Welcome back, Highlanders! After a cozy winter break, you may be itching to return to where you left off before the break. Or, maybe you are running far from where you left off before your joyous, restful holiday. I am somewhere between the two. Either way, now is the time to face the new quarter, and know that you are ready to succeed, no matter what this new year brings you!

One thing that I reflect on during academic breaks is my support system and sense of community. Being a graduate student can be very isolating, and seeing our loved ones over the holidays can revive a longing for community and familiarity. It’s often challenging to remember that you are not alone and that there is a support system of fellow students ready to help! 

[Image Description: A fitness instructor is riding a stationary bike. He asks for support through the cycle workout.]

At the top of this Winter quarter, let me remind you of your support system at the Graduate Writing Center. Not only do we have consultants available by appointment to help with one-on-one review of your academic/professional writing and communications, but we also have a quarter’s-worth of workshops available to guide you toward success in an active group setting. 

We offer a variety of workshops to best meet students' needs. These workshops cover various topics, from overcoming writer’s block to writing a successful abstract. 

[Image Description: An animation of a woman reading under a blanket, drinking a warm beverage. She has a cozy cat on her lap.]

This winter, you can set a goal: grab a warm beverage, wear your cozy clothes, and attend one of our virtual workshops, ready to learn and level up as a writer! If this sounds like a good goal for you, check out our Winter workshops and mark your calendar:

Tips for Dealing with Writer's Block, 1/15/25, 10-11am
Have you been having trouble getting back into your writing, or do you anticipate such challenges as this quarter begins? Consider attending the first workshop of the quarter, which will focus on strategies to mitigate writer’s block and help reorient you toward the main writing principles rather than getting lost in the weeds.  

Preparing Your Elevator Pitch for Grad Slam, 1/16/25, 1-2pm
Are you gearing up for a short lightning talk? Do you have your elevator pitch ready? If you are preparing for Grad Slam, check out this workshop. It will cover the elevator pitch and effectively communicate your pitch for Grad Slam. 

How to Write Concisely, 1/23/25, 12-1pm
Do you have trouble keeping things short and straightforward? Has your advisor suggested that you write more concisely or directly? Consider this workshop. This workshop discusses concise writing and how to implement strategies for conciseness in your writing.

Writing a Successful Abstract Across Disciplines, 1/30/25 1-2pm
If you need an abstract refresher or are new to writing an abstract, check out this abstract writing workshop. You will learn what an abstract is, what makes a successful abstract, and how to implement strategies and conventions for your abstract. 

CV and Resume Building, 2/6/25 12-1pm
Does your CV/Resume need a makeover? Attend this workshop to learn what to include in your CV/Resume, how to organize this information effectively, and how to put your best foot forward for your hiring or admission committee(s). 

Developing a Methodology Statement for Grants and Fellowships, 2/19/25 1-2pm
This workshop is particularly useful for students in Humanities research. Consider attending this workshop if you are currently or will be in the process of writing a methodology statement. You will learn the distinction between a methods and methodology statement and grant/fellowship committee expectations for a methodology statement.

Summarizing Strategies for Academic Writing, 2/26/25 10-11am
If you are struggling with academic and professional writing – feeling overwhelmed or less capable than usual in your writing process – check out this workshop. It is a great workshop to guide you through the academic writing process in coursework and research, and it discusses strategies for staying on top of your writing tasks. 

[Image Description: An animation of hands typing diligently on a laptop.]

At the Graduate Writing Center, we are here to help! If any of these workshops interest you, mark your calendars and register at ucr.mywconline.com. We look forward to seeing you this Winter!