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Weekly Digest Jan. 19

January 19, 2026

To Graduate Students, Graduate Support Staff, & Directors of Graduate Education | Week of January 19, 2026

 

Below are this week’s updates from the Graduate College, including upcoming deadlines, professional development resources, partnership opportunities, and upcoming programs and events. Please follow the links provided for more information.

Action Items & Deadlines

  • Graduation Requirements & Deadlines (All Graduate Students): Graduation requirements are available on the Graduate College website, and graduation deadlines are posted more than a year in advance. Early planning is strongly encouraged to ensure all requirements and deadlines are met for the intended graduation semester. ➡️ Learn more here
  • Spring 2026 Graduates – Upcoming Deadline: February 6 - Last day to apply for program completion without the $20 nonrefundable late application fee. Academic plans must have been fully approved in Workday by December 19, 2025, and the Expected Completion Date (ECD) should be May 15, 2026.

Resources & Reminders

  • GRST 5360: Preparing Publishable Thesis Chapters: This graduate-level course focuses on developing research writing skills and preparing thesis chapters for publication. Section 2 currently has open seats.
  • Digital Accessibility Training: New digital accessibility training is available to all graduate students through Workday Learning. Graduate Teaching Assistants are strongly encouraged to complete this training to learn best practices for creating accessible instructional materials. ➡️ Complete Online Training
  • Career Conversations: Strategic Career Planning for Graduate Students: This interactive workshop explores strategies for developing an actionable career roadmap that aligns with professional goals and supports success throughout graduate education. 
  • Succeeding in Graduate School Courses (GRST 5320X & GRST 5340X): Two graduate courses are available to support academic and professional development at different stages of graduate study. GRST 5320X: Mapping Graduate School Trajectory is designed for first-year graduate students and focuses on planning empirical research using responsible research standards. GRST 5340X: Attaining Success in Graduate School is intended for second-year and beyond graduate students and emphasizes preparation of creative components, theses, or dissertations, as well as readiness for the job market. ➡️ Register here
  • Individual Career Consultations: Individual career consultations are available through the Graduate Career Coaches, offering personalized support for career exploration, resume or CV development, preparation of job application materials, and guidance on job search strategies. These services support graduate students at various stages of their professional development. ➡️ Visit the Graduate Career Services website to learn more and book your appointment.

Partners

  • CyMath: Math for STEM Success: Grade to Grad School is a free two-day hybrid workshop focused on math teaching, communication, and long-term STEM success. This opportunity is open to graduate students, faculty, and others interested in math education and outreach.
    • Dates: Friday, January 30 (afternoon) & Saturday, January 31 (morning)
    • Registration: FREE. ➡️ Register here
  • I-RAISE (Iowa Research Administration Internship Student Experience): Applications are now open for the third cohort of I-RAISE, a year-long internship and career exploration program in research administration. The program is open to ISU graduate and undergraduate students from any major and includes a classroom bootcamp, a Summer 2026 internship at ISU research units/centers, and additional rotations through the 2026–27 academic year.

Graduate and Professional Student Senate (GPSS)

  • 14th Annual GPSS Research Conference: Graduate and professional students are invited to present research, creative work, and innovative ideas at the 14th Annual GPSS Research Conference.
    • Theme: Shaping the Future: Graduate Leadership in Research, Technology, and Innovation
    • Date: February 20, 2026. 8:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
    • Location: Great Hall, Memorial Union
    • Highlights: Poster, creative, and oral presentations; keynote speakers; networking opportunities
    • Awards: Cash prizes up to $750, plus a $300 People’s Choice Award
    • Registration deadline: February 9, 2026 ➡️ Register Here ➡️ Learn more here
  • Professional Advancement Grant (PAG): GPSS is also accepting funding requests from graduate and professional students seeking financial support for conference travel. Applications are considered on a monthly basis. ➡️ Learn more here: Awards Information | Allocations | PAG Program

Questions? Contact the Graduate College at grad_college@iastate.edu or visit us at www.grad-college.iastate.edu