Graduate Professional Development

Graduate professional development encompasses training opportunities and resources designed specifically for graduate students. The School of Graduate Studies (SGS) at Morgan State University provides programming to prepare students for career success as innovative future leaders. It is our mission to ensure that students have the skills they need to succeed both professionally and academically. 

Graduate Professional Development Workshop Series Offered by SGS

G.R.E.A.T. (Graduate Research Education and Training) Series 

The G.R.E.A.T. Series workshop was established in October 2021 to equip graduate students with effective research strategies for navigating the thesis and dissertation capstone process. Initially, SGS collaborated with the Writing Center to facilitate these sessions. Today, the workshops are led by Dr. Kevin Bradley, Director of Graduate Professional Development, and the SGS Coaching Fellows, continuing to provide students with essential guidance and support.  

Fall 2025 Schedule (Note: Dates and times are subject to change)

September 9, 2025- Developing a Strategic Writing Plan, featuring Dr. Jan Allan (4 - 5:30 pm)

September 16, 2025- You Think Your Dissertation is Ready to Submit, But it's Not! (4 - 5:30 pm)

September 23, 2025- Working with Your Capstone Mentor, featuring Dr. Jan Allan (4 - 5:30 pm)

October 7, 2025- Getting Unstuck and Getting Done, featuring Dr. Jan Allan (4 - 5:30 pm)

GradLife  

The GradLife workshop series was established in April 2022 and officially launched in August of that year. Designed to equip graduate students with essential knowledge for life beyond the classroom, GradLife provides valuable insights to support both personal and professional development. Hosted and moderated by Dr. Bradley, each session features industry experts offering their perspectives on key topics.  

Fall 2025 Schedule (Note: Dates and times are subject to change)

September 4, 2025- Building an Individual Professional Development Plan (1 - 2:30 pm)

October 2, 2025- Negotiation Skills for Job Offers (11 am - 12:30 pm)

November 6, 2025- Thriving in Transition: A Support Space for the Nontraditional Graduate Student (1 - 2:30 pm)

Registration Link: https://morganstate.zoom.us/meeting/register/m9_6CJXRsWXTsb4&52F2A

MentorLife

MentorLife was launched in September 2022 as a workshop series designed to provide professional development opportunities for Morgan State faculty and staff, ultimately enhancing the graduate student experience. The workshops are co-facilitated by Dr. Bradley and Dr. Laurel Walsh, Professor at Central Lakes College, offering valuable insights and strategies to support mentorship and academic growth. 

Fall 2025 Schedule (Note: Dates and times are subject to change)

September 3, 2025- Chairing a Committee: Rules, Responsibilities, and Commitment to Student Success (4 - 5:30 pm)

GradTEACH   

GradTEACH was established in August 2024 to strengthen the teaching skills of Morgan State University's Teaching Assistants (TAs), supporting both their academic and professional development. The program's workshop topics were initially developed by Dr. Angel Wazin, former interim Teaching Assistant Coordinator, in collaboration with Dr. Bradley. Over time, responsibility for selecting workshop facilitators transitioned to the Director of the Teaching Assistant Program—first Dr. Dia Sekayi and now Dr. Sean Robinson. While GradTEACH is primarily designed for TAs, all graduate students are welcome to attend and benefit from its valuable insights.

Fall 2025 Schedule (Note: Dates and times are subject to change)

August 28, 2025- Building a Classroom Discipline, featuring Dr. Benjamin Welsh (4 - 5:30 pm) 

September 18, 2025- General Education Standards in Graduate Education, featuring Dr. Daniel Brunson (4 - 5:30 pm) 

October 9, 2025- The Morgan State University Counseling Center, featuring Dr. D'Andre Poole (12 - 1:30 pm) 

November 20, 2025- Technology in Teaching, featuring Dr. Krishna Bista (4 - 5:30 pm) 

Registration Link: https://morganstate.zoom.us/meeting/register/Yvnpu8BoT_CRQ7fjfrx6Cw

SGS Graduate Professional Development Student Support Programs

Coaching Fellows

The SGS Coaching Fellows provide graduate students with essential dissertation and thesis support, including formatting assistance, style guide/manual guidance, and reviews for common errors. In collaboration with Dr. Bradley, the Fellows play a key role in the form and style review process, ensuring submitted dissertations and theses meet SGS standards. Currently, there are three Coaching Fellows available to assist students. To schedule an appointment, they can be reached at coachingfellows@morgan.edu or via their Calendly scheduling links:

 Wendell Johnson – Ph.D. in Community College Leadership student (https://calendly.com/wendell-johnson-morgan)

 Alexus McIntyre – Ph.D. in History student (https://calendly.com/alexus-mcintyre-morgan)

 Akila Wilson – Ph.D. in English student (https://calendly.com/akila-wilson)

Nature Masterclasses On-demand 

In January 2025, SGS launched an institutional subscription to Nature Masterclasses On-demand, providing students, faculty, and staff with free access to its extensive online course offerings. Covering the entire research cycle—from experimental design to career advancement—Nature Masterclasses delivers expert-led, on-demand courses designed to enhance research skills and professional development. For more details, visit Nature Masterclasses.pdf.

CoJourn

CoJourn is a personal growth and goal achievement program designed to help individuals build accountability, connection, and support in their pursuit of meaningful goals. Through structured partnerships, participants work together to maintain motivation and progress.

At Morgan State University, CoJourn will be leveraged to help graduate students stay on track for timely degree completion, fostering a supportive and goal-oriented academic journey. A program information session took place on Tuesday, August 26, 2025. To watch that session, click here.

SGS Graduate Professional Development Events

G.R.I.N.D. Conference 

The Graduate Student Association (GSA) hosts the annual G.R.I.N.D. (Graduate Research, Interdisciplinary Network, and Development) Conference each April. For the past three years, it has been part of the Office of Undergraduate Research's Spring into Research Week, providing graduate students with valuable opportunities to showcase their work. The conference features panel discussions, workshops, and oral/ poster presentations, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and professional growth. Dr. Bradley serves as the GSA's staff advisor, supporting its initiatives.

The 2026 G.R.I.N.D. Conference is scheduled for April 13 - 17, 2026, and will center around the dynamic theme: #TheImpactExpo. 

"Graduate research doesn't just analyze the world, it changes it."

#TheImpact Expo is a modern and innovative space where graduate students will show how their research is making a real difference in the world. This isn't your typical academic conference. #TheImpactExpo will highlight how graduate research connects real-life issues, from education to healthcare to politics, technology, and economics. The goal of the #TheImpact Expo is to show that graduate students are engaging in meaningful research that matters- not just within the confines of classrooms or labs, but in ways that extend far beyond, shaping communities, industries, and the world at large.

Graduate Student Professional Development Day

In March 2025, SGS launched the inaugural Graduate Student Professional Development Day, an in-person event designed to help graduate students connect with industry leaders and explore potential career paths. SGS facilitated CV/resume reviews for attendees, ensuring they received personalized guidance to enhance their professional profiles. Moving forward, this annual event will coincide with Graduate Student Appreciation Week, typically held during the first full week of April. The 2026 Graduate Student Professional Development Day is scheduled for April 9, 2026.  

Three Minute Thesis (3MT®)

In April 2025, SGS hosted its first-ever Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) competition as part of Spring into Research Week. Developed by the University of Queensland, 3MT® challenges graduate students to distill and present their research in an engaging, three-minute talk using only a single static slide. Designed to sharpen academic, presentation, and research communication skills, 3MT® encourages students to convey their ideas concisely to a non-specialist audience. Each presentation is evaluated based on comprehension, engagement, and overall communication effectiveness. 

The 2026 3MT® competition will take place during the G.R.I.N.D. Conference, April 13 - 17, 2026. 

Exciting Professional Development Support Ahead. . . Stay Tuned!

Graduate Student Research Presentation Symposium

On October 30, 2025, SGS will host the inaugural Graduate Student Research Presentation Symposium. This in-person event will showcase the diverse and innovative research being conducted by graduate students across disciplines. Designed to foster academic exchange and celebrate scholarly achievement, the symposium will feature oral presentations and an interactive workshop. This event will be co-sponsored by the Graduate Student Association.  

Campus Compact Institutional Membership

Campus Compact is a nonprofit organization that empowers colleges and universities to advance their academic and civic missions by partnering with communities to address complex social issues and further equity, justice, and prosperity for all. They are the largest and oldest higher education association dedicated to higher education, civic and community engagement. An institutional membership will provide Morgan State University students with networking and professional development opportunities, resources for learning and action, credentialing and recognition, and a collective voice for higher education community engagement. 

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