Professional Development Colloquia

The Graduate College values the significance that professional development opportunities can bring to both graduate students and graduate faculty.
The co-curricular activities are particularly targeted to support graduate students and faculty in three key areas: instructional/teaching support (particularly helpful for TAs and TIs); Research support; and Professional preparation.
If your department has an event that is open to the entire graduate community, please send information to gradcol@bgsu.edu for advertising.
To keep up to date on opportunities and events beneficial to graduate students, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Upcoming Opportunities
Date | Event | key areas of support |
February 11, 2020 | Three Identical Strangers Screening | Research |
February 13, 2020 | Three Minute Thesis Competition | Instruction; Professional preparation; Research |
February 15, 2020 | Culture(s) in Conversation: Environments, Landscapes, and Ecologies | Conference |
February 26, 2020 | Do's Don'ts & Dinner | Professional preparation |
February 27, 2020 | Black Issues Conference | Conference |
February 27, 2020 | The Professor is in with Dr. Karen Kelsky | Professional Preparation |
March 6, 2020 | Women of Color Leadership Summit | Professional Preparation, Conference |
March 6, 2020 | Ray Browne Conference on Popular Culture Studies | Conference |
March 25, 2020 | Latino/a/x Issues Conference | Conference |
March 26, 2020 | Teaching and Learning Summit | Instruction |
April 17, 2020 | Thesis and Dissertation Workshop | Professional Preparation |
April 23, 2020 | Charles E. Shanklin Research Colloquium | Instruction; Professional preparation; Research |
Center for Faculty Excellence
The events and workshops at the Center for Faculty Excellence are all open to graduate students. You may want to consider earning the Teaching and learning Certificate.
Division of Research and Economic Engagement
Explore various programs about funding, IRB, and other useful resources. Graduate students are welcome at all events.
How do I find out about opportunities?
The opportunities for professional development at BGSU and beyond are endless. However, you need to be active about seeking out the opportunities. We recommend:
- asking faculty and staff if they have heard of any opportunities
- checking the BGSU events calendar regularly
- reading the Academic Agenda, which is sent out every Friday
- checking the daily campus update
- Subscribing to the Center for Public Impact Newsletter
- Following the Graduate College on Social Media
Featured Events
Online Resources
National Center for Faculty Development and Diversity: All students and staff can gain access to resources and webinars by registering with their BGSU Credentials
Introduction to Online Teaching: This course is offered several times a year through the Center for Faculty Excellence
Funding
SPIN (faculty and students have access through BGSU)
GSS Funding for Professional Development
Internships and Practicums
These are different than Graduate Assistantships. Some offices provide opportunities for graduate students to gain some additional experience. Check with each office to determine eligibility and application deadlines.
Institute for Culture & Society Internships
Conferences On Campus
Every year, various departments and organizations host conferences that are free or low cost to attend. These are a great opportunity to present your work without having to travel.
Podcasts

What Do You Study? is a podcast of Interviews with current BGSU graduate students and their experiences.
The Big Ideas podcast talks with academics, artists, activists, and other professionals about their work for the public good.
Recognition & Awards
Recognition for your work is an important part of development. Various awards are offered across campus. Please check the individual sites for deadlines and eligibility.