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Graduate Research & Development Sessions (GRaDS)

The Anthropology Graduate Research & Development Sessions for 2025-26 will take place on Fridays, 1:30-2:30 in SSC 2257.

GRaDS Aims & Learning Outcomes

This Graduate Research & Development Sessions are organized by the Department of Anthropology. All graduate students present their research results in the sessions during the second half of their programs. Some of the sessions will focus on professional and career development. Time permitting, faculty members and guest speakers may also present papers on their ongoing research in anthropology. Upon completion of four terms of GRaDS, this will be recorded as a milestone on the student's academic record.

Upon successful completion of the graduate research & development sessions, students will:

  • Be familiar with the current research of colleagues and faculty members.
  • Appreciate the different ways in which anthropology is defined.
  • Have been introduced to new theoretical perspectives and approaches that might be useful in their own research.
  • Recognize what makes for an engaging and effective public presentation.
  • Know how to effectively communicate with colleagues across sub-disciplinary boundaries.

2025-26 Schedule (Tentative)

Date What's On? Who Should Attend?
Fall 2025
Sept. 5

Department Research in the Spotlight, 1:30pm, SSC 2257

 Everyone welcome & encouraged to participate!
Sept. 12

Workshop: SSHRC Doctoral Scholarship Applications

(Applications due Sept. 22, 8:00pm EST)		 Strongly recommended for students applying for SSHRCD scholarships
Sept. 19 (Tentative)

Training Session: Supporting Safer Classrooms: Annalise Trudell & Amelia Seed - Western Wellness & Equity Education Team

Required session for first & second year students; recommended for all students and faculty

Please note this session will run from 1:30-3:30pm.
Sept. 26

Student Presentations:

 Required session
Oct. 3

Student Presentations: 

Required session
Oct. 10

Info Session: Writing Grant Applications (CGSM & OGS)

 Required session for first-year MA students; everyone welcome
Oct. 17

Student Presentations:

 Required session
Oct. 24

Student Presentation: 

 Required session
Oct. 31

No session
Nov. 7

Fall Study Break - No session
Nov. 14

Workshop: CGSM Scholarship Applications (Applications due Dec.1, 8:00pm, EST)

 Strongly recommended for students applying for CGSM scholarships
Nov. 21

Graduate Program Information Session (in-person & online), 1:30-2:30pm, SSC 3102

 Prospective students interested in the Anthropology graduate program
Nov. 28

Student Presentations:

 Required session
Dec. 5

No session
Winter 2026
Jan. 2 No session
Jan. 9

Info Session: Term Two Milestones: MA Thesis Proposals & PhD Statements of Interest (due in April/May)

 Required session for first-year students
Jan. 16

Research Ethics Information Session:

Trevor Bieber, Research Services, Western (Tentative)

 Required session for students applying to NMREB for approval
Jan. 23

Student Presentations: 

 Required session
Jan. 30

Student Presentations:

 Required session
Feb. 6 No session
Feb. 13 No session
Feb. 20 Reading Week - No session
Feb. 27

Student Presentations: 

 Required session
Mar. 6

No session

 
Mar. 13

Student Presentations:

 Required session
Mar. 20 Student Presentations: Required session
Mar. 27

Student Presentation:

 Required session
Apr. 3

Good Friday - No session