Workshops & Events
Workshops hosted by the Graduate Center are open to the entire CSULB campus community, including undergraduate and graduate students, as well as the general public. So, if you are interested in a workshop, please register below.
Fall 2023
When: Wednesday, August 30, 4:00pm-7:00pm
Where: The Graduate Center (University Library 214)
Description: As part of the Fall 2023 welcome events, Graduate Studies invites you to stop in to explore the newly renovated CSULB Graduate Center on the second floor of the Library. Join faculty, staff, and incoming masters and doctoral students for an opportunity to learn more about resources available to you as a graduate student at CSULB. Incoming students are invited to tour the Center, explore study and meeting spaces, and learn about the services offered. Returning graduate students and staff will be available to discuss funding opportunities, mentorship, writing support and financial assistance for conference travel. Refreshments will be served.
Questions? Email graduatecenter@csulb.edu.
No need to register–just show up!
When: Thursday, September 7, 3:00pm-4:30pm
Where: Online (Zoom)
Description: This workshop covers the important steps of preparing for and applying to graduate school. This session is ideal for students wanting to learn about how to apply to master's degree, credential, and doctoral programs and is open to undergraduates, graduate students, and non-CSULB students.
Presenter: Paola Plascencia (Paola.Plascencia@csulb.edu)
When: Monday, September 11, 10:00am-11:00am
Where: Online (Zoom)
Description: Graduate education encompasses research, study, and teaching beyond the bachelor’s degree. Often, graduate degrees help people advance further in their careers and earn more over a lifetime. Some fields, such as physical therapy, require graduate degrees. Others, such as engineering, have opportunities for students with both baccalaureate and graduate degrees. Students may pursue a graduate degree immediately upon completing a bachelor’s, or they may return to graduate school later. This workshop will help students, particularly undergraduate students, determine whether graduate school is the right next step for them.
This program is connected to the Graduate and Professional School Fair occuring on September 14, 2023. Check out the entire list of workshop and events.
Presenter: CSULB TRiO & Migrant Programs
When: Monday, September 11, 12:00pm – 1:00pm
Where: SSSC 112 & Zoom (Hybrid)
Description: Curious about graduate studies? Want to know if an advanced degree is in your future? Join us for a discussion where current graduate students and faculty will discuss all things graduate school and share how a graduate education may help you achieve your career goals and help you stand out in the job market. The panel will go over several topics, including applying to grad school and deciding whether grad school is right for you.
This program is connected to the Graduate and Professional School Fair occuring on September 14, 2023. Check out the entire list of workshop and events.
Presenter: CSULB McNair Scholars Program, hosted by the CSULB Graduate Center (email GraduateCenter@csulb.edu with questions)
When: Tuesday September 12, 2:00pm-3:15pm
Where: Library 201 & Zoom (Hybrid)
Description: This workshop is a crash course on financial aid for graduate school. Topics include the FAFSA and how it differs for grad students; the differences between private and public loans; external funding (like scholarships); and things to consider for DACA students, among other topics. If you want to go to graduate school but don't know how to pay for it, this workshop is for you.
This program is connected to the Graduate and Professional School Fair occuring on September 14, 2023. Check out the entire list of workshop and events.
Presenters: Paola Plascencia (Paola.Plascencia@csulb.edu) and Omar Hussein (Email: Omar.Hussein@csulb.edu)
When: Wednesday, September 13, 1:00pm-2:00pm
Where: Library 201 & Zoom (Hybrid)
Description: This workshop focuses on the nuts and bolts of drafting your statement of purpose. Topics include “dos and don’ts,” avoiding “kisses of death,” statements of confidence, effective essay structure, and useful sentence stems.
This program is connected to the Graduate and Professional School Fair occuring on September 14, 2023. Check out the entire list of workshop and events.
Presenter: Omar Hussein (Omar.Hussein@csulb.edu)
When: Wednesday, September 13, 3:00pm-4:00pm
Where: Library 201 & Zoom (Hybrid)
Description: This workshop teaches the fundamentals of writing and formatting CVs/résumés for graduate school applications. Topics include what experiences to list, how much detail to go into, and how to format and organize the document to make it professional and easy to read.
This program is connected to the Graduate and Professional School Fair occuring on September 14, 2023. Check out the entire list of workshop and events.
Presenter: Omar Hussein (Omar.Hussein@csulb.edu)
Website: https://www.csulb.edu/graduate-center/graduate-professional-schools-fair
When: Thursday Sept 14, 11:00am- 3:00pm
Where: Speaker's Platform (near University Bookstore)
Description: Once a year in the fall semester, the Graduate Center sponsors the Graduate & Professional School Fair in partnership with the CSULB Educational Opportunity Program and other campus partners. The Grad Fair is your opportunity to learn about graduate schools and gain an early start on the application process. If you are thinking about going to graduate school, attend the event to explore what options are available to you. You will meet with school representatives and have the chance to ask questions about specific schools or programs. At the event, you can:
- Explore the possibilities of graduate and professional education.
- Learn about the admissions requirements for programs.
- Get detailed information about various schools and their programs.
- Network with professionals in your future field.
Questions? Email GraduateCenter@csulb.edu or visit this link for more information.
No need to register–just show up!
When: Monday, September 18, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Where: Library 201 & Zoom (Hybrid)
Description: The Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program offers over 400 awards in more than 135 countries for U.S. citizens to teach, conduct research, and complete graduate level study. Come learn more about opportunities to fund a pre-graduate or graduate school experience in any discipline. The Fulbright program gives you enhanced skills, new connections, and greater mutual understanding!
Presenter: Barbara H. Grossman-Thompson, Associate Professor and Faculty Program Advisor, Fulbright U.S. Student Program
When: Thursday, September 21, 2:00pm-3:30pm
Where: Library 201 & Zoom (Hybrid)
Description: This workshop demystifies the dreaded “writer’s block” and provides actionable advice on how to stop worrying and start writing (and hopefully even enjoy it!).
Presenter: Omar Hussein (Omar.Hussein@csulb.edu)
When: Tuesday, September 26, 4:00pm-6:00pm
Where: Zoom
Description: Have you ever wondered how students manage to successfully apply to and thrive in graduate school while handling other responsibilities? Celebrate Latinx Heritage Month by attending a panel featuring current Latinx graduate students and faculty to get that information directly from the source. Ask questions and listen to a panel of graduate students discuss their experiences.
Facilitator: Paola Plascencia (Paola.Plascencia@csulb.edu)
When: Tuesday, October 3, 4:00pm-5:30pm
Where: Library 201
Description: Having a hard time deciding where you want to go for graduate school? That's fine, it’s pretty normal. In this workshop, we will lay out some strategies to help you decide which graduate program is best for you!
Presenter: Kim Scatton, kim.scatton@csulb.edu
When: Wednesday, October 4, 11:00am-12:00pm
Where: Online (Zoom)
Description: This workshop will cover the procedures of formatting theses and dissertations for both publishing your thesis and obtaining library clearance to graduate.
Presenter: Cecilia Paredes (Cecilia.Paredes@csulb.edu)
When: Thursday, October 5, 5:00pm-6:30pm
Where: Library 201 & Zoom (Hybrid)
Description: This workshop provides an overview of APA formatting and citations, along with tips for avoiding accidental plagiarism. The session includes a how-to on formatting cover pages, in-text citations, and reference lists.
Presenter: Omar Hussein (Omar.Hussein@csulb.edu)
When: Wednesday, October 11, 5:00pm-6:30pm
Where: Library 201 & Zoom (Hybrid)
Description: This workshop explains the common structure of introductions that most academic papers use and shows how to offer readers “value” by responding to a critical issue or problem in your field.
Presenter: Omar Hussein (Omar.Hussein@csulb.edu)
When: Monday, October 16, 4:30 PM - 6:30 PM
Where: Library 201
Description: The Graduate Center at CSULB is offering a limited number of slots for professional headshots and is something that every graduate student should consider obtaining as it can help you in creating your personal and professional brand. LinkedIn and other online job boards are particularly critical platforms for leveraging your network, and for job searching. LinkedIn typically hosts over ten million open jobs with 87% of recruiters regularly using LinkedIn in order to identify potential candidates. Stand out today by obtaining a new professional headshot!
Sign-ups ahead of time are required
When: Monday, October 16, 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Where: Library 201
Description: Are you completing a thesis or research project that involves human participants/subjects? If so, you will need to obtain Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval before you start your research. The IRB ensures that you are doing everything in your power to protect the rights of research participants and reduce risks to your participants’ safety and well-being. They confirm that your research will be conducted ethically and responsibly. This workshop will guide you through the IRB application and submission processes and provide strategies to safeguard your participants.
Presenter: Dr. Dina Perrone, Associate Dean of Graduate Studies (Email: Dina.Perrone@csulb.edu)
When: Tuesday, October 17, 4:00-5:00pm
Where: Online (Zoom)
Description: This workshop will cover the procedures of formatting theses and dissertations for both publishing your thesis and obtaining library clearance to graduate.
Presenter: Cecilia Paredes (Cecilia.Paredes@csulb.edu)
When: Wednesday, October 18, 5:00pm-6:30pm
Where: Library 201 & Zoom (Hybrid)
Description: Whether required for longer papers—like theses or dissertations—or as a stand-alone class assignment, writing the literature review can present a challenge for many grad students. This workshop presents strategies for tackling the literature review and provides insights from multiple disciplines on how to craft the best literature review for your project.
Presenter: Omar Hussein (Omar.Hussein@csulb.edu)
When: Thursday, October 26, 2:30pm-4:00pm
Where: Library 201 & Zoom (Hybrid)
Description: This workshop focuses on the nuts and bolts of drafting your statement of purpose. Topics include “dos and don’ts,” avoiding “kisses of death,” statements of confidence, effective essay structure, and useful sentence stems.
Presenter: Omar Hussein (Omar.Hussein@csulb.edu)
When: Monday, November 6, 2:00pm-3:30pm
Where: Library 201 and Zoom
Description: This workshop covers the important steps of preparing for and applying to graduate school. This session is ideal for students wanting to learn about how to apply to master's degree, credential, and doctoral programs and is open to undergraduates, graduate students, and non-CSULB students.
Presenter: Brandi Pierre, Academic Skills Coach with TRiO Student Support Services
When: Wednesday, November 8, 4:30 PM - 6:30 PM
Where: Library 201
Description: The Graduate Center at CSULB is offering a limited number of slots for professional headshots and is something that every graduate student should consider obtaining as it can help you in creating your personal and professional brand. LinkedIn and other online job boards are particularly critical platforms for leveraging your network, and for job searching. LinkedIn typically hosts over ten million open jobs with 87% of recruiters regularly using LinkedIn in order to identify potential candidates. Stand out today by obtaining a new professional headshot!
Sign-ups ahead of time are required
When: Tuesday, November 14th, 2:30pm-4:00pm
Where: (UPDATED) Zoom only - please register below to receive a link.
Description: This workshop demystifies the dreaded “writer’s block” and provides actionable advice on how to stop worrying and start writing (and hopefully even enjoy it!). Topics discussed will include real and imagined barriers to writing; “crappy first drafts”; habits v. willpower; neutralizing negative thought patterns; beating perfectionism; and other tips, techniques, and secrets of highly-successful, prolific writers.
Presenter: Omar Hussein (Omar.Hussein@csulb.edu)
When: Monday, November 20, 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM
Where: Library 201 & Zoom (Hybrid)
Description: Are you completing a thesis or research project that involves human participants/subjects? If so, you will need to obtain Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval before you start your research. The IRB ensures that you are doing everything in your power to protect the rights of research participants and reduce risks to your participants’ safety and well-being. They confirm that your research will be conducted ethically and responsibly. This workshop will guide you through the IRB application and submission processes and provide strategies to safeguard your participants.
Presenter: Dr. Dina Perrone, Associate Dean of Graduate Studies (Email: Dina.Perrone@csulb.edu)
When: Tuesday, November 21, 10:00am to 7:00pm
Where: University Library, 2nd floor (Graduate Study Space)
Description: The Graduate Writing Retreat is a full-day writing "get-away" for graduate or post-bac students to make progress on a major writing task over Fall Break. Writing tasks can include a thesis, seminar paper, dissertation, comps, independent study, class project, or any writing work that requires sustained focus. The Retreat will take place in the “Graduate Student Collaborative Space” (University Library 202), which will be closed to non-attendees, creating a quiet, distraction-free setting. The Graduate Center will also be serving refreshments, including lunch and dinner (the registration form below gives the option to indicate dietary restrictions). Furthermore, Graduate Center staff, including the Graduate Writing Specialist, will be on hand all day to answer questions or help you overcome writing “roadblocks.” The event is free and open to all currently-enrolled graduate/post-bac students, but registration is required. The deadline to register is tentatively Friday, November 17th, to ensure a proper food and beverage order.
Register for the Graduate Writing Retreat.
When: Tuesday, November 28, 3:30pm - 4:45pm
Where: Library 201
Description: Want to find better balance in your life? Join us to learn more about the function of stress, examine personal wellness, and identify healthy coping strategies. This is intended for all graduate students looking for ways to increase their overall well-being.
Presenter: CAPS Doctoral Intern Yeji Son and Dr. Hufana
When: Wednesday, December 6, 5:00pm
Where: Online (Zoom)
Description: This session will discuss how to apply for the Sally Casanova Pre-Doctoral Fellowship program. It will go over program details, eligibility rules, the application process, and next steps.
Presenter: Omar Hussein (Email: Omar.Hussein@csulb.edu)
PAST WORKSHOPS
A selection of our past workshops are listed below:
- Acing Your Academic Presentation
- APA Formatting & Citations
- Applying to Grad School 101
- Applying to Doctoral Programs - What You Need to Know
- Applying to Grad School for Undocumented/DACAmented Students
- Avoiding Plagiarism
- Creating a CV/Résumé for Grad School
- CSULB Thesis & Dissertation Formatting
- Funding for PhD Programs
- Funding Your Graduate Studies
- GMAT Preparation
- Graduate School - Student Life
- Graduate Writing Institute (GWI)
- Grammar for Grad Students - Verb Tense and Voice
- Grammar for Grad Students - Punctuation
- Grammar for Grad Students - Parts of Speech and Agreement
- Grammar for Grad Students - Complete Sentences
- Grammar for Grad Students - Parallelism & Modifiers
- GRE Preparation
- Managing Time & Stress in Graduate School
- Navigating Graduate School as an Underrepresented Student
- Overcoming Writing Anxiety & Developing a Writing Habit
- Publishing Your Research in Graduate School
- Qualitative Inquiry 101
- Teaching in Community College
- Writing a Statement of Purpose for Graduate School
- Writing Literature Reviews
