday, April 1, 2026

1:30 - 2:30 PM

*Virtual session (WebEx)
Part IV: Writing the Research Statement

Thursday, April 2, 2026

2:30 - 3:30 PM

*Virtual session (WebEx)
Part V: Drafting Additional Supporting Documents

Monday, April 6, 2026

2:30 - 3:30 PM

*Virtual session (WebEx)
Part VI: Preparing for the Dinner Interview

Thursday, April 9, 2026

1:30 - 2:30 PM

*Virtual session (WebEx)

Register Here

"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! 

Note:   
* Links for connecting to virtual session via WebEx will be sent prior to the day of the session.         
** If you register late and need access to the session, please contact Dr. Sarah Huffman at shuffman@iastate.edu to get connected.

WorkshopDate and TimeLocation
Part I: Beginning a Scientific Argument in your Introduction

Wednesday, October 15, 2025

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

*Virtual session (WebEx)
Part II: Writing the Literature Review

Monday, October 20, 2025

2:00 - 3:00 PM

*Virtual session (WebEx)
Part III: Describing your Methods

Wednesday, October 22, 2025

12:00 - 1:00 PM

*Virtual session (WebEx)
Part IV: Unveiling the Results

Monday, October 27, 2025

2:00 - 3:00 PM

*Virtual session (WebEx)
Part V: Composing the Discussion/Conclusion

Wednesday, October 29, 2025

2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

*Virtual session (WebEx)

Register Here

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. 

Note:   
* Links for connecting to virtual session via WebEx will be sent prior to the day of the session.         
** If you register late and need access to the session, please contact Dr. Sarah Huffman at shuffman@iastate.edu to get connected.

WorkshopDate and TimeLocation
Part I: Introduction to Grant Writing

Thursday, October 30, 2025

1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

*Virtual session (WebEx)
Part II: Preparing Grant Proposals for USDA/NIFA

Monday, November 3, 2025

2:00 - 3:00 PM

*Virtual session (WebEx)
Part III: Preparing Grant Proposals for NSF

Tuesday, November 4, 2025

1:00 - 2:00 PM

*Virtual session (WebEx)
Part IV: Preparing Grant Proposals for NIH

Wednesday, November 5, 2025

1:00 - 2:00 PM

*Virtual session (WebEx)
Part V: Finding Funding Workshop [by Grants Hub]

Tuesday, November 11, 2025

1:00 - 2:00 PM

*Virtual session (WebEx)

Register Here

A two-part series covering the fundamentals and practical applications of AI in a literature review. The presenters will cover what it is, when to use or not use GenAI, and how to use it effectively, efficiently, and ethically.

WorkshopDate and TimeLocation
Part I: GenAI Literacy for Research and Research Integrity

Monday, March 24, 2025

10 AM - 12 PM

Lagomarcino Hall

Room 2441

Part II: AI-Facilitated Literature Review

Tuesday, March 25, 2025 

1 - 3 PM

Horticulture Hall

Room 0138

Register Here

The Graduate College and University Library will share best practices, tools, and key information to help you with writing and submitting your manuscripts. Topics include publisher policies about AI use, retractions, scam journals, and more. 

WorkshopDate and TimeLocation
Building Your Publishing Integrity Toolbox: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly of Academic Journal Publishing

October 9, 2024

3:00 - 4:30 PM

Student Innovation Center

Room 1118

Register Here

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. 

Note:   
* Links for connecting to virtual session via WebEx will be sent prior to the day of the session.         
** If you register late and need access to the session, please contact Dr. Sarah Huffman at shuffman@iastate.edu to get connected.

WorkshopDate and TimeLocation
Part I: Producing Digitally Accessible ManuscriptsFebruary 13, 2024 , 3:30 - 4:30 p.m.*Virtual session, WebEx
Part II: Elicit and BingFebruary 14, 2024 , 3:30 - 4:30 p.m.*Virtual session, WebEx
Part III: GrammarlyFebruary 15, 2024 , 2:30 - 3:30 p.m.*Virtual session, WebEx
Part IV: iThenticateFebruary 20, 2024 , 3:30 - 4:30 p.m.*Virtual session, WebEx
Part V: The Research Writing TutorFebruary 22, 2024 , 2:30 - 3:30 p.m.*Virtual session, WebEx

Register Here

Oral Communication Events

 A two‑part seminar series that equips grad students with core public‑speaking tools: Part I explores how to craft attention‑grabbing openings, clear signposts, and memorable conclusions, while Part II focuses on selecting audience‑friendly organizational patterns that make your message easy to follow and hard to forget.

WorkshopDate and TimeLocation
Part I: What's important to speaking success? Ear-catching introductions, memorable conclusions, and signposts in betweenFebruary 17, 2026 | 3 - 4:30 pmPearson Hall 3149
Part II: Choosing organizational patterns that make listening easy for your audienceFebruary 24, 2026 | 3 - 4:30 pmPearson Hall 3149

Register Here

A two-part seminar series that helps graduate students navigate key challenging relationship moments: Part I focuses on preparing and engaging in difficult discussions with advisors, labmates, and more, while Part II builds small-talk strategies that help to spark connections and expand professional and academic networks.

WorkshopDate and TimeLocation
Part I: Planning and Participating in Difficult DiscussionsWednesday, March 4, 2026 | 3:00 - 4:30 p.m.Student Innovation Center 4237
Part II: Networking with Small TalkTuesday, March 10, 2026 | 3:00 - 4:30 p.m.Pearson Hall 3131

Register Here

WorkshopDate and TimeLocation
Part I: Public speaking:  A guide to captivating your audience and sharing what you knowFebruary 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 betweenFebruary 20, 2024, 1:30 - 3:00 p.m.Pearson 3137
Part III: Choosing organizational patterns that make listening easy for your audienceFebruary 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 speechMarch 5, 2024 , 1:30 - 3:00 p.m.Pearson 3137
Lights, Camera, Action! Ready to Take Your Oral Presentations to the Next Level?October 2, 2024 , 3:00 - 4:30 p.m.Student Innovation Center 1118
Managing your Audience; Managing Yourself February 12, 2025 , 3:00 - 4:30 p.m.Student Innovation Center 4237
A Blueprint for Audience AnalysisMarch 11, 2025, 3:00 - 4:30 p.m.WebEx (register to receive link)

WorkshopDate and TimeLocation
Part I: Planning and Participating in Difficult DiscussionsApril 9, 2024 , 1:30 - 3:00 p.m.Pearson 3137
Part II: It Takes Two: Conflict ManagementApril 16, 2024 , 1:30 - 3:00 p.m.Pearson 3137
Part III: Small Talk That Takes You Big Places: Social CommunicationApril 23, 2024 , 1:30 - 3:00 p.m.Carver 0196
Small Talk and Informational InterviewsApril 1, 2025 3:00 - 4:30 p.m.Pearson 2158
Conflict ManagementApril 8, 2025 3:00 - 4:30 p.m.Pearson 2158
Dinner InterviewsNovember 6, 2024 , 3:00 - 4:30 p.m.Student Innovation Center 1118
Conflict Management: Strategies for Constructive ConversationsNovember 5, 2025 3:00 - 4:30 p.m.Student Innovation Center 4237

International Graduate Student Winter Institute

This event is organized by the Graduate College, the University Library, and the International Students and Scholars Office.