OPA Program

Monday, June 22, 12:00pm-1:00pm, On Campus 

Mentors frequently encounter situations where advice alone is not enough to drive meaningful change. 

This interactive session will introduce the Six Sources of Influence framework and explore how motivation, ability, social networks, and systems shape behavior. Through discussion and practical examples, participants will learn strategies to support trainees, foster accountability, and create environments that promote growth and success. 

The Office of Postdoctoral Affairs (OPA) is hosting The Pop Nation gourmet popsicles for all postdocs!

Sign up and stop by for a hand crafted, gourmet ice pop, made with real fresh fruit!

All flavors are 100% vegan and gluten free!

Popsicles will be provided until supplies run out -- we recommend stopping by on the earlier side if you can!

Monday, June 15, 12:00pm-1:00pm, On Campus 

Mentoring compacts are shared agreements between mentors and mentees to outline expectations and commitments to each other. Compacts are critical tools to establish mentoring relationships, which can be especially useful when working with new trainees and summer interns. 

During this workshop, we will introduce mentoring compacts, provide templates for creating one, and write our own through guided brainstorming and peer discussion. 

Thursday, August 6, 12:00pm-1:20pm, On Campus

Monday, July 27, 12:00pm-1:20pm, On Campus

Work with other postdocs preparing for the faculty job market to receive and give structured feedback on a draft of your Cover Letter – the goal is to get you to the next draft. You will be provided with guidance on asking for and giving feedback and a review rubric, and the presenter will be available to answer questions. We will also discuss strategies for tailoring your draft. Bring 3-4 hard copies of your cover letter for review.

Thursday, July 23, 12:00pm-1:20pm, On Campus

Work with other postdocs preparing for the faculty job market to receive and give structured feedback on a draft of your Teaching Statement – the goal is to get you to the next draft. You will be provided with guidance on asking for and giving feedback and a review rubric, and the presenter will be available to answer questions. Bring 3-4 hard copies of your statement for review. 

Monday, July 13, 12:00pm-1:20pm, On Campus

An estimated half of U.S. faculty job applications require a statement of teaching philosophy. In this interactive workshop, you will learn the basics of the teaching statement genre, reflect on your own teaching philosophy, and practice evaluating the statements of successful job seekers. No matter how much or how little teaching experience you have, register today and take the guesswork out of the teaching statement.

Tuesday, June 30, 12:00pm-1:20pm, On Campus

Work with other postdocs preparing for the faculty job market to receive and give structured feedback on a draft of your Research Statement – the goal is to get you to an advanced draft. You will be provided with guidance on asking for and giving feedback and a review rubric, and the presenter will be available to answer questions. Bring 3-4 hard copies of your statement for review. You may participate in either or both of the Research Statement Peer Review sessions. 

Thursday, June 25, 12:00pm-1:20pm, On Campus

Wednesday, June 17, 12:00pm-1:20pm, On Campus