All Articles

Weekly Digest Jan. 26

June 11, 2026

To Graduate Students, Graduate Support Staff, & Directors of Graduate Education | Week of January 26, 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. ➡️ Apply for program completion here

🧰 Resources & Reminders

  • Grad Mixer Wednesdays: The big kick-off for Spring 2026 is on January 28! Join us for a day of activities in the Student Innovation Center Room 4237 between 9:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Stop by for a cup of coffee or a snack and meet various teams, including the Center for Communication Excellence, Graduate Career Services, Preparing Future Faculty, Statistics Consultation, International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO), and more. Hang out with other graduate students, and play Bingo and Kahoot for a chance to win prizes. ➡️ Learn more here
  • Career Conversations: Join us for an engaging workshop "Crafting a Standout Resume: Presenting Your Story on One Page" where you will learn how to create a concise, compelling one‑page resume that clearly presents your professional story and highlights your value to employers. 
  • Peer Writing Groups (Center for Communication Excellence): Peer Writing Groups provide structured support to help participants make progress toward writing goals through either Peer Review Groups or Writing Accountability Groups. All groups are organized and facilitated by trained CCE Writing Consultants, offering a supportive environment focused on writing improvement.
  • Peer Speaking Practice Groups (Center for Communication Excellence): Peer Speaking Practice Groups focus on strategies for effective oral communication across personal, academic, and professional contexts. February themes are available, and groups offer structured opportunities to develop and refine speaking skills in a supportive environment. ➡️ Learn more here
  • Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Program – 2026 Cohort: The Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program is accepting applications for the 2026 cohort. The program prepares qualified undergraduates for graduate school entry, with a primary goal of increasing Ph.D. attainment. McNair Scholars receive support in academic research, graduate school preparation, and personal and professional development. Eligible applicants include undergraduates interested in graduate school or scientific research who will be juniors or above in Fall 2026.
  • Regalia Legacy Award: This award honors the legacy of Dr. Lyn Brodersen Cochran, a distinguished Iowa State alum known for service and academic leadership. This award provides a complete set of Ph.D. graduation regalia to a first-generation Ph.D. student graduating Spring 2026 who demonstrates multidisciplinary scholarship and a commitment to uplifting others in higher education.
    • Eligibility: First-generation Ph.D. student graduating Spring 2026
    • Nomination deadline: February 16, 2026 ➡️ Learn more and nominate 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.
  • ISU Grad School Fair: Learn about graduate education at Iowa State University, including more than 250 graduate programs supporting academic and professional advancement. Attendees can explore programs, connect with faculty and campus resources, and learn about career pathways. Prizes and complimentary food will be available.
    • Date: Tuesday, March 10, 12:00-3:00 p.m. (Student Innovation Center) ➡️ Learn more here

 

🤝 Partners

  • Project Management Skills for Emerging Researchers Workshop: ResearchPOST is offering a free, three-session workshop designed to support graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and early-career research staff in developing essential project management skills for research projects. Sessions cover core project management concepts through lectures, hands-on activities, and group discussions. Participation is limited to 25 individuals.
  • Accelerate to Industry+ (A2i+): "What Recruiters Want: Tailoring Your CV into a Competitive Resume". In this workshop, a talent acquisition professional breaks down how to convert a CV into a resume that speaks to non-academic employers. Learn how to tailor materials, highlight outcomes, and present graduate work in a way that aligns with recruiter expectations.
  • UCLA Bio-Launch: The UCLA Office of Postdoctoral Affairs in the Biosciences invites you to apply to UCLA Bio-Launch, a virtual recruitment initiative for bioscience researchers. This program includes professional development workshops, networking opportunities, and a faculty matching service. 
  • Oak Ridge National Laboratory – Summer 2026 Internships: Oak Ridge National Laboratory is accepting applications for Summer 2026 Research Student Internships and Technical & Professional Internships. These paid opportunities allow current and recent graduate students to work alongside leading experts at a premier U.S. science and energy laboratory. 
    • Eligibility: U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents with a minimum 3.0 GPA
    • Application deadline: February 26, 2026 ➡️ Learn more and apply here
  • NASA OSTEM Summer Internship Programs: NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) internships provide practical work experience through hands-on projects alongside mentors who are research scientists, engineers, and professionals across a wide range of disciplines.
  • Sumitomo Electric Industries – Global Internship Program: The Sumitomo Electric Global Internship Program offers immersive international experience through placements in R&D laboratories and corporate headquarters in Osaka and Itami, Japan.Internship fields span video content creation, human resources, strategy, and operations. The program covers nearly all expenses and offers strong potential pathways to full-time employment, supporting both professional and cultural development.
  • 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