Workshops & Events
Workshops hosted by the Graduate Center are open to the entire ÁůľĹÉ«ĚĂ 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 2025
August
When: Tuesday, August 5, 1:00pm-3:30pm
Where: Online (Zoom). (no prior registration required)
Description: Each fall semester, the Office of Graduate Studies offers this online university-wide Graduate Student Orientation to welcome incoming graduate students to the ÁůľĹÉ«ĚĂ community and support their transition to graduate study.
The Graduate Student Orientation:
• Introduces university requirements, expectations, policies, and protocols
• Reviews student rights and Title IX
• Highlights graduate milestones
• Presents graduate opportunities related to:
o Academics
o Research
o Funding
o Professional Development
o Networking
• Shares the systems of support available to graduate students
In addition, individual departments hold department-specific orientations (check with your graduate program for details). Incoming students should plan to attend both the department-specific orientation and this university-wide one.
September
When: Wednesday, September 10, 4:00pm-6:00pm
Where: The Graduate Center (University Library 214)
Description: Graduate Studies invites you to visit the ÁůľĹÉ«ĚĂ Graduate Center on the second floor of the Library and learn about the resources available to you as a graduate student at ÁůľĹÉ«ĚĂ. At the event, you can tour the Center, explore study and meeting spaces, and learn about funding opportunities, mentorship, writing support, and financial assistance for conference travel. Representatives from key resources on campus, such as CAPS, BMAC, Basic Needs, and the Financial Aid Office, will also be present to network with students and answer questions. In addition, a student photographer will be taking free professional “head-shot” photos for those interested.
No need to register–just show up!
When: Thursday, September 18, 3:00pm-4:00pm
Where: Zoom (link will be emailed to registrants)
Description: Attending academic conferences is a great way to learn about cutting-edge research in your field and to network with passionate members of your intellectual community—especially for students interested in earning a doctorate. This workshop offers advice for making the most out of attending a conference, including tips on how to network effectively and how to give a positive first impression.
Presenters: Dr. Dina Perrone, Interim Dean of Graduate Studies
When: Wednesday, September 24, 5:00pm – 6:15pm
Where: LIB-201 and Zoom (Hybrid)
Description: This workshop provides a “crash course” in the essentials of APA
formatting and citations, with a focus on headings, in-text citations, and reference lists.
Presenter: Omar Hussein (omar.hussein@csulb.edu)
When: Monday, September 29, 12:00pm – 1:15pm
Where: LIB 201 and Zoom (Hybrid)
Description: This workshop discusses how to write an effective statement of purpose or personal statement for graduate school. 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: Tuesday, September 30, 3:00pm – 4:00pm
Where: Online (Zoom)
Description: Need support in how to navigate the graduate & professional school fair? This workshop will provide you with tips to make the most of your time connecting with representatives at the graduate and professional schools you are interested in applying to.
Presenter: Ammisha Opoku-Boamah (Ammisha.Opoku-Boamah@csulb.edu)
October
When: Wednesday, October 1, 10:00am-11:00am
Where: Library 201 & Zoom (Hybrid)
Description: Ever wonder what the difference is between a graduate school resume and a professional job resume is? While both are similar, there are strategies to make your resume more fitting for your graduate school applications. In this graduate school resume workshop, you will learn
- Key words to make your resume stand out
- How to quantify and be descriptive with your work experience
- Personalize your resume towards different graduate programs
Presenter: Jackie Morales (Jackie.Morales@csulb.edu)
.
When: Wednesday, October 1, 11:00am – 12:15pm
Where: LIB 201 & Zoom (Hybrid)
Description: This workshop covers basics of funding for graduate studies, including topics such as graduate assistantships, campus vs. external funding, and loans.
Presenter: Ammisha Opoku-Boamah (Ammisha.Opoku-Boamah@csulb.edu)
.
When: Thursday, October 2, 11:00am – 3:00pm
Where: The Speakers Platform (in front of the University Bookstore)
Description: Sponsored by The Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) and the Graduate Center, the Grad Fair brings representatives from various graduate and professional schools from across the country. Students are able to meet with representatives from these institutions and learn about post graduate opportunities, admissions procedures and financing graduate education. The event is free for all current ÁůľĹÉ«ĚĂ students on-campus. Visit this page for more information and download a list of sample questions to ask program representatives.
No registration necessary--just show up!
When: Tuesday, October 7, 3:00pm–4:00pm
Where: Online (Zoom)
Description: This workshop will provide an overview of Chicago Style (formatting, not pizza!), with a particular focus on its two citation systems: notes-bibliography and author-date. At the end of the presentation, students will participate in a mock editing exercise to practice applying Chicago format.
Presenter: Cecilia Paredes (Cecilia.Paredes@csulb.edu)
.
When: Thursday, October 9, 11:30am–12:30pm
Where: Online (Zoom)
Description: You’re writing your thesis and you’re al…most…done! So, what’s next? This workshop will cover the procedures for submitting your master’s thesis to the Thesis and Dissertation Office, thesis formatting rules, and the review process leading up to graduation clearance and ProQuest publication. At the end of the presentation, students will participate in a mock editing activity to simulate (and demystify!) the format editing process.
Presenter: Cecilia Paredes (Cecilia.Paredes@csulb.edu)
.
When: Wednesday, October 15, 4:00pm–5:00pm
Where: Online (Zoom)
Description: You’re writing your thesis and you’re al…most…done! So, what’s next? This workshop will cover the procedures for submitting your master’s thesis to the Thesis and Dissertation Office, thesis formatting rules, and the review process leading up to graduation clearance and ProQuest publication. At the end of the presentation, students will participate in a mock editing activity to simulate (and demystify!) the format editing process.
Presenter: Cecilia Paredes (Cecilia.Paredes@csulb.edu)
.
When: Thursday, October 16, 5:00pm – 6:00pm
Where: Library 201 & Zoom (Hybrid)
Description: It goes without saying that graduate students have numerous demands on their time. This workshop provides effective techniques that can help grad students to combat inaction, prioritize their obligations, and make the most of the academic year.
Presenter: Omar Hussein (omar.hussein@csulb.edu)
When: Tuesday, October 21, 5:00pm-6:00pm
Where: Online (Zoom)
Description: Attending academic conferences is a great way to learn about cutting-edge research in your field and to network with passionate members of your intellectual community—especially for students interested in earning a doctorate. This workshop offers advice for making the most out of attending a conference, including tips on how to network effectively and how to give a positive first impression.
Presenters: Dr. Dina Perrone, Interim Dean of Graduate Studies
.
When: Wednesday, October 22, 5:00pm-6:15pm
Where: Online (Zoom)
Description: This workshop tackles common “problem areas” that students face in writing research papers (including theses and dissertations) in many disciplines. Topics include: how to write introductions and problem statements; how to review academic literature (the dreaded “lit review”); and how to structure arguments in academic writing.
Presenter: Omar Hussein (Omar.Hussein@csulb.edu)
When: Friday, October 24, 1:00pm – 2:00pm
Where: Online (Zoom)
Description: Feeling overwhelmed or confused in navigating application portals for your graduate school applications? This workshop will provide an overview of the different components found in the Cal State Apply application portal, and a brief tip for other application portals.
Presenter: Ammisha Opoku-Boamah (Ammisha.Opoku-Boamah@csulb.edu)
.
When: Thursday, October 30, 12:00pm-2:00pm
Where: Second Floor of the University Library
Description: Network, mingle, and forge connections with fellow grad students in a relaxed atmosphere. Professional headshots will also be available during the event for free!
Food will be provided, so please
November
When: Tuesday, November 4, 3:00pm-4:30 pm
Where: Library 201 & Zoom (Hybrid)
Description: Description: Stuck on your graduate school statement of purpose (SOP)? We got you covered! This interactive workshop will cover:
- Structure of an SOP
- How to craft your experiences in an engaging way
- How to align your SOP to each school you are applying to
Presenter: Jackie Morales (Jackie.Morales@csulb.edu)
When: Thursday, November 6, 4:00pm-6:00pm
Where: Library 201
Description: The transitions to graduate school and making the most out of your graduate program can be a challenge. This is especially the case when we are juggling multiple responsibilities. This panel style workshop will provide valuable insight from current graduate students who will share their experiences navigating graduate school and share their tips on how to successfully navigate graduate school. Food/refreshments will be provided.
Presenters: CNSM Thrive
.
When: Wednesday, November 12, 2:00pm – 3:30pm
Where: Online (Zoom)
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.
When: Wednesday, November 12, 4:00pm – 7:00pm
Where: University Library 201
Description: Do you need someone to look over your CV/resume, statement of purpose, or personal statement? Do you have questions on how to fill out and submit your graduate school application? Are you nervous about the actual process of applying to grad school and need a knowledgeable person to give you some reassurance and allay your fears? Then come to this 3-hour "after-hours" event in which the core Graduate Center staff will be on hand to provide input, feedback, advice, and support.
Staff Support Present: Ammisha Opoku-Boamah, Graduate Center Coordinator; Jackie Morales, Graduate Center Coordinator; Omar Hussein, Graduate Writing Specialist
No need to register—Just show up!
When: Tuesday, November 18, 3:00pm – 4:15pm
Where: LIB 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!). 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: Tuesday, November 25, 10:00am – 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 has further details and 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 Monday, November 17th, to ensure a proper food and beverage order.
December
When: Monday, December 8, 5:30pm – 6:30pm
Where: (Online) Zoom
Description: This session will discuss how to apply for the Sally Casanova Pre-Doctoral program. It will go over program details, eligibility rules, the application process, and next steps.
Presenter: Omar Hussein (omar.hussein@csulb.edu)
When: Tuesday, Dec. 9, 4:00pm – 7:00pm
Where: University Library, second floor
Pizza will be provided (while supplies last).
Description: Do you want to study in the ÁůľĹÉ«ĚĂ library but need your kids to tag along? Then bring them with you to Family Study Night!
No need to register - just show up!
The Graduate Center is open and available to all, regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin.
