GradPro Check-ins
Draft your journey, connect with community
Meet regularly during the semester with a group of other grad students through GradPro's check-in program. GradPro facilitators guide the check-ins, fostering an informal yet supportive community.
Each member describes the progress they have made since the previous meet up, as well as any challenges they've encountered. The group then offers support and advice.
Check-ins are coordinated by GradPro of the Graduate Division. They start at the beginning of each semester they are offered. Space is limited, so look out for announcements in the Graduate Professional Development Digest.
Curious about Check-ins?
Concerned about accomplishing your goals, but not sure if a check-in group would be right for you? Check out this Grad News post about check-ins.
Registration
Look out for an email announcement during the beginning of each semester from GradPro (via your department's Graduate Student Affairs Officer). Make sure to subscribe to our Graduate Student Professional Development Digest for the latest updates.
Student Testimonials
"I appreciate the non-judgmental accountability; it helps me be productive and reach my goals without the anxiety/stress of more high-stakes options." (Spring 2023)
"The peer check-in groups helped me establish reasonable and flexible weekly goals without the pressure of being told I'm not doing enough." (Summer 2023)
"I'm so glad I joined a check-in group! I got to meet wonderful people from all parts of the world and learn about their stories and what they're studying. I also became aware of a wealth of resources I didn't know existed." (Summer 2023)
"As a first-year graduate student, I really appreciated having a support group outside of my cohort. I'm glad that I had the space and time to reflect on how everything's is going, as the first semester can be a challenging adjustment." (Fall 2023)
"As a disabled and neurodivergent person, having these weekly check-in sessions has really helped me structure my time and find community together with people who just 'get it'." (Fall 2023)
Check-in Sessions
Each 50-minute session includes reflections from the last meet-up, sharing challenges and advice, and setting new goals for next time. The participants use a shared Google Sheet to write down and share their reflections and goals. (See an example of the Google Sheet here.) Below is a suggested agenda.
FIRST CHECK-IN
WELCOME & WARM UP (10 min)
Facilitators introduce themselves and give an overview of the agenda.
Facilitators share the group's Google Sheet and have participants fill in their personal information on the Front Page tab.
Participants introduces themselves using the information on the Front Page tab.
If there is time, play a get-to-know you warm up game.
SEMESTER GOALS (15 min)
Participants create tabs with their names by copying the Template tab.
Participants list 2-3 major semester goals with deadline dates. The deadlines should be toward the end of the semester. At least 1 should be a professional goal and at least 1 should be a personal goal.
Participants share 1 professional and 1 personal goal.
WEEKLY GOALS (15 min)
Facilitators explain how to write weekly goals:
In their tab, participants write down outcome and process goals with due dates (usually the next check-in session).
Outcome goals are concrete outputs in the form of deliverables; e.g. a 1-page document, updated LinkedIn profile, etc.
Process goals are actions that may help you complete outcome goals; e.g. write for 1 hour a day, use Google Calendar to plan each day, register for LinkedIn workshop, etc. Writing down process goals can help students learn what processes may help them reach their outcome goals.
Don’t worry too much about the difference between outcome and process goals, as long as the concepts are helpful to each student.
Make sure to include at least 1 personal goal.
Facilitators give participants a chance to ask questions and time to write at least 2-3 goals.
Participants share a goal that they are exceptionally happy about or would like help with.
ANNOUNCEMENTS & BREATHING (5)
Facilitators confirm the next meeting time and that everyone is on the email list and calendar invite.
Facilitator ends the session with an optional breathing/relaxation exercise. (Note: This website is endorsed by Be Well Cal.)
Aim to finish 5 minutes before the hour.
REGULAR CHECK-INS
THEMED DISCUSSION (10 min)
Facilitators lead a short discussion on a theme or topic related to grad school or planning/goal setting. The aim is for participants to share thoughts, experiences, and resources. Example discussion questions from Spring 2021:
What aspect of your role/job as a grad student might you be over-preparing and over-functioning in, at the expense of others?
What are your current sources of feedback? Do you feel you are currently getting the feedback you need?
Do you find it difficult to ask for help or support?
What are your strategies for dealing with rejection or negativity?
What is one method you have used or want to use to proactively manage your stress, frustration, and energy levels during difficult points of the semester?
Facilitators can forward NCFDD's Monday Motivator to the participants as a weekly theme (subscribe here) or use ideas from the Discussions or Goal Setting page.
REFLECTION (15 min)
Participants write a reflection in their tab next to the last session's goals to think about the previous week. Reflecting on what went well and what didn't help them think about their work processes and strategies.
Sharing: Participants have 1-2 minutes each to share based on their reflection. It can be something they are exceptionally happy about or would like input on. Others can give feedback (via chat or verbally if time). (Use breakout rooms if the group is larger than 5 participants.)
The first week of each month: Participants reflect on their semester-long goals (write this reflection next to their semester goals) and adjust them if needed. If they have time, they can reflect on their weekly goals. They can then share their reflection, how they adjusted their semester goals, and/or a highlight from the semester so far.
GOALS (15 min)
Writing: Participants write down their new outcome and process goals with due dates (usually the next check-in session).
Sharing: Participants have 1-2 minutes each to share from 1-2 goals. It can be something they are exceptionally happy about or would like help with. Others can give feedback (via chat or verbally if time). If short on time, have only 1 or 2 participants share.
Last session: Participants should instead write 1-2 major professional and 1-2 major personal goals for the next semester (or summer). They can then share their goals and/or what they are looking forward to next semester.
ANNOUNCEMENTS & BREATHING (5 min)
The facilitator shares any announcements.
The facilitator ends the session with an optional breathing/relaxation exercise.
Aim to finish 5 minutes before the hour.
HOW REGISTRATION WORKS
Registration will be done via WeJoinIn, where you can view open slots and sign up for your desired group (or add your name to the waiting list).
Everyone who has signed into a Check-in Info Session will receive a link to the WeJoinIn page when registration opens.
Space is limited, so be sure to sign up as soon as possible!
Spring 2024 Check-In Groups*:
Pre-quals
Post-quals
Humanities & Social Sciences (HSS)
Masters & Professional
First Gen/Low-Income (FGLI)
Neurodivergent, Chronically Ill, and Disabled (NCID)
Undocugrads
*All groups are open to everyone but will offer a focus based on their designation