Workshop Program
Thursday, May 14 and Friday, May 15, 2026¹
Last Updated: 3-23-26
Zoom Link (All Sessions): https://psu.zoom.us/j/99872718635?pwd=vVxsA4mPWNCJ7LQzJzjQmDVLsEVVFq.1
¹Please note that the listed sessions are scheduled according to Eastern Daylight Time (New York). You can use the following website to convert EDT to your local Time Zone: https://time.is/compare.
Day 1: Thursday, May 14
Time | Program |
|---|---|
8:45–9:00 a.m. | Open Zoom Room |
9:00–9:45 a.m. | Welcome and Icebreaker Activity (45 min) |
9:45–9:50 a.m. | Transition Time |
9:50–11:05 a.m. | Session 1: Is Grad School for Me? (1 hr 15 min)
Why pursue a graduate program? What kind of careers might an M.A. or Ph.D. degree prepare me for? What makes grad school worth the investment of time and energy? |
11:05–11:15 a.m. | Transition Time |
11:15–12:45 p.m. | Session 2: Field and Disciplines (1 hr 30 min)
What questions do linguists ask? What questions do scholars in literary and cultural studies ask? How do I develop a research project? How do I find a suitable advisor? |
12:45–1:30 p.m. | Lunch Break |
1:30–2:30 p.m. | Session 3: Field? Department? Area? Money! An Overview of University Structures (60 min) What should I know about the administrative structure of a university? What is a department head responsible for? What is a director of graduate studies responsible for? |
2:30–2:35 p.m.
| Transition Time |
2:35–4:00 p.m. | Session 4: Global Programs (1 hr 25 min) What is the international graduate student experience like in the United States? What are some of the campus resources and support services? What are the basic steps for getting a student visa to the United States? |
Day 2: Friday, May 15
Time | Program |
|---|---|
8:45–9:00 a.m. | Open Zoom Room |
9:00–9:30 a.m. | Session 5: Social Half Hour (30 min) The Social Hour will allow you to socialize with other mentees in a more relaxed setting. We’ll have games and icebreakers; come join us! |
9:30–9:40 a.m. | Transition Time |
9:40–10:50 a.m. | Session 6: Reflections, Fears and Motivations (1 hr 10 min) This section focuses on any fears associated with graduate school application process. How can I overcome my fears? What makes me stand out? What experiences brought me to this crossroad? Am I really motivated to get through a graduate program? |
10:50–11:00 a.m. | Transition Time |
11:00–12:10 p.m. | Session 7: Overview of the Application Process (1 hr 10 mins) What are the components of a grad school application? What is the timeline for applying? Where do I find the information that I need to apply to each program? How can I stay organized with my applications? |
12:10–12:55 p.m. | Lunch Break (45 mins) |
12:55–2:15 p.m. | Session 8: Overview of Statement of Purpose (1 hr 20 mins) What is a Statement of Purpose? What makes a strong Statement of Purpose? How can I use this document to leverage prior experience to demonstrate that I can thrive in a graduate program? |
2:15–2:25 p.m. | Transition Time |
2:25–2:55 p.m. | Wrap–Up Session (30 mins) Session 9: Overview of CVs (30) What is a curriculum vitae (CV)? How do I structure my CV? How do I communicate my achievements effectively? |
2:55–3:05 p.m. | Transition Time |
3:05– 4:00 p.m. | Session 10: Mentoring Meet and Greet (55 mins) Spend time in breakout rooms with your faculty and graduate student mentors and discuss what you aim to get out of a meaningful mentoring relationship, along with the logistics of future mentoring meetings |