Greetings new and returning UCR graduate students!

 

[Image Description: Stitch, from Lilo and Stich, smiles and waves his claws as he smiles to reveal all his teeth. He says, "Hi!"]

Pictured: A warm welcome from the GWC.

Fall 2019 is fast approaching and the Graduate Writing Center (GWC) wants to remind you of some updates to our services as well as inform you of upcoming writing support events.

 

Starting this fall, GWC appointments will no longer begin ten minutes after the hour. In keeping with the larger scheduling shift occurring across campus, GWC sessions will begin on the hour. Appointments will still be 50 minutes in length, and students may continue to book up to two appointments per week, one appointment per day. Be sure to click here for more detailed information about our appointment policies before scheduling a consultation.

 

[Image Description: The White Rabbit, from Alice in Wonderland, holds his pocket watch up to his face, spots the time, and flinches back in shock.]

Pictured: How you'll react when you forget GWC appointments begin on the hour in the fall.

 

In other exciting news, GWC’s weekly Dissertation Occasion has also undergone a change. Meet the Graduate Writer’s Room! Starting in Fall 2019, the Graduate Writer’s Room is open to any graduate students looking for a quiet space to research, write, store materials, caffeinate, build community, set goals and track progress on their writing. This includes students still in coursework and MFA students. No need to register in advance; just bring your student ID card to sign in and be ready to get some work done! The Graduate Writer’s Room is open Mondays - Tuesdays from 12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. and Wednesdays - Thursdays from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

 

Not only does the GWC offer support and instruction through writing consultations, but we also offer a variety of free workshops aimed at helping you improve your overall writing skills, apply for funding, develop job materials, and more.

 

The first workshop of the school year is Grad School 101: Tips for Success, scheduled for October 1st from 10:00 a.m. – 11:50 a.m. This workshop is geared towards newcomers to grad school. Here we’ll discuss grad school “norms” as well as some practical strategies for success as you transition into your first year of graduate school.

 

[Image Description: Li Shang, from Mulan, thrusts out his hands, a staff in his hands. With determination, he says, "Let's get down to business."]

Pictured: How you will feel after attending GWC workshops.

 

The Fellowship Writing Strategies workshop will be held on October 10 from 12:00 p.m. – 1:50 p.m. This workshop is for those of you who are looking to obtain funding for your research. The workshop will cover strategies for interpreting application requirements, writing compelling statements and project descriptions, and requesting letters of recommendation.

 

We are also hosting an English Grammar Refresher that will cover the basic grammatical concepts of the English language. This workshop will be scheduled for October 21 from 9:00 a.m. - 10:50 a.m. and can be especially helpful for those of you whose first language is not English and those of you who need a reminder. Not sure when to use that vs. which? Come to the refresher and find out!

 

[Image Description: Michael Darling, from Peter Pan, sits on the floor as he solutes somone out of view and says, "Me too!"]

Pictured: All of us, trying to perfect our grammar. 

Since succeeding in graduate school requires reading massive amounts of written material, the Academic Reading Strategies workshop aims to provide concrete strategies for reading academic work more efficiently and effectively. You can learn to save time while improving comprehension on November 7 from 2:00 p.m. – 3:10 p.m.

 

And on November 18 from 10:00 a.m. – 11:50 p.m. you can learn how to gather and organize evidence to support a well-crafted argument at the Graduate Level Argumentation workshop.

 

All in-person workshops are located in LFSC 1425. You can sign up to reserve your spot today! Workshops, consultations, a dedicated space to write—it can’t get better than this, you say. Well, guess what? It can!

 

[Image Description: Anna, from Frozen, waits a brief moment, eyes darting back and forth before her excitement overwhelms her. She cheers loudly.]

Pictured: You, when you see GWC staff at other GradSuccess events. 

 

Consultants from GWC will also be presenting workshops at Academic Development Day, which is an all-day event promoting preparation and success across your academic career. This year, Academic Development Day will be held on Friday, November 15, so keep an eye out for registration!

 

Everyone at the GWC is looking forward to another productive year. We hope to see you at the center and workshopping events!