Welcome to SPARK
SPARK: The Doctoral Success Program aims to provide support to doctoral scholars who are approaching or already in the post-coursework phase of their graduate journey.
In collaboration with institutional resources across Claremont Graduate University, the Office of Student Engagement invites our doctoral scholars to join upcoming workshops and events, make use of our academic affirming community space, and utilize toolkits aimed at accomplishing their next doctoral milestone.
Provide Feedback
As we continue to plan and develop sessions for SPARK, we ask that you share your feedback with us. Please click the button below to share any suggested sessions, workshops, or topics that you would like to see incorporated in our 2023-2024 academic year programming. Our goal remains to help doctoral students make progress towards degree milestones and feel successful as they advance towards degree completion.
Academic Affirming Community
Integral to SPARK is building community and establishing accountability with peers. We invite doctoral scholars to join our academic affirming community space via Microsoft Engage, where doctoral students can engage with each other regardless of location. We invite you all to connect and share your research, ask questions, ask for support, and build community with other CGU scholars. We encourage you to review our Viva Engage Community Guidelines as you look to engage with your peers.
Spring 2024 SPARK Recommended Workshops
The CGU Center for Writing & Rhetoric’s Productivity Saturday is designed to assist in the development of sustainable writing habits by providing a dedicated time for students to focus on writing and productivity while building a community of scholars and writers. Join students working towards coursework, qualifying exams, or thesis/dissertation milestones. Our CWR consultant-facilitated writing event is designed for students looking for an accountability group to drive them to get work done. This event offers guided work blocks, provides time for students to meet with writing consultants to discuss their work, and promotes student engagement in discussions about graduate writing and research.
- Date: Saturday, March 23, 2024
- Time: 10:00am-3:00pm
- Location: Hybrid
- Register here!
Writing a Successful CGU or Transdisciplinary Dissertation Award Application | Hosted by: Center for Writing & Rhetoric
This webinar will cover all components of the applications for the CGU Dissertation Award and the CGU Transdisciplinary Dissertation Award. Both awards are outstanding internal award opportunities for CGU students. This webinar will cover best practices for each application section and, for the Transdisciplinary award, how to ensure that the collaborative, transdisciplinary nature of attendees’ work is accurately reflected in the application materials.
- Date: Thursday, March 28, 2024
- Time: 12:00pm-1:00pm
- Location: Online
- Register here!
Weekend dissertation boot camp develops writers’ ability to set effective goals and to track their own writing processes. In addition to providing accountability for a weekend of writing, bootcamp helps students find sustainable writing habits that move their work forward. In addition, we become a community of writers committed to completing our dissertations on schedule, supporting and cheering each other on, and sharing strategies and experiences to help each other navigate the dissertation process with our sanity intact!
- Date: Saturday, April 6, 2024
- Time: 9:00-3:00pm
- Location: Online
- Register here!
Growing Together: Nurturing the Mentor-Mentee Relationship | Hosted by: Career and Professional Development
An event that explores the power of mentorship. Discover the keys to fostering meaningful connections, gaining invaluable guidance, and unlocking your full potential. This is a Hybrid event. In collaboration with Dr. Gloria González-Morales
- Date: Tuesday, April 9, 2024
- Time: Noon PST
- Location: Burkle 16 | Hybrid
- Register here!
Accountability Groups Workshop | Hosted by: Office of Student Engagement
As a graduate student nearing or in the post-coursework phase of your academic journey, it can be difficult to stay on track with achieving your goals and completing milestones without the consistent interactions from your peers and mentors in the classroom. A recommended approach to ensure your success is participating in accountability groups. Join the SPARK: Doctoral Success Program for an Accountability Groups Workshop. In this virtual session we will discuss strategies for creating and sustaining peer to peer accountability groups, setting goals that are realistic and achievable, and making commitments to self that move you forward in your academic career.
- Date: Wednesday April 24, 2024
- Time: 4:00-5:00pm
- Location: Online
- Register here!
California Botanic Gardens Outdoor Writing Retreat | Hosted by: Center for Writing & Rhetoric
Join us at the California Botanic Garden for our Outdoor Writing Workshop, and read or write amidst natural surroundings to inspire our work. This workshop will take place on Saturday, April 27 from 10am-3pm. Please meet us at the front of the botanic gardens near the information booth 10 minutes prior to the workshop, as we will walk as a group to our destination. Before the event, please make sure all electronic devices are fully charged and other materials you need for the day are on your person before we depart for our destination. Our workshop will be followed by a brief tour of the gardens, courtesy of some of our own CGU botany students! Lunch will be provided.
- Date: Saturday, April 27, 2024
- Time: 10:00-3:00pm
- Location: Botanic Gardens
Discover the transformative power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in academic research and writing in our webinar, “Artificial Intelligence (AI) Tools for Research & Writing.” This session is designed for both graduate students and faculty, providing insights into how AI can streamline research processes, enhance writing quality, and foster innovation in academic work. Learn about the latest AI tools that can aid in data analysis, literature review, idea generation, and writing efficiency. Whether you’re working on a dissertation, conducting research, or looking to integrate AI into your teaching methods, this webinar is an invaluable resource. Join us to explore how AI can be a game-changer in your academic journey and professional endeavors.
- Date: Thursday, May 2, 2024
- Time: 12:00-1:00pm
- Location: Online
- Register here!