OPA Program

Tuesday, October 27, 12:00pm-1:00pm, On Campus 

This interactive workshop will explore how favoritism operates in academic and professional settings, including impact on access to opportunities, recognition, mentorship, and the unequal distribution of responsibilities.

Through a brief lecture and two scenario-based activities, attendees will develop strategies to promote transparency, accountability, and fairness in the lab environment. 

Facilitators: Chelse Spinner and Maryam Pourmaleki, Postdoc Peer Mentoring Coaches. 

Tuesday, October 20, 12:00pm-1:00pm, On Campus 

Conflict is an inevitable part of working with others. Understanding how to manage conflict productively is an important skill to develop as a mentor. 

In this session, you will identify and learn about your personal conflict management style and reflect on how it affects your professional relationships. You will also practice managing conflict and explore how your actions during a conflict may impact your mentees. 

Thursday, October 29, 2:00pm-4:00pm, Dean's Lawn

The Office of Postdoctoral Affairs (OPA) is hosting a Fall treat get together for all postdocs!

Sign up and stop by for a festive mini cupcake and other sweet treats on us! 

Tuesday, October 27 & Wednesday, October 28, 2026, 9:00am-12:30pm

** Must be able to attend both sessions.**  If selected for the workshop, you will be notified of the location.

III: Oral Presentation

Prerequisite: Oral Communication

Fall Session: Wednesdays, October 28 - December 2 (no class 11/25), 12:00pm-1:20pm

I: Oral Communication

Fall Session: Monday, October 19 - Thursday, October 22, 5:30pm-6:50pm

Attendance is required ALL 4 Days 

This course focuses on helping students improve their oral communication skills for academic and daily life. Emphasis is on increasing confidence and fluency through realistic activities both in and out of class covering pronunciation, idiom and slang usage, active listening skills, and conversation strategies.

Course topics: