OPA Program

The Office of Postdoctoral Affairs (OPA) is hosting a coffee cart, plus Golden Gate Mini Donuts for all postdocs!

Sign up and stop by for some coffee and mini donuts on us!

Thursday, August 7, 9:00am-4:00pm and Friday August 8, 9:00am-1:00pm (required), 1:00pm-4:00pm optional (required for coach applicants), On Campus

Attendance is required for all of 9am-4pm (7 hours) on Thursday and at least 9am-1pm (4 hours) on Friday; 1-4pm on Friday is optional (required for coach applicants). This in-person workshop is highly interactive.

Thursday, July 31, 11:30am-1:00pm, On Campus 

This workshop will address the basic principles of effective speaking, focusing on preparation strategies and delivery techniques to enhance both the quality of your professional presentations and your general facility and confidence in oral expression. Specifically, we will discuss the organization and editing of materials, taking different audiences into account, as well as issues regarding vocal variety, nonverbal behavior, visual aids and speech anxiety. 

Non-research professional development activities are important to identify, develop, and reach long-term career objectives.

In this session, we will explore how to recognize and promote professional development opportunities for your mentees.

Facilitators: Joy McKenna and Anthony Venida, Postdoc Peer Mentoring Coaches.

Mentoring Lunches are open to postdocs from all disciplines. Lunch will be provided.

Helping trainees build the skills and confidence to work more independently is an important part of a research mentoring relationship. In addition to providing guidance and advice, helping mentees grow as independent researchers requires an accurate assessment of their current abilities and level of understanding.

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, August 4, 12:00pm-1:20pm, On Campus

Thursday, July 17, 9:00am-10:20am, 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. 

Tuesday, July 8, 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.