The PhD Plus Foundations series is best suited for graduate students in their first or second year. However, all graduate students are invited to attend these interactive sessions. This series provides an opportunity to develop interdisciplinary peer communities and to gain fundamental skills for academic, career, and personal success, and guides students to make the most of their graduate school experience.
Upon successful completion (80%, or 4 out of 5 sessions) of this series, graduate students are eligible to earn a digital badge, issued by the PhD Plus Program through Credly, that demonstrates proof of completion of the program.
Foundations Series for AHSS Disciplines (Fall 2026)
The PhD Plus - Foundations Series for AHSS Disciplines is best suited for first-year graduate students in Arts, Humanities, and Social Science disciplines. However, all graduate students are invited to attend these interactive sessions.
Session Dates and Topics (Fridays starting at 12:00 PM)
- Sept. 18: Unpacking the "Hidden Curriculum” & Setting Your Goals
- Sept. 25: Managing Projects
- Oct. 2: Finding Mentors and Cultivating Professional Relationships
- Oct. 9: Managing Time
- Oct. 16: Building Resilience and Leveraging Strengths
*All five sessions will be hosted in person in the Language Commons on the 2nd floor of New Cabell Hall (Suite 298).
Register here for the AHSS Foundations Series
Foundations Series for STEM Disciplines (Fall 2026)
The PhD Plus - Foundations Series for STEM Disciplines is best suited for first-year graduate students from a broad range of science, engineering, and related disciplines. However, all graduate students are invited to attend these interactive sessions.
Topics covered include:
- Oct. 2: Unpacking the "Hidden Curriculum” & Setting Your Goals
- Oct. 9: Managing Projects
- Oct. 16: Finding Mentors and Cultivating Professional Relationships
- Oct. 23: Managing Time
- Oct. 30: Building Resilience and Leveraging Strengths
*All five sessions will be hosted in person in the Link Lab on the 2nd floor of Olsson Hall (click here for detailed directions).
Register here for the STEM Foundations Series
Foundations Series for Life Sciences (Summer 2026)
The PhD Plus - Foundations Series for Life Sciences is best suited for first-year graduate students in biomedical and life sciences disciplines. However, all graduate students are invited to attend these interactive sessions.
Session Dates and Topics (Thursdays starting at 3:00 PM)
- Jul. 9 | Unpacking the "Hidden Curriculum” & Setting Your Goals*
- Jul. 16 | Your Financial Orientation to Graduate School (co-hosted with Emily Roberts, owner of Personal Finance for PhDs).
- Bonus Session on Resources for New Graduate Students, from 4:30-4:50 pm led by UVA Finance
- Jul. 23 | Managing Projects
- Jul. 30 | Managing Time
- Aug. 6 | Building Resilience and Leveraging Strengths
*The first session in the series will be hosted in person in the BIMS Education Classroom (BEC; 1023 McKim Hall). All incoming students who are not in Charlottesville are encouraged to participate virtually; you must register for the Zoom meeting link. All other sessions this summer will be hosted virtually.