Open to all, No Reservations Needed (PDF or Workshop Schedule)

Health Wellness & Stress Management

Tuesday, 1:00-2:30 p.m., KSC 316
Wednesday, 1:00-2:30 p.m., KSC 316

Coping with stress as a graduate assistant can be challenging.  We are asked to fill multiple roles (advisor, mentor,
advisee, teacher, student, spouse, and friends) and are frequently pulled in multiple directions at the same time. In
addition to our busy schedules, it is difficult to find time for proper nutrition and regular physical activity.  In this workshop,
participants will learn how to minimize stress with specific relaxation techniques, as well as how to incorporate healthy
eating and physical activity habits. Further, participants will receive information regarding Kent State University recourses
to help cope with stress, nutrition and physical activity.

Exploring & Conducting Research                                          

Tuesday, 1:00-2:30 p.m., KSC 319
Friday, 9:30-11:00 a.m., KSC 313

As a Research Assistant and future scholar it is important to understand the dual role you play at Kent State University.
This workshop seeks to address the responsibilities of Research Assistants and the resources available to you for your
personal research needs.  Come with questions!  We strongly recommend that you attend the "Library Facilities and
Resources" workshop as it will provide you with additional information related to conducting research.

Grant Writing Workshop                                                         

Tuesday, 1:00-2:30, KSC 310B

The purpose of this workshop is to introduce students to the kinds of grants available internally, from the university, and
externally, from outside sources.  We will discuss types of grants, where to find information about grants, and things to
consider when applying.  We will also discuss some tips for getting started in the grant writing process.

Audio Visual Services                                                              

Tuesday, 1:00-2:30 p.m.,  Library 122

Participants will receive a packet of materials covering basic audiovisual services (e.g. equipment usage and training)
and options available to graduate assistants. The AudioVisual Services sessions will discuss/demonstrate all or parts
of the following: Film & Video Equipment Services, Audio Services, Graphics Services. In addition, video production
services and student multimedia studio.

Leading Lectures & Discussions                                             

Wednesday, 1:00-2:30 p.m., KSC 319
 Friday, 9:30-11:00 a.m., KSC 319

This workshop is designed to help TAs consider when to use lecture and when to use discussion in the classroom to
aid in students' learning. We will discuss the strengths and weaknesses of each format. We will spend time talking about
tips for how to improve lectures and discussions as well as discussing pitfalls to avoid. We will draw on the experience of
the participants, so come ready to share your own ideas and to learn from others.

Library Facilities & Services                                                   

Wednesday, 1:00-2:30 p.m., Library 333
Thursday, 1:00-2:30 p.m., Library 333

The library session will demonstrate how to use a variety of resources for research, including use of KentLINK/OhioLINK,
research databases to identify articles, and interlibrary loan options. Other services, such as renewing your own books online,
appointments with subject specialist librarians, and free seminars with hands-on experience using information resources will
also be explained. A brief tour of the first three floors of the library will also be offered at the end of each of the sessions. These
presentations should prove helpful for assistantship work as well as for your research.

Teaching and Working in Laboratories                                  

Tuesday, 1:00-2:30 p.m., KSC 317
Friday, 9:30-11:00 a.m., KSC 309

This workshop will familiarize new graduate students with the basic strategies required while teaching and working in the
laboratory. We will discuss the teaching responsibilities, creating a functional syllabus, maintaining professional relationships
with the course professors, other TAs and the students, and safety rules for avoiding many difficulties. Both Teaching Assistants
and Research Assistants working in laboratories will benefit from this workshop.

Syllabus and Scheduling                                            

Wednesday, 1:00-2:30 p.m., KSC 318
Friday, 9:30-11:00 a.m., KSC 318

In this workshop we will examine how to create a successful course syllabus and plan the course schedule. First we will cover
practical aspects of syllabus (such as layout and necessary information to include) as well as underlining the importance of a
course syllabus as a contract. Then we will also focus on how to create a course schedule (how to plan your entire course),
including a look at producing a functional course calendar. Examples of syllabi and course calendars will be provided as models
for comparison. Bring a copy of existing syllabus(i) for your class(es). If there is no syllabus, bring the text for your teaching
assignment instead.

Grading and Evaluation                                              

Thursday, 1:00-2:30 p.m., KSC 316
Friday, 9:30-11:00 a.m.,  KSC 316

This workshop will examine the responsibilities and options instructors employed by Kent State University have regarding the
evaluation and reporting of their students’ work.  We will discuss the pros and cons of different forms of evaluation, as well as
the processes involved in selecting and developing assessment tools for different types of courses.

VistaWorkshop

Tuesday 1:00 – 2:30 p.m., Moulton Hall room 231

What is Vista and what can it do for Me? How do I get a Vista course and learn how to set it Up? How do I add students to my vista
course? How do I set up the gradbook and post Scantron grades in Vista? How do I use the most popular Vista tools to
communicate with students? This workshop is highly recommended for at TA’s and any GA’s who will be assisting teaching
professors, especially professors using SCANTRON grading.

HealthCenterand Insurance Q & A           

Thursday 1:00-2:30 p.m., KSC  312

This workshop introduces you to all the services available to students at the campus Health Center and explains the nuances of
the university sponsored student health insurance plan - how to get your best benefits, both on campus and off.  Health insurance
can be very confusing, especially to the novice user, and understanding your benefits and how best to apply them is very important.
If you have specific questions regarding the
student policy, this is the place to get answers.

Faculty Professional Development Center and You

 Wednesday, 1:00-2:30 p.m., Moulton Hall room 232

This workshop will be broken into two parts to introduce you to the resources available at the fpdc.  In the first part, the facilitators
will discuss ways that the fpdc can help grads develop their research, learning goals, and professional development.  In the
second part, participants will be broken into three groups based on their interests, and learn more about: creating a professional
or teaching portfolio, opportunities for synchronous online communication and workshops around the world, and creating
podcasts for learning and professional uses.

For more information, contact Thomas Gore: tgore@kent.edu