Graduate Professional Skills Program (GPS)
Whether you are planning for a career in academia or elsewhere, the Graduate Professional Skills program (GPS) is here to help your prepare for the future. GPS provides a wide variety of offerings that can help you communicate effectively, develop your writing and presentation skills, plan and manage your time, be entrepreneurial, understand and apply ethical practices, and work effectively in teams and as leaders. GPS is an initiative of the School of Graduate Studies designed for doctoral-stream (MA, MASc, MSc, PhD) graduate students with a range of optional opportunities for professional skills development. Successful completion will be recognized by a notation on your official transcript.
_______________________________________________________________________________________
Understanding Group Dynamics
Differences between people are a major source of friction in organizations and small groups. The power of understanding these differences is making them work for, not against you. Based on the work of various behavioural researchers and practitioners, this workshop will explore different "work styles" and the "phases of a team" in order to see how these dynamics may impact on effective group collaboration.
Presenting Your Case Effectively: Advocating for Oneself & One's Family
Tuesday, February 8 from 4:00pm-6:00pm
Graduate students have a lot on their plate. When a problem arises - be it academic, family related, personal or professional - advocating for oneself and one's family can feel like a daunting task, particularly if the stakes are high. Traditionally defined as the "art of persuasion", rhetoric is a powerful tool that students can utilize to better communicate through the written word. This workshop will focus on the strategic use of rhetoric in letter writing.
How to Effectively Communicate and Resolve Conflict in a Group
Thursday, February 16 from 1:00pm-4:00pmHow do you de-escalate a conflict with someone, while allowing that they may have a legitimate concern? How do you confront someone with something they don’t want to hear, without making them defensive or angry? Effective communication is essential to maintaining good relationships within groups, and to managing disputes when they arise.
How to Facilitate and Coordinate a Group
Thursday, March 1 from 1:00pm-4:00pm
Do you have trouble dealing with difficult behaviour in groups? Do your group meetings lack focus? Good facilitation and coordination skills can make the difference between an ineffective meeting and a highly productive, participatory one. As a result of participating in this workshop you will learn:
- About the role of a group facilitator and its impact on group dynamics
- Strategies to encourage individual participation and engagement
- Essential skills, tools and techniques needed to be a successful facilitator
Foundations of Project Management I (2-Days)
Thursday, March 8 & Friday, March 9 from 8:30am-4:30pm
Learn to plan and work with others to get things done! Take this opportunity to experience firsthand the power of effective project management! From academia to industry to your personal life, these skills will help you succeed! In this two-day workshop you will learn to fine-tune your ability to organize and comlete your work and research.
Please note: Winter Registration will open the week of January 2
Contact the Leadership Development Program at leadership@utoronto.ca