Virtual Commons

The Virtual Commons brings together (1) University of Minnesota specific documents focused on academic and professional development for Graduate and Professional Students as well as Postdoctoral fellows, and (2) a concise listing of related campus resources. Short URL: http://z.umn.edu/virtualcommons

Graduate School Completion Resources

• Doctoral Student's Comprehensive Guide to Finishing the Degree: offers as a tool you can use on your own, with peers and mentors to navigate – from day one of graduate school to completion – the writing, dissertation, advising, teaching, funding and other professional development components embedded in the course of doctoral studies. Short URL: http://z.umn.edu/comprehensiveguide
• SUCCESS for Faculty Mentors and Graduate/Professional Students (pdf): provides an overview of best practices and key resources for students establishing a network of multiple mentors integral to academic, professional and personal development.
• Writer’s Nexus: functions as a gateway to print, electronic and face-to-face resources for students (and their faculty mentors) working on dissertation development and dissertation writing/revision.

Career Planning Tools

• Graduate and Professional Students’ Guide to Career Planning: presents the crucial components of academic and non-academic career development and self-management with an emphasis on career planning that begins well before the first steps of a job search. Short URL: http://z.umn.edu/gradguide
• Individual Development Plan: fosters goal setting, self-assessment and networking through prompts for developing a plan to acquire the skills and competencies needed to achieve short- and long-term career objectives. Short URL: http://z.umn.edu/idp
• Video workshops for international students/scholars seeking current information regarding Curricular Practical Training and Optional Practical Training.
• 2011 Career Week Workshop Materials: http://www.grad.umn.edu/CareerWeek/
• Writing research statements: http://www.grad.umn.edu/career/researchstatement.pdf

Campus Resources

• Friday Graduate Student Commons: functions as a weekly gathering place for graduate students seeking a place to write, to attend hands-on workshops, to meet with teaching and career consultants, and to talk with peers.
• Office of Graduate Student Academic & Professional Development
• Center for Teaching & Learning – Teaching Consultations and Workshops
• Collegiate Career Services Offices
• Writing – Individual Consultations and Dissertation Writing Support Group
• University Libraries – Subject Librarians and Workshops
• Health – Boynton Health Services and University Counseling & Career Services
• Student Groups – Council of Graduate Students and Graduate & Professional Student Association and Postdoctoral Association
• Office for Diversity in Graduate Education
• Women’s Center, Disability Services and GLBTA Programs
• International Student & Scholar Services and The International TA Program
• Preparing Future Faculty – Courses and Online Tutorials

Questions and Answers

• Pose a question related to your professional development – gscs@umn.edu