GRADvantage Week

GRADvantage Week is an annual event for graduate students offered every fall. Students have the opportunity to participate in a variety of workshops and sessions designed to help support them on their academic and professional development journeys.

Find GRADvantage Week workshops on ExperienceBU

2024 GRADvantage Week Workshops

Monday, Sept. 16

Maximize Your Graduate Experience

2 P.M.
RFP 216/Online

Explore the opportunities available to you as a Brock graduate student to engage in skill development workshops, participate in research competitions, and/or share your research at a conference. We will also introduce you to the GRADvantage framework and ways in which to take advantage of the supports and services available to you as a graduate student.

ExpressFit Classes

Various times
The Zone

Three classes available on Monday:

  • Beginner Weights at 1:10 p.m.
  • 3, 2, 1 at 2:10 p.m. (This class is a full body workout featuring: 3 minutes of cardio, 2 minutes of strength, 1 minute of core work during each round.)
  • Spin Class at 6:10 p.m.

Tuesday, Sept. 17

Intro to Scholarship and Grant Applications

2 P.M.
RFP 216/Online

For all grad students considering applying for external funding or research awards and scholarships. Students will get information on funding opportunities and learn their requirements. There will also be tips for writing scholarship proposals and have the opportunity to practice writing important elements.

Graduate Writing Café

11 A.M.
RFP 216/Online

All graduate students are welcome to stop by our drop-in support sessions every Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., either online or in person. No appointment necessary. Sessions are limited to 30 minutes (or 20 minutes if students are waiting). First come, first served. 

Wednesday, Sept. 18

Coffee Social ☕️

9:30 A.M.
Brock International Centre Global Commons (GLB 104)

Kickstart your morning with a fresh cup of coffee and insightful conversation!
Join us for a special edition of our Coffee Social at Brock International. Connect with the team, learn about the GSA, and get detailed information on the University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP) during an in-person session.

Top Library Tips for Grad Students

10 A.M.
RFP 216/Online

The library is here to help you at any stage of your research journey! In this session, you’ll learn about:

  • discovering library resources to develop your literature reviews
  • locating graduate MRPs and theses for inspiration, guidance, and expanding your research
  • navigating the scholarly publishing ecosystem
  • finding library experts for one-on-one support along the way

Thursday, Sept. 19

Time Management and Planning Your Term

2 P.M.
RFP 216/Online

Graduate students have a lot to do! You might need to attend your classes, find time to write your MRP or thesis, and teach a class or seminar. It can feel overwhelming very quickly! Join us for this step-by-step workshop to plan your term and manage your time. You will create your own term calendar, as well as learn strategies for planning and organizing your different commitments.

Brock Student Climb

3 P.M.
Brock Ropes Course

Reach new heights and see the campus from a new perspective, under the expert guidance and instruction of certified instructors. Equipment will be provided. Bring closed toed shoes and a sense of adventure! Note: All climbers must sign a waiver. Registration required.

Friday, Sept. 20

Get to Know the GSA

1 P.M.
MC C300

All graduate students are welcome to this information session all about the Graduate Students’ Association (GSA)! Meet our current 2024-25 executive team and learn about volunteer opportunities, your student health & dental plan, and our wellness and social events. All attendees have the chance to win one of four gift cards and swag!

Spin Class

11:10 A.M.
The Zone – Spin Studio

Get in your cardio and core strength work here. The use of the bike will target those lower body muscles in a high energy environment.

Testimonials

The sessions were very helpful, especially at the beginning of my graduate student journey. The introduction to tools, available resources and where and how to find them, and helpful strategies were all things any graduate student, especially those in their first year, would benefit from. I am enrolled in a research methodologies course this semester and I readily applied what I learned during GRADvantage to my coursework. I strongly recommend the GRADvantage Week sessions!

– Xiaochuan, 1st Year Master of Applied Disability Studies Student

Every session I attended provided such valuable learning. They were all informative, practical, and timely! The format enabled me to connect with other graduate students and begin building a network of peers. I cannot speak highly enough of this experience. If you missed it this time, make sure you put it on your calendar for next year. You won’t regret it!

– Delane, 1st Year Master of Education Student