Promoting the Productive Use of AI in the Classroom

Thursday, Nov. 20, 12:30 to 1:30 p.m., Posner Grand Room (Posner 340)

Please join us for our second conversation about the impacts of large language models (LLMS) on teaching and learning. We'll gather to discuss transferrable strategies that promote the productive use of AI in courses. Our goal is to provide venues for ongoing discussion as faculty individually and collectively address the impacts of LLMs on pedagogy.

The specific goals of these meetings are to:

• Share a few strategies that faculty are using to manage appropriate and inappropriate student use of LLMs and respond to questions for those faculty about their strategies.
• Provide opportunities for small-group discussions in which faculty share with one another their perspectives on managing the impacts of LLMs.
• Solicit ideas from faculty on strategies for sustaining ongoing conversations about pedagogy in a world where LLMs are readily available and continually evolving.

The meetings are designed to emphasize faculty discussion rather than extended presentations. Most of the time will be devoted to sharing concerns and ideas with colleagues.

Register for Promoting the Productive Use of AI in Classrooms by Nov. 6.

Connections & Conversation Luncheon

Thursday, Dec. 4, noon to 1:30 p.m., Peter, Wright & McKenna Rooms, CUC

Join us for the rescheduled Connections & Conversation Luncheon! We’ll honor the annual tradition of gathering to celebrate the Dietrich College community with good food and even better company.

Register for Connections & Conversation by Nov. 24

Nominate a Student for the 2025-26 Plaut Award

Deadline: Dec. 8

The Daniel M. Plaut Student Opportunity Fund was established in honor of Daniel Plaut by Marlene Behrmann, David Plaut and their family and friends. Totaling approximately $2,500, the award provides one or two humanities and social sciences students each year with dedicated mentoring and funded opportunities for professional development in their field of interest.

All students would benefit from additional mentoring and professional development opportunities, but some students have less access to these resources than others. The Daniel M. Plaut Award is meant to identify students for whom dedicated support would open doors and provide opportunities which otherwise would not be as readily available to them.

Submit the Plaut Award Nomination Form (pdf) to dietrichdean@andrew.cmu.edu by Dec. 8. 

Beyond Academia: Exploring Career Paths & Networking Strategies

Tuesday, Nov. 18, 5 to 6 p.m., Dean's Office Conference Room (Baker 154R)

This session will cover the job search process and timing, and provide strategies and tools to leverage as you conduct an industry job search. We’ll explore various career paths available to you as a graduate student, along with dissecting example job descriptions. You’ll also discover resources for continuing to explore organizations, job titles and work environments. We’ll look specifically at how to navigate and network using LinkedIn, CMUniverse and Career Shift.

Hosted by Katie Flanigan & Necia Werner, Dietrich’s Liaisons with the Career and Professional Development Center (CPDC)

Register for Beyond Academia by Nov. 14

Understanding the Psychology Behind Procrastination & How to Manage It

Wednesday, Nov. 19, 6 to 7 p.m., Doherty Hall, Room 1212

Struggling with procrastination? You’re not alone — it’s a common challenge that Ph.D. students face.

This interactive session will help you:

• Understand the psychology behind procrastination and why it happens.
• Break the cycle of avoidance with actionable steps based on models designed around executive function optimization.
• Align your tasks with your goals to boost motivation and focus.
• Build sustainable routines that keep procrastination at bay.

Join us to add some new tools to your productivity toolbox. Your future self will thank you.

No pre-registration required.

Registration is Open for the Three Minute Thesis (3MT) Competition

Registration Deadline: Feb. 4, 2026

3MT is an internationally recognized competition that challenges Ph.D. students to present a compelling oration on their thesis and its significance in just three minutes, in language that anyone can understand. 3MT is not an exercise in trivializing or "dumbing down" research, but requires students to consolidate their ideas, crystallize their research discoveries, and capture the imagination of their audience. More information on 3MT can be found at the 3MT website.

Register by Feb. 4, 2026

Ph.D. Student Support Group

Tuesdays, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., Virtual

A pre-group consultation is required. For more information, please contact Kym Jordan Simmons, PhD.

Master's Student Support Group

Wednesdays, 1 to 2 p.m., In-Person

A pre-group consultation is required. For more information, please contact Adrijana Vukelic, MSCP.