Division of Research and Graduate Studies
ONTAP Workshops
Open to all, No Reservations Needed (Workshop Schedule in PDF format)
Media Services
Tuesday, 1:00-2:30 p.m. - Library 333
Discover how Media Services can help you become a more effective teacher through the use of
technologies to support your lectures and project / writing assignments. Representatives from
Teleproductions, Design Solutions, Classroom Services and the Student Multimedia Studio
will be on hand to describe the teaching/learning benefits offered through their instructional support services.
Informational handouts will be provided and time allotted to answer any questions you might have concerning your particular needs.
Health Wellness & Stress Management
Tuesday, 1:00-1:45p.m. & 1:45- 2:30 p.m. - KSC 316
Wednesday, 1:00-1:45 p.m. & 1:45- 2:30 p.m. - KSC 316
Coping with stress as a graduate assistant can be challenging. We are asked to fill multiple roles (advisor, mentor, advisee,
teacher, student, spouse, and friends) and are frequently pulled in multiple directions at the same time. In addition to our busy
schedules, it is difficult to find time for proper nutrition and regular physical activity. In this workshop, participants will learn how
to minimize stress with specific relaxation techniques, as well as how to incorporate healthy eating and physical activity habits.
Further, participants will receive information regarding Kent State University recourses to help cope with stress, nutrition and physical activity.
Exploring and Conducting Research
Tuesday, 1:00-1:45p.m. & 1:45- 2:30 p.m. - KSC 319
Friday, 9:30-10:15 a.m. & 10:15- 11:00 a.m. - KSC 313
As a Research Assistant and future scholar it is important to understand the dual role you play at Kent State University. This workshop seeks to address the responsibilities of Research Assistants and the resources available to you for your personal research needs. Come with questions! We strongly recommend that you attend the "Library Facilities and Resources" workshop as it will provide you with additional information related to conducting research.
Grant Writing Workshop
Tuesday, 1:00-1:45 & 1:45 – 2:30 p.m. - KSC 310B
The purpose of this workshop is to introduce students to the kinds of grants available internally, from the university, and externally,
from outside sources. We will discuss types of grants, where to find information about grants, and things to consider when applying.
We will also discuss some tips for getting started in the grant writing process.
Leading Lectures & Discussions
Wednesday, 1:00-1:45 p.m. 1:45- 2:30 p.m. - KSC 319
Friday, 9:30-10:15 a.m. & 10:15- 11:00 a.m. - KSC 319
This workshop is designed to help TAs consider when to use lecture and when to use discussion in the classroom to aid in students' learning.
We will discuss the strengths and weaknesses of each format. We will spend time talking about tips for how to improve lectures and discussions
as well as discussing pitfalls to avoid. We will draw on the experience of the participants, so come ready to share your own ideas and to learn from others.
Library Facilities & Services
Wednesday, 1:00-2:30 p.m. - Library 333
Thursday, 1:00-2:30 p.m. - Library 333
The library session will demonstrate how to use a variety of resources for research, including use of KentLINK/OhioLINK, research databases
to identify articles, and interlibrary loan options. Other services, such as renewing your own books online, appointments with subject specialist
librarians, and free seminars with hands-on experience using information resources will also be explained. A brief tour of the first three floors
of the library will also be offered at the end of each of the sessions.
These presentations should prove helpful for assistantship work as well as for your research.
Teaching and Working in Laboratories
Tuesday, 1:00-1:45p.m. & 1:45- 2:30 p.m. - KSC 317
Friday, 9:30-10:15 a.m. & 10:15- 11:00 a.m. - KSC 30
This workshop will familiarize new graduate students with the basic strategies required while teaching and working in the laboratory.
We will discuss the teaching responsibilities, creating a functional syllabus, maintaining professional relationships with the course
professors, other TAs and the students, and safety rules for avoiding many difficulties. Both Teaching Assistants and Research
Assistants working in laboratories will benefit from this workshop.
Syllabus and Scheduling
Wednesday, 1:00-1:45 p.m. & 1:45- 2:30 p.m. - KSC 318
Friday, 9:30-10:15 a.m. & 10:15- 11:00 a.m. - KSC 318
In this workshop we will examine how to create a successful course syllabus and plan the course schedule. First we will cover practical aspects
of syllabus (such as layout and necessary information to include) as well as underlining the importance of a course syllabus as a contract.
Then we will also focus on how to create a course schedule (how to plan your entire course), including a look at producing a functional course calendar.
Examples of syllabi and course calendars will be provided as models for comparison.
Bring a copy of existing syllabus(i) for your class(es). If there is no syllabus, bring the text for your teaching assignment instead.
Grading and Evaluation
Thursday, 1:00-1:45 p.m. & 1:45-2:30 p.m. - KSC 316
Friday, 9:30-10:15 a.m. & 10:15- 11:00 a.m. - KSC 316
This workshop will examine the responsibilities and options instructors employed by Kent State University have regarding the evaluation and
reporting of their students’ work. We will discuss the pros and cons of different forms of evaluation, as well as the processes involved in
selecting and developing assessment tools for different types of courses.
Health Center and Insurance Q & A
Thursday 1:00- 1:45 p.m. & 1:45- 2:30 p.m. - KSC 318
This workshop introduces you to all the services available to students at the campus Health Center and explains the nuances of the university s
sponsored student health insurance plan - how to get your best benefits, both on campus and off. Health insurance can be very confusing,
especially to the novice user, and understanding your benefits and how best to apply them is very important.
If you have specific questions regarding the student policy, this is the place to get answers.
Faculty Professional Development Center and You
Wednesday, 1:00-2:30 p.m. Moulton Hall: 232
This workshop will be broken into two parts to introduce you to the resources available at the FPDC. In the first part, the facilitators will
discuss ways that the pd can help grads develop their research, learning goals, and professional development. In the second part,
participants will be broken into three groups based on their interests, and learn more about: creating a professional or teaching portfolio,
opportunities for synchronous online communication and workshops around the world, and creating podcasts for learning and professional uses.
Primary Sources on the Web and on Campus
Thursday 1:00-2:30 p.m. Library 10th Floor: Read Special Collections Classroom
This session, presented by Cara Gilgenbach and Stephen Paschen, will focus on locating and using primary source
materials (archives, manuscripts, ephemera, etc.) online via the Web as well as those sources available on campus.
Primary sources may be of use to you as a graduate student and may also be of interest to the students you serve
as a Teaching Assistant. Cara Gilgenbach is Head of the Department of Special Collections and Archives,
Kent State University Libraries and Media Services. Stephen Paschen is University Archivist in Special Collections
and Archives, Kent State University Libraries and Media Services.
