For me, finding an advisor was like trying to find my keys on the way out of my apartment. I’m late, I really need to get out of here, but I can’t go anywhere without my keys! Advisors are, whether we like to admit it or not, our ticket to graduation and greatest resource, lifeline, advocate, etc. Unlike my undergraduate experience, where advising appointments were about as frequent as dentist visits (every six months whether I needed it or not), advisor relationships are vital to success in graduate school.

“My advisor is very understanding but still motivates me to do my best.” – OSU Graduate Student

Finding an advisor/ mentor should be a paramount priority for any graduate student. While you may have heard some horror stories regarding experiences with advisors, the fact is that most graduate students find, create, and foster lasting relationships with mentors and advisors.

“My advisors represent the best aspect of OSU and are the reason I’m here.” –OSU Graduate Student

The OSU Graduate School and Graduate Student Success Center (GSSC) recognize the importance of healthy relationships between students and their advisor/mentor. This is why the GSSC will be hosting a Mentor Relationship Series this fall term. Our workshop series will deliver tips and best practices, including: a panel discussion to help students navigate the process of “Finding the Right Match”, September 30th; to learn “How to Build a Productive Relationship” through the wisdom of Breanne Taylor, October 14th; relationship troubleshooting with Don Johnson’s “Creating Positive Solutions”, November 12th; and effective “Conflict Management” with OSU Ombuds representatives Breanne Taylor and Sue Theiss, November 24th.

Each workshop will take place in MU 206 from 3:00 – 4:30 pm. Refreshments and coffee/tea will be served.

Mentor Relationship Series Schedule

• Wednesday, September 30th 3:00 – 4:30pm – “Finding the Right Match” – MU 206
• Wednesday, October 14th 3:00 – 4:30pm – “How to Build a Productive Relationship” – MU 206
• Thursday, November 12th 3:00 – 4:30pm – “Creating Positive Solutions” – MU 206
• Tuesday, November 24th 3:00 – 4:30pm – “Conflict Management” – MU 206

– Drew Hatlen, GTA for Student Success

Photo by Leon Fishman under Creative Commons, Attribution 2.0 Generic

It’s the last Friday before classes start. A new academic year is just about kick off. Perhaps you are thinking , “what can I do differently this year?” Well, in that spirit, here’s a list of ideas and motivators to get you going. These articles represent popular links from the five most recent issues of our GradSuccess – FTW newsletter.

• Four chemistry-approved ways to stay awake without caffeine – Prof Hacker – Tips include watching cat videos, no really.
• How to handle negative feedback – Harvard Business Review
• Advice for new teaching assistants – Inside Higher Ed
• 10 steps to PhD failure – Times Higher Education – The comments kind of rip this article apart, but there is some practical advice offered.
• Slowing Down: 6 Strategies for Deep Listening – ProfHacker, Chronicle of Higher Education
• How to Write the Perfect Task to Move Work Forward – Asana’s Workstyle Blog

Open by Tony Webster on Flickr

Need to know how to fill out a Program of Study, find a Graduate Council Representative (GCR), or schedule your final exam? These and many other questions can be answered at our new “Ask the Grad School” drop-in hours at the Graduate Student Success Center (GSSC) in MU 203, most Tuesdays throughout the fall. Stop by, enjoy a free cup of coffee and get your questions answered. You can also email us any time or call us at (541) 737-4881. Distance students can use these directions to participate using Google Hangouts.

When: 1-3 p.m. Pacific time, on the dates below

Where: Graduate Student Success Center, Memorial Union 203

Ask the Grad School Dates

• Sept. 29 – Karen Hanson – All programs
• Oct. 13 – Darcy Miller – All programs
• Oct. 27 – Julie Kurtz – Thesis and graduation deadlines
• Nov. 3 – Betty Langford – Education, liberal arts and grad school interdisciplinary programs
• Nov. 10 – Debra Ricciotti – Ag sciences, public health, pharmacy
• Nov. 17 – Diana Jolly – Engineering
• Nov. 24 – Diana Jolly – Engineering
• Dec. 1 – Michelle LaCrosse – All programs
• Dec. 8 – Tasha Leonard – Forestry, science, business, CEOAS, vet med

Last week’s GradSuccess FTW newsletter has a pretty tough-love article about deciding if a postdoc is right for you. There is also a popular article on what responsibility your graduate committee has in helping you find a job.

Check it out!

Hey Everyone! The GradSuccess weekly newsletter is out.

In this issue, you will find several opportunities for traveling to conferences, learn what Einstein was like as a graduate student (spoiler, he needed a job), learn about negotiating your salary, and much more.

Get it here