Course Description
Provides opportunities for professional development and transdisciplinary training for first-year graduate students in areas key to academic success and encourages engagement with graduate program faculty and graduate students. Topics include the ethical conduct of research and scholarship, the development of scholarly writing and communication skills, getting the most out of graduate mentoring, and resources available to support students with grievances and other interpersonal concerns.
Athena Title
GradFIRST Seminar
Equivalent Courses
Not open to students with credit in GRSC 7001E
Non-Traditional Format
Additional topics will be explored based on faculty expertise and disciplinary focus. Students meet with faculty members on a regular basis.
Semester Course Offered
Offered fall and spring
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
This course will: • Provide focused professional development and training in transdisciplinary areas key to academic success in masters and doctoral programs. • Promote successful transitions to graduate school through open communication about available campus resources. • Include additional focused topics guided by faculty expertise. • Enhance graduate student-faculty interaction/networking in a small class setting.
Topical Outline
All GradFIRST seminars will cover the following transdisciplinary content: • Ethical conduct of research and scholarship • Planning your graduate education roadmap • Getting the most out of graduate mentoring • Understanding grievance procedures and conflict resolution • Promotion of mental health and well-being in graduate school • Career exploration and planning for success after graduate school
Syllabus