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Workshops & seminars

Navigating the institution as a Black doctoral student (GradProSkills workshop)


Date & time
Tuesday, November 17, 2026
10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Register now

Format

In-person

Speaker(s)

Oluwabusayo Ladipo

Cost

This event is free.

Contact

GradProSkills

Where

J.W. McConnell Building
1400 De Maisonneuve Blvd. W.
Room LB-322

Accessible location

Yes - See details

This training is offered by GradProSkills. It is only open to graduate students and postdoctoral fellows.

Advance registration is required.  

Navigating doctoral studies involves more than meeting academic requirements. For Black doctoral students, understanding unspoken institutional dynamics, expectations, and addressing systemic barriers can add layers of complexity to the graduate experience. Developing strategies to navigate these challenges can help you advocate for yourself, build meaningful connections, and strengthen your academic and professional presence.

Designed specifically for Black doctoral students at all stages of their doctoral journey, this workshop offers a supportive space to reflect on shared and individual experiences while exploring practical strategies for navigating academic environments. The session will focus on understanding the hidden curriculum, building mentorship networks, setting professional boundaries, increasing academic visibility, and documenting your achievements.

By the end of this workshop, you will be able to:

  • Identify unspoken academic expectations and norms that influence networking, belonging, and professional opportunities;
  • Develop a mentorship map to identify different sources of academic, professional, and personal support;
  • Apply self-advocacy strategies to establish professional boundaries and protect your time and intellectual labour;
  • Explore communication strategies to strengthen your academic visibility and the impact of your research;
  • Identify effective approaches to documenting your achievements and professional contributions.