December 2023
Goodbye Fall Semester
Fall semester is coming to an end and with it comes the stress of “getting it all done” before the break. This time of year can be filled with pressure and expectations that often contribute to feelings of stress and imposture syndrome. I encourage you to take some time for yourself in the next few weeks.
I hope winter break is filled with moments of rest. Grad school is about trying hard, resting, and repeating. The rest is a crucial part of making the work you are doing sustainable.
Stress Less Wellness Events
December 6th & 7th
Relax, recharge, and reset before finals with dogs, chair massages, acupuncture, friendship bracelets, cookie decorating, and comforting refreshments. A reminder that this event is open to everyone. We hope to see you there.
**** Chair massage and acupuncture are first come, first serve.
Schedule
In the UC
- Stress Less: 10 am-2 pm
- Sound Meditation: 1-2 pm
- Art Sessions: 2-3 pm
- Stitch Circle 4-6 pm
- UC Branch Center
- Wed, Dec 6th
Research and Writing
Graduate Student Research Council
The newly-formed Graduate Student Research Council (GSRC) is organizing GradCon 2024, which will take place on March 8th. Submissions open on December 18th, so as you’re wrapping up this semester’s work, think about what projects you can pitch for presentation. Research at any stage can be presented: GradCon provides an avenue for graduate students to practice their presentation skills and share their research with a broader community. For more information can be found about workshops to help you write abstracts at their website.
The Writing Center
The Writing Center is co-hosting a first workshop for students to help prepare abstracts, but also to write personal statements and grant applications, next week, December 5th:
12:00- 1:00 pm in-person (Davidson Honors College, room – 117)
6:30-7:30 pm online (Link will be sent to people who RSVP)
To register, please send an email to annasofia.fialhocoelhodosreis@umconnect.umt.edu until Monday, December 4that 6pm, with the subject: GSRC Registration.
Cognitive-Behavioral Skills for Stress Management and Wellness
We are offering a 4-Session Skills Training Course Tailored to the STEM Graduate Student Experience in January of 2024!
Dr. Jennifer Gottlieb has developed this CBT training to address the specific challenges of the STEM graduate student experience. The training is didactic in nature (rather than a psychotherapy experience)—attendees come away with practical everyday strategies to promote coping with stress.
This CBT training is not therapy, but a skills-based seminar to help graduate students gain cognitive reframing and problem-solving skills.
Dates and Time:
Tuesdays: Jan 23rd, Jan 30th, Feb 6th, Feb 13th: 11am-1pm MST
Location:
Zoom (link will be sent out to participants. Note- these are synchronous sessions)
Please complete this online survey to register.
“Honestly, just hearing how common my issues were then learning steps that I could use that were backed by science was amazing.” - Past Participant
"Everything about the course was very practical and applicable to daily life, but there wasn't a lot of pressure." - Past Participant.
SPRING 2024: STEM Graduate Support Groups
Starting in February 2024, the graduate school, in tandem with the Counselor department, will offer support groups for STEM graduate students.
These groups provide various benefits, including social support, stress-reducing tools, coping mechanisms, normalization of impostor syndrome, and having space to discuss the stress and pressures of being a graduate student.
Why you’ll like it:
- Mental Health Support
- Six Free Sessions
- Reduce Isolation
- Improve Wellbeing
When: Spring 2024 Semester
Times and location: TBD
Winter Break in Missoula
Spending Winter Break in town?Check out Destination Missoula for great ideas on what to do!
From dining and museums to sleigh rides and hot springs, their website is filled with fun activities.
Looking for a way to give back over the break? Check out these volunteer opportunities:
Graduate Wellness Support Coordinator
Are you feeling stressed? Overwhelmed? Struggling to take care of yourself or find the right campus or community resources?
Did you know that as a graduate student, you have access to free wellbeing services?
Your Wellbeing Support Coordinator, Olivia Kern, is here to support you. Olivia is a Master of Social Work student who provides one-on-one support to graduate students in the areas of:
- Stress & Anxiety
- Sleep, Movement, & Nutrition
- Time management
- Connection to the right resources (food security, Mental Health services, academic help, etc.)
Make an appointment with Olivia by clicking this link: https://calendly.com/olivia-kern/wellbeing-support
Or email directly at: Olivia.Kern@mso.umt.edu
