The online resources linked from the menu on the right side of the page connect you to a world of resources to help you succeed during your graduate program. You will find information about grant writing, giving effective poster presentations, networking at academic conferences and managing stress in graduate school. The resource pages include services for graduate students at Western as well as links to information from universities in Canada and around the world.


Strategies for Academic Success



Look in this section for information on time management, preparing for comprehensive exams and for strategies to document your professional development during your program.


General



How to survive your first year of graduate school – Part 1
How to survive your first year of graduate school – Part 2
Nanda Dimitrov, University Affairs
Recognizing the five stages of academic culture shock and practical tips to succeed

From undergraduate to graduate student: What I wish I had known.
Psynopsis: Canada’s Psychology Newspaper

Advice for graduate students from the Canadian Psychological Association
Psynopsis: Canada's Psychology Newspaper

Conference Participation and Poster Presentations



Poster Presentations
University of Buffalo
Links to a variety of other resources, including tips for poster design, giving presentations, templates, and designers / printers

Effective Poster Design: A Step-by-Step Guide
University of Guelph

Creating Effective Poster Presentations
North Carolina State University

Advice on Designing Scientific Posters
Swarthmore College

Poster Sessions (Writing Guides)
Colorado State University

Expanded Guidelines for Giving a Poster Presentation
American Society of Primatologists

Designing Communications for a Poster Fair
Penn State

Do’s and Don’ts of Poster Presentation
Biophysical Journal

Preparing Professional Scientific Posters (by hand)

Twenty Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Research Conference Experience
University of Texas at Austin

Poster Printing Services at Western
Faculty of Education (UWO)
A list of where to print large posters on campus

Instructions for Creating a Poster Using PowerPoint 2003
Faculty of Education (UWO)

How to give an effective conference paper
University Affairs
Five tips to impress your audience and get the most out of your presentation

Network in Progress: A Conference Primer for Graduate Students
PS: Political Science and Politics

Goal Setting & Skill Development



PREP: Career and Professional Development Resources
Michigan State University
Stage-specific resources for professional development during grad school

Postgraduate Skills Record
Royal Society of Chemistry
Templates for keeping track of the skills PhD students develop

Postgraduate Skills Programmes
Skills Audit
University of Sussex

E-Portfolios
The University of Warwick
An ePortfolio is a website that showcases the research, experience and professional development of a graduate research student. It is owned by the student, and its development is their responsibility.

The Griffith Graduate Project
Griffith University

Managing Stress in Grad School



Preparing for Comprehensive Exams



Taking your Comprehensive Exams
University of Pittsburgh

Time Management