Navigating the Institution as a Black Doctoral Student | GRTR205

Navigating doctoral studies involves more than meeting academic requirements. For Black doctoral students, understanding unspoken institutional dynamics, expectations, and addressing systemic barriers can add layers of complexity to the graduate experience. Developing strategies to navigate these challenges can help you advocate for yourself, build meaningful connections, and strengthen your academic and professional presence. 

Designed specifically for Black doctoral students at all stages of their doctoral journey, this workshop offers a supportive space to reflect on shared and individual experiences while exploring practical strategies for navigating academic environments. The session will focus on understanding the hidden curriculum, building mentorship networks, setting professional boundaries, increasing academic visibility, and documenting your achievements. 

This workshop is hybrid. It includes an in person as well as an online option to join. Please verify your registration confirmation for the in person and online details. 

At the end of this workshop, participants will:

- Identify unspoken academic expectations and norms that influence networking, belonging, and professional opportunities; 

- Develop a mentorship map to identify different sources of academic, professional, and personal support; 

- Apply self-advocacy strategies to establish professional boundaries and protect your time and intellectual labour; 

- Explore communication strategies to strengthen your academic visibility and the impact of your research; 

- Identify effective approaches to documenting your achievements and professional contributions.