Professional Enhancement


About Us 

The Office of Graduate Student Professional Enhancement (GSPE) fosters scholarly and professional growth, pedagogical and career success, and holistic wellbeing. As a centralized resource, we offer a variety of in-person and online programs and services, guided by professionals with years of experience in graduate education and enriched by a broad spectrum of campus partnerships. We are also a place of belonging and networking, apart from yet aligned with departmental academic pursuits, where graduate students may discover transdisciplinary collaborations and explore diverse career paths. 


Calendar of Events

Date Time (EDT) Event Location
January 3, 2024 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Spring 2024 TA Orientation, Day 1 Jacobs Science Building
January 4, 2024 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Spring 2024 TA Orientation, Day 2 Jacobs Science Building
January 4, 2024 1:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. Spring 2024 International TA Orientation 330 AB, Gatton Student Center
January 26, 2024 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. "I'm Supposed to Teach What?": Strategies for Teaching Content Outside of Your Expertise Registration Required
February 2, 2024 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. Communicating Your Teaching Philosophy Workshop Zoom
February 14, 2024 8:00 a.m. GradTeachLive! Preliminary Submission Deadline Online Submission
February 15, 2024 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Getting Started with Teaching Philosophy and Diversity Statements Registration Required
February 29, 2024 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. GradTeachLive! Finals UKFCU eSports Theatre
March 11 - 16, 2024 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Spring 2024 Thesis & Dissertation Writing Camp Zoom (Registration Required)
March 16, 2024 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. Transferable Skills for TAs Registration Required
April 5, 2024 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. GradScholar: A Doctoral Reorientation TBD
April 18, 2024 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. Using Student Evaluations for Reflection and Growth Registration Required
May 13 - 24, 2024 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Summer 2024 Thesis & Dissertation Writing Camp Zoom (Registration Required)

Graduate Student Success Pathways 

Graduate Student Success Pathways is an online navigational tool, like a compass, that can help you in any stage of your graduate study by charting a personalized professional enhancement plan to guide you from wherever you are to exactly where you want to go. Pathways provides resources, opportunities, and actionable steps to supplement your graduate education and diversify your experiences. The GSPE Office uses Pathways to guide all our professional development efforts and to assist students in achieving the four goals of a well-rounded graduate education.  

Click here to learn more!


Our Programs & Services

 

Fulfilling Profession 

Developing the skills, knowledge, and experience for a fulfilling career.  

Impactful Research 

Gaining the insights and experience necessary to make an impact in the field and beyond.  

Transformative Teaching 

Sharpening and broadening career opportunities through transformative teaching practices.  

Holistic Wellness 

Pursuing personal growth through a holistic balance of mental, physical, and financial wellness. 


Advocacy & Partnerships 

Below is a list of vital partners across campus with whom we collaborate to offer a diverse array of resources and initiatives for graduate students.  


Meet the Staff

Professional Enhancement Team

Ashley Sorrell, PhD
Assistant Director
859-323-6807
Chad Gilpin
Program Manager / TA Credentials Database Coordinator
859-257-4137
Angela Garner
Angela Garner
Coordinator of International Graduate Student Initiatives
859-323-4951
Abbie Wood
Assistant Director of Graduate/Professional Student & Post-Doctoral Career Support
859-218-4035