Grad academic success workshops

This workshop is intended for current or future students in research-based graduate programs, who are preparing a Fall scholarship application to a federal or provincial government research agency.

There are many elements that need to be compiled before a complete scholarship application can be submitted. While many statements are written by the applicant, time is also required for 1) peer-review of those statements, 2) ordering official transcripts, 3) letters of support, and so on. The aim of this workshop is to present possible timelines that will help to anticipate the needs of most tri-agency and FRQ applications - due in the coming weeks and months - and to learn how to write a successful application, showcase your strengths, and make your proposal stand out among your peers.

Note: Students are ultimately still responsible for ensuring their own applications conform to the instructions and standards laid out on by each agency for the specific funding program(s) they select.
 

Whether you are applying for Tri-Agency or FRQ awards, you might be required to write statements highlighting your academic journey, research experience or personal background. In this workshop, participants will learn to craft compelling narratives that showcase their strengths and get insight into the nuances of effective storytelling, honing their abilities to articulate their motivations, achievements, and future aspirations; skills and strategies necessary to stand out in competitive funding.  

Note: Students are ultimately still responsible for ensuring their own applications conform to the instructions and standards laid out on by each agency for the specific funding program(s) they select. 

2. Discovering services, resources and perks reserved for grad students only

3. Knowing when and how to seek in-depth assistance from Concordia subject specialists

4. Using specialized and subject-specific resources

5. Optimizing access to Concordia resources from on and off campus

6. Efficiently accessing material within and beyond Concordia

Participant questions and input will be invited throughout the session.
 

Getting published is one of your goals as a scholar but understanding the process of getting published in not intuitive. How do you pick a journal? How do you collaborate with co-authors? When are you ready to submit? After submission, how do you respond to feedback?

This workshop provides insight into the world of professional, peer-reviewed publications. We start by exploring the considerations you should take when choosing a journal and submitting your paper. We then discuss the peer-review process and responding to feedback in a professional manner. You will have the opportunity to critique real-life examples of journals, reviewer feedback and author responses.
 

 

Before getting into the hands-on text mining exercise, we will present a brief introduction to AI and machine learning, as well as the notion of algorithmic bias; what it is, how is introduced, and its repercussions.

By the end of the workshop participants will have applied a sentiment analysis technique to a gender-segregated data set and be able to determine its effect on the resulting predictive model.
 

In this hands-on workshop, you will learn how to use Zotero, a desktop and web-based tool that you can use to organize the references you find in library catalogues and databases, insert citations in your papers, and prepare bibliographies or reference lists quickly and effectively, in a wide variety of citation styles (e.g. APA, MLA, Chicago, et cetera). We will look at integrating Zotero with Microsoft Word, LibreOffice, and Google Docs. We will also cover how to share folders and citations (e.g., for collaborative projects or to disseminate reading lists). No experience with Zotero is necessary.

Please ensure that you set up Zotero in advance of the workshop. You can find instructions on how to set up Zotero on the Library website: https://library.concordia.ca/help/workshops/zotero-prerequisites.pdf
 

This is an introductory workshop for students in all disciplines who wish to better understand and include Indigenous perspectives in their research. The workshop will briefly situate the university library within settler colonialism in Canada, provide context to current research on indigenous topics and include discussions around the limits of terminology and subject classification. The instructors will guide students to recommended resources for Indigenous topics and provide an overview of research ethics guidelines.
 

Improve your understanding of the basic rules for documentation including an introduction to multiple styles. Also, learn when and how to quote or paraphrase. Understand the Academic Code of Conduct and your responsibilities as a graduate a student.
 

Are you worried about unintentionally committing an Academic Offence? Do you want to avoid being expelled and ensure you are submitting work that fairly demonstrates your own competence? Learn everything you will need to know about the Academic Code of Conduct, various offenses, and sanctions while completing specialized activities at this workshop.
 

Join us in-person at the Visualization Studio of the Webster Library (LB-314) for an immersive experience using the interactive 9 metre display wall. Otherwise, you can also join online via Zoom. 

This workshop is intended for current or future students in research-based graduate programs, who are preparing a Fall scholarship application to a federal or provincial government research agency.

There are many elements that need to be compiled before a complete scholarship application can be submitted. While many statements are written by the applicant, time is also required for 1) peer-review of those statements, 2) ordering official transcripts, 3) letters of support, and so on. The aim of this workshop is to present possible timelines that will help to anticipate the needs of most tri-agency and FRQ applications - due in the coming weeks and months - and to learn how to write a successful application, showcase your strengths, and make your proposal stand out among your peers.

Note: Students are ultimately still responsible for ensuring their own applications conform to the instructions and standards laid out on by each agency for the specific funding program(s) they select.
 

Are you seeking to expand your professional network, develop a research partnership or land an internship? Join us to learn more about Mitacs graduate research funding programs and how they can help you carve out your career path.

This workshop will present an overview of the industrial research landscape in Montreal, Quebec and Canada. Participants will learn how to identify a potential employer or research partner, and develop strategies to approach a company for an internship or partnership.

Mitacs builds partnerships between academia, industry and the world to create a more innovative Canada. Through unique research funding and training programs, Mitacs aims to support the development of the next generation of innovators with vital scientific and business skills.

This workshop provides an overview of the Mitacs Accelerate, Elevate, Globalink, Step and Converge programs. It also outlines basic techniques for identifying and reaching out to industry partners.
 

 

This information session will explain the application process for the CGS M scholarship program and will provide an overview of program eligibility and application requirements.
This session is intended for first year master’s students / final year undergrad students in or planning to apply to research/thesis-based programs.

 

There are numerous funding programs available to graduate students who are undertaking academic research and working towards a thesis. This workshop will introduce the scholarship programs and funding agencies available to Concordia graduate students.

There will be an overview of the major federal and provincial funding agencies that provide research scholarships in the social sciences and humanities (SSHRC, FRQSC), Natural Sciences and Engineering (NSERC, FRQNT), and health (CIHR, FRQS). Students will be oriented to the 1) research areas and programs that each of these agencies support, 2) eligibility criteria, 3) funding cycles, and 4) basic elements of an application. In addition, the session will explain specific funding programs that require institutional pre-selection/nomination such as the PBEEE (under the FRQ), and the prestigious Vanier scholarship program (tri-agency).

The workshop leaders will also speak to the conference, research travel funds and mobility awards that are accessible through Concordia International and the School of Graduate Studies. Complementary information sessions about studying abroad on exchange are offered regularly by Concordia International.

Note: Students are ultimately responsible for ensuring their own applications conform to the instructions and standards laid out by each agency for the specific funding program(s) they select.
 

Research proposals vary tremendously between departments, research areas, and individuals, but there are also standard ways to present this material for each agency and scholarship program. Most fundamentally, this requires that all applicants read the program instructions carefully for the drafts they are creating. In this workshop, you will learn how to understand the main elements of an application and their relevance, write a successful application, and make your proposal stand out among your peers.
 

This workshop is intended for current or future students in research-based graduate programs, who are preparing a Fall scholarship application to a federal or provincial government research agency.

Research proposals vary tremendously between departments, research areas, and individuals, but there are also standard ways to present this material for each agency and scholarship program. Most fundamentally, this requires that all applicants read the program instructions carefully for the drafts they are creating. In this workshop, you will learn how to understand the main elements of an application and their relevance, write a successful application, and make your proposal stand out among your peers.
 

The Vanier CGS program aims to attract and retain world-class doctoral students by supporting candidates who demonstrate both leadership skills and a high standard of scholarly achievement in graduate studies in the social sciences and humanities, natural sciences and/or engineering and health. 

We will guide you through the key components of the Vanier CGS application, including the research proposal, leadership and community engagement, academic achievements, and letters of recommendation. Learn how to effectively showcase your academic excellence, research potential, and leadership skills to increase your chances of success.

This session covers every aspect of the application journey, from understanding eligibility criteria and program requirements to crafting a standout research proposal and preparing a compelling CV. Participants will gain valuable tips on how to effectively highlight their academic achievements, research potential, and leadership abilities, aligning their application with the evaluation criteria of the selection committees.  

Note: Students are still ultimately responsible for ensuring their own applications conform to the instructions and standards laid out by each agency for the specific funding program(s) they ultimately select. 

 

Writing emails is an essential part of everyday communication, and depending on your role, you may receive dozens, or even hundreds, of emails every day. If you want to be understood, it is critical that you learn and practice effective emailing in school, on the job, and in almost every aspect of your life.

In the digital world, we are living in, time is an asset. Acquiring good email writing skills can help ensure your message reaches your audience and that your audience is able to take action. Acquiring good email management skills will also help demonstrate your professionalism and make better use of your time.

This workshop will present best practices in email writing and organization, within the Canadian work culture. Students will have the opportunity to discuss these best practices and participate in several email writing and critiquing activities.
 

Effective note-taking is a key part of succeeding as a graduate student. In this workshop, we will discuss how to keep on top of your graduate studies by developing efficient note-taking and organization strategies. It is important to go into every class, reading and research project with a note-taking plan. During this workshop, participants will practice clarifying their learning objectives, be introduced to a number of different note-taking strategies, and have the opportunity to learn from one another’s methods.

This workshop will provide students with opportunites for hands on note-taking practice; participants will apply different methods for notetaking (e.g., Outlining method, Cornell method, Flow method) in the context of interesting video-based exercises.

 

 

 

 

Social media, emails, work, school, family, friends… it's easy to feel pulled in a million different directions. In this session, we'll explore how to better manage our time and attention in the face of constant demands. You'll learn about the most powerful and effective time management strategy, one that is backed by close to 60 years of scientific research.  This strategy is so effective that it has been adopted by some of the most successful people in the world, including Bill Gates, Warren Buffet, and Elon Musk. You'll also learn about simple tools that will help you implement this strategy in your own life. We'll also cover the science of prioritizing. So, if you're ready to learn about the latest research on time management and attention, as well as some simple, yet powerful tools to help you take control of your time, then sign up for this workshop today!

 

This workshop offers an introduction to strategies for approaching graduate level reading requirements. It is aimed at helping graduate students manage the graduate school reading workload, apply effective reading habits, and develop consistent organizational strategies. Students of all experience levels are welcome.

This workshop will instruct participants in effective reading techniques (including skim reading and close reading methods), discuss the trade-off between time and comprehension, provide advice in selecting texts for research, and give practical tips on note-taking and organization. Students will also have the opportunity to practice using the reading techniques.
 

Researchers, particularly those in science and engineering disciplines, are expected to become good writers. An important part of their job is to present their results in a logically structured and well written research paper that includes understandable illustrations. For researchers who aim to excel in academia, it is vital to know how to communicate their research in written form because the number of citations a published paper receives is a measure of their professional success.

This workshop will cover the ways of creating and following a writing plan. It will explore the structure of a research paper, with particular attention to the design of good tables and figures. Participants will have the opportunity to examine research paper samples from peer reviewed journals.
 

Applicable to graduate-level writers of all backgrounds, the Perfecting the Paragraph workshop aims to provide participants with an understanding of the most common mistakes that lead to unconvincing, unclear writing. Taking the paragraph as an “idea” unit, the workshop looks at the formulation and purpose of the topic sentence. It then focuses on paragraph structure, development of the main idea, transition to the next paragraph, punctuation, style, and vocabulary.

This workshop is particularly useful for non-native English speakers. Please note that this workshop focuses on basic elements and tips important for academic paragraph writing.

This workshop is divided in three segments. The first segment will present the basic elements of an academic paragraph. The second segment will overview useful tips and resources to keep in mind while writing. In the third segment, participants will review a writing sample as part of a peer-reviewing exercise. In a supportive environment, the instructor and participants will provide feedback on randomly assigned, anonymous writing samples based on the information presented in the previous two segments. Since writing samples are anonymous, participants are highly encouraged to submit their own writing samples to be peer-reviewed during this segment.
 

Your graduate thesis is one of the ways that Concordia fulfills its mission to create and disseminate knowledge. As an official Concordia document, your thesis needs to meet certain requirements.

If you are a masters or doctoral student in the early or middle stages of drafting your thesis, this workshop is for you. This workshop will review the who’s who of thesis submission, the different kinds of theses (research creation, manuscript-based, traditional), and the differing requirements needed to submit. The workshop will also cover the important deadlines and procedures for thesis submission and graduation. Participants will be able to begin planning their own thesis timeline and submission plan during the workshop.
 

Some publishers now require that data supporting published research be made publicly available at the time of publication. On top of increasing the impact of your research, sharing data promotes transparency, reproducibility and progress. This workshop will provide essential tips on preparing your data for publication and choosing the best place to share the data.
 

This workshop will focus on resolving the most common problems encountered with articulating a clear and effective thesis statement. It will guide students through editing strategies for turning static theses into arguments that respond dynamically to the evidence and engage the reader. This workshop will also distinguish thesis statements from other elements of the introduction paragraph.

This workshop will instruct students in the “evolving thesis” model of paper writing and research. Additionally, participants will have the chance to write their own thesis statements and introductions, and will spend a portion of the workshop working on their own material and providing feedback to one another.

Participants are encouraged to have ready a draft of an introduction of their own writing during the workshop.
 

This workshop will define the various elements that comprise a literature review and provide practical strategies for students in the process of completing a literature review for coursework. Specific topics that are covered include identifying scholarly literature, creating and following a research plan, and assessing the usefulness of texts for your literature reviews.

Students will also have the opportunity to read and examine samples of literature reviews from completed dissertations and critique them with their peers.
 

Abstracts are a crucial part of the majority of academic writing. Being able to compose a concise, accurate, and attractive abstract is an essential skill for graduate students. Abstracts allow you to promote your work to a broader audience by making it easier for others to understand your work, and by increasing your chances of successful conference and journal submissions.

This workshop presents information to help you understand the contents and purpose of abstracts and essential writing strategies for crafting a summary of your work in the abstract format. The workshop includes activities that allow students to acquire writing strategies in an interactive environment, benefitting from peer feedback on their work.
 

The thesis proposal is an important step in the research process and can help both masters and doctoral students clarify their goals, questions, methods, and timeline. The thesis proposal is a road map to your research, and understanding how to effectively write and structure a thesis proposal can be a critical part of the research process.

In this workshop, participants will be introduced to some of the different kinds of thesis proposals and encouraged to consider how their research fits into these guides. The workshop will provide opportunities to think through research questions, theoretical frameworks, methodologies, and all the important sections that make up a thesis. It will also offer suggestions for how to structure and plan your own thesis proposal.