Grad+ Seminar Series Programming

The Grad+ Seminar Series programming was developed to address common graduate student concerns as they transition from students to scholars. Leslie Blood, director of graduate community and program development, provides this longitudinal multi-year accountability program that teaches students how to succeed in graduate school while providing important structures to support their newfound scholastic independence. Grad+ Seminar Series is backed by best-practices curriculum and original research on habits and productivity.

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Grad+ Intensives

Grad+ Intensives are a condensed overview of topics covered in the Grad+ Seminar Series. You can use Intensives as a stand-alone, a seminar refresh, or as a crash course to prepare you for any of the Grad+ Programs.

Grad+ Foundations

This year-long seminar is designed for graduate students who are new to Grad+ programming and ready to master self-awareness, build confidence, and develop a holistic approach to success and performance. Together, we’ll explore accountability, values and priorities, motivation, and strategies that will set you up for long-term achievement. From choosing the perfect organizational system to testing accountability methods, this series will kick-start your graduate career in a positive direction. Upon completing Grad+ Foundations, you’ll be well-prepared to advance into the Grad+ Advanced Seminar Series.

Grad+ Advanced Seminar Series

The Grad+ Advanced Seminar Series is designed for graduate students who have completed the Grad+ Foundations Seminar Series and are ready to take their skills to the next level. Each semester introduces fresh content, ensuring you continue to build a wide range of tools while applying the latest research to your personal and professional growth. Please see the list below for an example of current and future topics:

  • Drive, Small Changes and Changing Narratives
  • Productivity, Planning and Habits
  • Alignment: Values, Drive, Motivation and Accountability
  • Breaking and creating triggers for optimizedÌýperformance
  • Energy Budget and Management

Grad+ Alternative Learning Styles

Academic Success for Alternative Learning Styles is thoughtfully designed to address executive functioning, focus and accountability. Many diverse learners struggle to succeed in traditional education settings and work environments. Our Alternative Learning Styles seminar will cover the following:Ìý

  • Rejection Sensitivity
  • Perfectionism
  • Focus
  • Memory
  • Mind Mapping & Visualization
  • Behavior ManagementÌýÌý

What is this group about?

Graduate students face unique challenges in balancing research, publishing, teaching, and multiple projects—all while navigating the often-isolating transition from student to scholar. The Grad+ Seminar Series is an accountability program designed to support graduate students working on dissertations, theses, and other scholarly work. Through goal-setting, time management strategies, and small-group discussions, participants develop self-awareness, discover the motivation strategies that work best for them, and build meaningful connections across disciplines.

The goal is simple: to boost efficiency, productivity, and personal insight while holding one another accountable for progress toward academic goals.

How often do I attend these seminars?

Participants attendÌýone hour-long seminar every week either online via zoom. Consistent attendance is crucial for accountability:ÌýYou have to show up andÌýreport to your peersÌýonÌýyour progress.ÌýThe goal is to create aÌýconsistentÌýgroup that meets weekly, rather than irregular drop-in workshops.

How do I get started?

We recommend you participate in a Grad+ Intensive and then register for Grad+ Foundations first. After taking a year of the introductionÌýseries, you can move forwardÌýto the regular Grad+ Advanced Seminar Series program. The Grad+ Alternative Learning Styles is open to everyone.

Please take the following assessments prior to yourÌýfirst Grad+ session: