Graduate Student Workshops

Each semester, the Graduate School hosts several workshops as a part of our Graduate Student Workshop Series (professional development and wellness topics) and our Thesis & Dissertation Writing Workshops. Upcoming and past workshops can be found on our workshops page.

Graduate Student Workshop Series

All graduate students are invited to join Graduate Student Life for short workshops providing reminders and tips to address some of the barriers that may be getting in the way of successfully reaching your graduate school and professional goals.

Most workshops in this series will be held on Zoom unless otherwise noted.

It would be great to have you attend live, but if you are unable to join, recordings will be made available following the events.

Spring 2026

Back to School Grad Version: Study Strategies - Thursday, January 29, 7:00pm - 7:45pm on Zoom.

This interactive session supports graduate students who are returning to school after time away, as well as any graduate student looking to strengthen their study habits. Participants explore practical strategies for managing academic workload and have a chance to brush-up on study skills. Whether you need a refresher or simply want to sharpen your skills, this workshop offers tools to help you approach graduate-level work with confidence and clarity.

The Graduate Student's Guide to Off-Campus Housing - Wednesday, February 4, 12:00pm - 12:45pm on Zoom.

This session gives graduate students an inside look at the off‑campus housing market in Boone and the resources Appalachian State has available to support their search. Karla Rusch, Director of Off‑Campus Student Services, will share tools and guidance to help students find and compare rental options and navigate a housing search.

Navigating Financial Aid for Grad Students - TBD

Funding your graduate education can be challenging. Navigating the rules, timelines, and processes of financial aid in this time when things are often changing can be a source of confusion and stress. Join us along with guest presenters from our Financial Aid team to learn more about funding options and have questions answered about the financial aid process.

Networking: Ask a Mountaineer - Monday, March 2, 12:00pm - 12:45pm on Zoom.

This session introduces graduate students to effective networking strategies with a focus on Appalachian State’s Ask a Mountaineer platform. Participants learn how to connect with alumni, initiate meaningful conversations, and use informational interviews to explore career paths and build professional relationships.

Beyond the Doubt: Managing Imposter Syndrome - Wednesday, March 25, 5:30pm - 6:15pm on Zoom.

Everyone can feel like an imposter at some point regardless of years of experience, education level, age, professional accomplishments, etc. and it is not uncommon to see in graduate students. This workshop helps graduate students understand what imposter syndrome is, why it shows up, and how it can affect confidence and academic performance. Participants explore practical strategies for managing self‑doubt and building a more grounded sense of competence in order to engage more fully in the graduate experience.

Promoting You in Your Job Search - Tuesday, April 14, 12:00pm - 12:45pm on Zoom.

This workshop equips graduate students with ways to strengthen their personal brand and confidently communicate their value in the job search. Participants learn how to highlight the skills developed through their graduate programs, along with the transferable strengths that employers look for, and translate them into compelling application materials and professional conversations.

Questions? Contact Maureen Cathey, Director of Graduate Student Life at catheyme@appstate.edu

Thesis & Dissertation Writing Workshops

Join our Publications and Special Projects Coordinator, Wesley Kapp, for workshops and events supporting the thesis and dissertation writing process. The following workshops will be offered during the Spring 2026 semester.

Getting Started with IRB - Tuesday, January 27, 12-1pm on Zoom.

Learn more about the Institutional Review Board and research protections with Morgan Coyle and Willow Greene from the Office of Research and Innovation. Zoom link provided with event registration on Engage.

Thesis & Dissertation Process Overview - Thursday, February 5, 6-7pm on Zoom.

The Thesis & Dissertation Process Overview Workshop is offered online each semester and is intended for all those who plan to complete a thesis or dissertation as part of their graduate degree. This workshop will provide a quick overview of the full thesis/dissertation process from research and planning to formatting and turning in your final thesis. A space for Q&A will be provided at the end of the workshop. Zoom link provided with event registration on Engage.

Thesis/Dissertation Formatting Workshop - Wednesday, February 25, 12-1pm on Zoom.

Join Wesley Kapp, the Publications and Special Projects Coordinator for the Graduate School, to learn about important formatting updates for thesis and dissertation manuscripts. In this workshop, we'll discuss the new requirements for the electronic thesis/dissertation release form, including AI disclosure statements, accessibility, and other updates to the formatting templates. Space will be provided for students to work on formatting their manuscripts during the workshop, and Wesley will be available to answer questions and troubleshoot any issues as they arise. Students and faculty are welcome to attend. Zoom link provided with event registration on Engage.

If you have any questions about the workshop or dissertation/thesis process, please email Wesley Kapp at thesis@appstate.edu.