Scheduled Events (2023-2024)
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.
Thesis Dissertation Support
Thesis/Dissertation Seminars: Planning your Journey
Three Fall Sessions for 2023!
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 | September 18, 1pm - 2pm | (*Virtual session, WebEx)
- Thesis/Dissertation Informational Session II | October 12, 1pm - 2pm | (*Virtual session, WebEx)
- Thesis/Dissertation Informational Session III | November 1, 9am - 10am | (*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.
Thesis/Dissertation Boot Camps: Formatting the Manuscript
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 | November 3, 10 - 11:30am | 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.
New for Fall 2023: Graduation Kickoff
Get ready to graduate in the 2023-2024 academic year! CCE invites you to an all-in-one graduation kickoff 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 | October 10, 9:00am-12:00pm | SICTR Room 1118
Thesis/Dissertation Drop-In Clinics
We offer virtual and in-person drop-in clinic sessions if you need help with formatting questions.
The Thesis/Dissertation Submission Deadline is November 30, 2023!
Extended Drop-in Clinic Hours:
| Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday |
| November 27 | November 28 | November 29 | November 30 | December 1 |
9am - 12pm 1 - 4pm | -- | 9am - 12pm 1 - 4pm | 9am - 12pm 1 - 4pm | -- |
| December 4 | December 5 | December 6 | December 7 | December 8 |
9am - 12pm 1 - 4pm | -- | 9am - 12pm 1 - 4pm | -- | -- |
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)
Research Writing Seminars (Fall 2023)
"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! Click here to register for one or all sessions. If you register late and need access to the session, please contact shuffman@iastate.edu.
- Part I: Beginning a Scientific Argument in your Introduction | October 9, 2023 , 1:00 - 2:15 p.m.| *Virtual session, WebEx
- Part II: Writing the Literature Review | October 11, 2023 , 3:00 - 4:15 p.m.| *Virtual session, WebEx
- Part III: Describing your Methods | October 16, 2023 , 1:00 - 2:15 p.m.| *Virtual session, WebEx
- Part IV: Unveiling the Results | October 17, 2023 , 1:00 - 2:15 p.m.| *Virtual session, WebEx
- Part V: Composing the Discussion/Conclusion | October 18, 2023 , 3:30 - 4:45 p.m.| *Virtual session, WebEx
- Part VI: Revising with the Research Writing Tutor | October 19, 2023 , 3:00 - 4:15 p.m.| *Virtual session, WebEx
*Links for connecting to virtual session via WeEx will be sent prior to the day of the session.
Grant Writing Seminars (Fall 2023)
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. Click here to register for one or all sessions. If you register late and need access to the session, please contact shuffman@iastate.edu.
- Part I: Finding Funding | October 23, 2023 , 2:00 - 3:15 p.m.| *Virtual session, WebEx
- Part II: Introduction to Grant Writing | October 24, 2023 , 3:30 - 4:45 p.m.| *Virtual session, WebEx
- Part III: Preparing Grant Proposals for NIH | October 30, 2023 , 2:00 - 3:15 p.m.| *Virtual session, WebEx
- Part IV: Preparing Grant Proposals for NSF | October 31, 2023 , 3:30 - 4:45 p.m.| *Virtual session, WebEx
- Part V: Preparing Grant Proposals for USDA/NIFA | November 2, 2023 , 1:00 - 2:15 p.m.| *Virtual session, WebEx
*Links for connecting to virtual sessions via WebEx will be sent prior to the day of the session.
Writing with Advanced Technology Workshops (Spring 2024)
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.Sign up for one, two, or all of the seminars listed below.
- Part I: Producing Digitally Accessible Manuscripts | Dates to be announced in January 2024
- Part II: Grammarly | Dates to be announced in January 2024
- Part III: The Research Writing Tutor | Dates to be announced in January 2024
*Links for connecting to virtual sessions via WebEx will be sent prior to the day of the session.
Job Application Materials Seminars (Spring 2024)
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! Sign up for one, two, or all of the seminars 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 | Dates to be announced in January 2024
- Part II: Writing the Research Statement | Dates to be announced in January 2024
- Part III: Composing the Cover Letter | Dates to be announced in January 2024
- Part IV: Creating your Diversity Statement | Dates to be announced in January 2024
- Part V: Crafting your Teaching Philosophy Statement | Dates to be announced in January 2024
- Part VI: Building a Professional Network | Dates to be announced in January 2024
- Part VII: Preparing for the Interview | Dates to be announced in January 2024
*Links for connecting to virtual session via WeEx will be sent prior to the day of the session.
Writing the Literature Review Workshops (Spring 2024)
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. Sign up for one, two, or all of the seminars listed below. 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 | Dates to be announced in January 2024
- Part II: Lit Review Without Tears: Tangible Strategies for Writing a Pain-Free Literature Review | Dates to be announced in January 2024
- Part III: Recycle, Repurpose, Self-Plagiarize? Defining and Avoiding Self-Plagiarism in the Age of iThenticate | Dates to be announced in January 2024
*Links for connecting to virtual session via WeEx will be sent prior to the day of the session.
Nationally Competitive Awards and Scholarships Information Sessions (Spring 2024)
Are you looking to fund dissertation or thesis research, graduate studies, or international service? Or are you a first-year graduate student, graduating undergraduate student, or rising senior and plan to pursue or continue graduate study in a STEM field? Or would you like to learn more about the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program, a fellowship that provides three years of funding to U.S. citizens who plan to enroll or are enrolled in an eligible program? If any of the above apply to you, join us to learn more about these opportunities.Register for one or both seminars. You may also contact John Milstead (milstea5@iastate.edu), ISU's Nationally Competitive Awards Coordinator in University Honors, if you have issues getting connected to the event.
- NSF-GRFP Information Session for STEM Students | Dates to be announced in January 2024
Research Funding for Graduating Seniors and Graduate Students | Dates to be announced in January 2024
*Links for connecting to virtual session via WeEx will be sent prior to the day of the session.
Speaking Development Events
Public Speaking Seminar Series (Fall 2023)
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 "Knowing Your Listeners." Click here to register for one or all sessions. If you register late and need access to the session, please contact lcompton@iastate.edu to get connected.
- Part I: Public speaking: A guide to captivating your audience and sharing what you know | October 3, 2023 , 1:30 - 3:00 p.m. | *Virtual session, WebEx
- Part II: Before you speak, know your listeners: A blueprint for audience analysis | October 10, 2023, 1:30 - 3:00 p.m.| *Virtual session, WebEx
- Part III: What's important to speaking success? Ear-catching introductions, memorable conclusions, and signposts in between | October 17, 2023 , 1:30 - 3:00 p.m.| *Virtual session, WebEx
- Part IV: Choosing organizational patterns that make listening easy for your audience | October 24, 2023 , 1:30 - 3:00 p.m.| *Virtual session, WebEx
*Links for connecting to virtual sessions via WebEx will be sent prior to the day of the session.
Interpersonal Communication Seminar Series (Spring 2024)
"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. Sign up for one, two, or all of the seminars listed below. If you have questions, please contact lcompton@iastate.edu.
- Part I: Planning and Participating in Difficult Discussions | Dates to be announced in January 2024
- Part II: You Should Have Heard Them Listen: Verbal and Nonverbal Approaches | Dates to be announced in January 2024
- Part III: It Takes Two: Conflict Management | Dates to be announced in January 2024
- Part IV: Small Talk That Takes You Big Places: Social Communication | Dates to be announced in January 2024
Public Speaking Seminar Series (Spring 2024)
Do you struggle with preparations for presenting at meetings, conferences, or your oral exam? Have parts of your presentation seemed to leave people underwhelmed or, worse, confused? Do you want to learn delivery strategies and manage your audience and anxiety? Bring your ideas for an upcoming presentation, or come and pick up presentation skills in this pilot three-part series. Register for one, two, or all of the seminars listed below. If you have questions, please contact lcompton@iastate.edu.
- Part I: Public speaking: A guide to captivating your audience and sharing what you know | Dates to be announced in January 2024
- Part II: Lights, camera, action: How to develop your notes, practice, and deliver your speech | Dates to be announced in January 2024
- Part III: "How do I respond?" "What do I do?": Managing your audience and yourself when presenting a speech | Dates to be announced in January 2024
Public Speaking Seminar Series (Summer 2023)
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 two-part series. Register here for one or both sessions. If you register late and need access to the session, please contact lcompton@iastate.edu to get connected.
- Part I: "Once upon a time...and they all lived happily ever after:" Effective introductions and conclusions | June 21, 1 - 2:30pm | *Virtual session, WebEx
- Part II: Delivering the big picture: Using illustrative visuals, engaging oration, and more. | June 28, 1 - 2:30pm | *Virtual session, WebEx
*Links for connecting to virtual sessions via WebEx will be sent prior to the day of the session.