Workshops by category

Explore a listing of workshops that we most commonly offer, organized by category.

Statistical Software

This series of introductory workshops are intended for individuals with little to no familiarity with R or similar tools that rely on a scripted environment. They are intended as a low barrier entry into the world of using your computer to engage with data outside of graphical tools like Excel or SPSS.

This series of introductory workshops are intended for individuals with little to no familiarity with Python or similar tools that rely on a scripted environment. They are intended as a low barrier entry into the world of using your computer to engage with data outside of graphical tools like Excel or SPSS.

Research Data Management

Join our interactive online workshop to become a data management pro! We’ll show you how to organize your data files, pick good names for them, and use a Research Data Management Plan (DMP) to keep your research on track. We’ll even introduce you to the handy DMP Assistant, which are preferred by the Tri-Agencies. Have questions about managing your data? Bring them along, and we’ll help you out. This workshop is open to upper-level undergraduates, graduate students, and post-doctoral fellows from all fields. Let’s make managing data easy and effective for your research journey!

Dive into the world of Research Data Management Plans with Marjorie. Discover the essential components, learn how to create a dynamic roadmap for your research journey, and find out where to seek extra guidance when needed. Whether you’re a seasoned researcher or just curious, this session is your gateway to mastering Research Data Management Plans. Don’t miss it!

Research Data Management (RDM) is a key aspect of the research lifecycle. With the release of the Tri-Agencies’ Policy on Research Data Management, and the upcoming requirement of data management plans (DMPs) in Tri-Agency applications, it is more important than ever for researchers to implement RDM fundamentals.

This session will introduce core RDM concepts, and then delve into the DMP Assistant, a Canadian tool for creating DMPs. We’ll then walk through the sections of a DMP, and discuss questions and aspects to consider when planning a research project, to ensure that your data workflows and processes are purposeful and unnecessary disruptions are avoided.

Looking for data for your graduate thesis or post-doctoral project? This workshop will introduce you to both publicly available and restricted access Statistics Canada data, and how to apply to use restricted access data through UBC Okanagan Research Data Centre.

We’ll look at publicly available Statistics Canada data. Then we’ll introduce the range of census, survey, and administrative datasets available through the RDC. After browsing the Statistics Canada data related to your research interests, we’ll cover how to write a research proposal to apply for access to RDC data.

Suitable for graduate students and post-doctoral fellows from all disciplines.

Are you ready to enhance your research skills and boost your efficiency in managing data and utilizing essential tools? Join our comprehensive Researcher Toolkit Workshop Series, an eight-part exploration of crucial concepts and tools that will empower you throughout the research lifecycle.

Join our online workshop designed for graduate students to explore copyright essentials. We’ll extensively cover Copyright and Fair Dealing for theses and dissertations, and also discuss copyright considerations for scholarly journal articles, conference presentations, and 3MT presentations. Bring your copyright questions for this interactive session—it’s your key to copyright clarity!

Navigating Copyright and Fair Dealing is crucial when incorporating charts, graphs, photographs, or survey instruments into your thesis or dissertation. Our workshop is your compass through this maze, offering insights on when to seek permission and when the Fair Dealing Exception might apply. Bring your specific items for discussion, and let’s unravel the complexities together! This workshop is your key to mastering the art of responsible and effective academic referencing. Ideal for upper-level undergraduates and graduate students.

Join us to learn about Copyright and Fair Dealing for Your Thesis or Dissertation! When it comes to incorporating charts, graphs, photos, or survey instruments into your academic masterpiece, navigating copyright can be a real puzzle. We’re here to discuss it all! Join our workshop to learn when you need to seek permission and when the Fair Dealing Exception applies. Got specific items in mind? Bring them along, and let’s dive into the details together. This workshop is suitable for graduate students from all fields.

Empower your academic journey by learning to publish early research results in academic journals. This workshop equips graduate and upper-level undergraduate students with insights on what to consider before signing a publisher’s contract, ensuring seamless integration of these articles into their theses and dissertations. Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your research impact!

Scholarship Application Workshops

Are you preparing your CGS-M application (NSERC, CIHR, SSHRC)?

This online Q&A session, facilitated by the College of Graduate Studies and the Centre for Scholarly Communication, provides an opportunity to ask questions about writing and submitting the application. There will be no presentation, so please come prepared with questions.

This Q&A will be supplemented with asynchronous Canvas modules, where you can find detailed information about applying for the CGS-M, including example proposals, FAQs, application walkthroughs, and frequent mistakes and how to prevent them.

Are you preparing your CGS-D application (NSERC, CIHR, SSHRC)?

This online Q&A session, facilitated by the College of Graduate Studies and the Centre for Scholarly Communication, provides an opportunity to ask questions about writing and submitting the application. There will be no presentation, so please come prepared with questions.

This Q&A will be supplemented with asynchronous Canvas modules, where you can find detailed information about applying for the CGS-D, including example proposals, FAQs, application walkthroughs, and frequent mistakes and how to prevent them.

If you are in your last year of a Ph.D. program, you may be interested in applying for Postdoctoral Fellowships like the Banting, Killam, and many others. This workshop will focus on demystifying the postdoc application by providing an overview of the planning process, some general tips on writing a compelling research proposal, and managing the applications. There will also be an opportunity to pinpoint some high-stakes PDF competitions in Canada.

Research Planning and Dissemination

This workshop is your gateway to effective communication with non-specialist audiences. Join us as we discuss tailoring your research for lay listeners. You’ll learn how to identify your audience, harness the power of storytelling structures, and fine-tune your presentation skills. We’ll even share examples of successful presentations designed for non-specialist audiences. Perfect for undergraduates, graduates, post-doctoral fellows, and faculty members eager to convey their research to a broader public.

Embark on your journey towards successful publication with our workshop. Whether you’re just starting or looking to organize your writing process, we’ve got you covered. This session is perfect for those in the early stages of planning a manuscript, making it an ideal fit for graduate students across all disciplines. Don’t miss this opportunity to turn your research into a published masterpiece!

Thesis Writing

Join our online workshop for a comprehensive overview of research proposal writing, applicable across various disciplines. Dive into effective writing strategies and gain insights from successful proposal examples. We’re here to answer your questions and guide you on this journey. This session is a must for graduate students from all fields, so don’t miss out on refining your research proposal skills!

Embarking on the journey of writing your thesis or dissertation? This online workshop offers valuable tools and techniques to support your thesis writing process. We will discuss the fundamental components of a thesis or dissertation with suggestions for organization, and we will guide you in finding exemplar theses for reference. You are encouraged to bring any questions you may have to the workshop. Although primarily tailored for those who are starting to write their thesis or dissertation, this workshop is suitable for graduate students across all disciplines.

Thesis Formatting Got You Stumped? Let Us Help!

Join our informative online Q&A session designed to assist you in meeting the College of Graduate Studies’ formatting requirements for your thesis or dissertation. Have questions? We’ve got answers! No matter your discipline, we’re here to guide you in ensuring your thesis meets the necessary formatting standards. Graduate students, don’t miss out on this invaluable support for a smooth thesis submission process!

Join our online workshop to kickstart your research journey. Discover how to harness the latest tools and techniques, empowering you to excel in your literature review. Learn the art of crafting customized searches and setting up email alerts to stay updated with the most recent research in your field. This workshop is made for graduate students across all disciplines, so don’t miss out on this opportunity to elevate your research game!

Unlock the secrets of crafting impactful literature reviews in this interactive online workshop for graduate students. Discover how to synthesize existing research succinctly while maintaining your own critical perspective and voice. Open to graduate students from all disciplines, this workshop covers the purpose, audience, and structure of literature reviews, providing invaluable strategies to develop this fundamental academic skill.

Join our online workshop, where we’ll unveil strategies for crafting the methods and results sections of your thesis. We welcome your questions and aim to provide expert guidance. While this session is beneficial for graduate students across all disciplines, it shines brightest for those delving into quantitative research. Don’t miss out on this invaluable opportunity!

Ever found it challenging to answer the critical “So what?” question in your research? Struggle no more! Join our online workshop, focusing on the discussion section of your thesis or article. We’ll dissect the essential components and elevate your writing style to effectively convey the significance and impact of your work. Bring your own questions and writings for insightful feedback and discussion. This session is a must-attend for graduate students across all fields seeking to elevate their research narrative!

At UBC, abstracts and lay summaries are must-have components of your theses and dissertations. Want to enhance your skills in writing these crucial elements? Look no further! Our online workshop is here to help you master the art of crafting abstracts and lay summaries. We’ll explore effective strategies and provide sample abstracts and lay summaries from diverse fields and purposes, including theses, conferences, and funding applications. Bring your questions and join us for this insightful session, developed for graduate students across all disciplines.

Prepare for your thesis defense like a pro with our online workshop! Gain valuable tips and insights on how to get ready, including an in-depth dive into crafting powerful presentation slides. While this session benefits graduate students from all disciplines, it’s tailored to those gearing up for their thesis defense. Elevate your preparation game and ensure your defense is a success!

Join our workshop to explore effective thesis and dissertation revision strategies. Learn how to prioritize revisions and craft a well-structured revision plan. This session is open to graduate students across all fields seeking to enhance their revision skills. Elevate your academic writing game!

Undergraduate Honour’s Thesis Writing workshop series

Undergraduate students can explect to learn how to begin reviewing the literature for their honour’s research projects, gain tips for structuring and writing their theses for maximum impact, and develop valuable skills to kickstart successful careers in research.

This series will feature in-person workshops to help researchers build connections and network with peers, as well as interactive, online workshops with resources to support undergraduate students and the writing of their theses. 

Workshop series schedule:

  • October | Reviewing the Literature for Your Research
  • November | Starting the Thesis Mini-Retreat
  • December | Undergraduate Thesis Structure
  • January | The Undergraduate Thesis: Introductions and Conclusions
  • February | Discussing Results, Receiving Feedback, and Revising
  • March | Undergraduate Thesis Writer’s Retreat

Interested in attending these workshops? Email csc.ok@ubc.ca.

This transformative learning experience is hosted by the UBCO Library and Centre for Scholarly Communication.  

Academic Writing

Ever felt nervous while drafting an email to a colleague? Worry no more! Join our workshop, where we’ll explore the art of professional communication, with a keen focus on online interactions. We’ll cover best practices, including using humour effectively, mastering the technical nuances (when to CC and BCC!), and crafting compelling subject lines. Say goodbye to email anxiety and enhance your online communication skills!

Join us to master the skill of effectively communicating your research to the public. Our workshop shines a spotlight on crafting lay summaries for theses, journal article submissions, and scholarship applications. We’ll illustrate with examples spanning various disciplines to provide comprehensive insights. Bring your questions along; we’re here to help. This session welcomes graduate students from every field.

Are you ready to level up your writing game? This 3-day event is your opportunity to immerse yourself in a productive and supportive writing environment dedicated to achieving your goals. Whether you’re a graduate student or a postdoctoral fellow, this retreat is made for you!

Who’s It For? Graduate students and postdoctoral fellows eager to make significant progress on their writing projects.

What’s In Store?

  • Engaging workshops and discussions led by experts from the Centre for Scholarly Communication, Health and Wellness, and the Student Learning Hub.
  • Access to online resources to boost your writing skills.

Don’t miss this chance to kickstart your writing journey!

Tired of solo writing sessions? Craving a supportive environment to fuel your creativity? Look no further than our weekly Writing Community, tailored for the UBCO community.

Your Projects, Your Progress
Bring your own research and writing projects to the table! The writing community provides dedicated time for you to focus on your individual writing goals. Get ready to boost your productivity and make progress on your writing projects, all within a supportive community environment.

What you’ll Experience:
Each session is dedicated to your independent writing time. You can look forward to writing alongside others who, like you, are independently working on their own writing projects and goals.

Highlights of the Community:

  • Your Time to Write: Join our weekly sessions with your writing and research materials ready, and take full advantage of this opportunity to write without distractions.
  • Write Together: Achieve your individual writing goals alongside other members of the UBCO community.
  • Guided Structure: Participate in the Pomodoro technique, expertly facilitated by the Centre for Scholarly Communication.
  • Inclusivity: From undergraduates to faculty, everyone in the UBCO community is welcome.

You’re invited to be part of this enriching community that builds community and fosters productivity. Register now and come prepared to amplify your writing endeavors. Let’s turn solitary writing into a group effort and make getting things done a community experience.

Whether you’re gearing up for graduate school applications, navigating the academic realm, or preparing for the job market, this online workshop is your key to building a successful CV. We’ll guide you through the process of creating a strong curriculum vitae that stands out. Feel free to bring your questions; we’re here to assist. This session is open to upper-level undergraduates, graduate students, and post-doctoral fellows across all fields. Boost your academic and career prospects today!

Whether you’re on the path to graduate school, working in academia, or venturing into the academic job market, our online workshop will help you compose a compelling cover letter. Join us to discover the art of constructing a strong and persuasive document that captivates. Feel free to bring your questions; we’re here to assist. This session warmly welcomes upper-level undergraduates, graduate students, and post-doctoral fellows from all academic backgrounds. Elevate your academic journey and career prospects with us!

Drop-ins

Introducing the Centre for Scholarly Communication (CSC), a dynamic partnership between Research Computing, UBC Okanagan Library, and the Office of Research Services. We’re here to make your research journey smoother! The Centre for Scholarly Communication Drop-Ins allow you to stop by and connect with our expert team from Research Computing, Research Services, and the UBC Okanagan Library. The CSC seeks to bridge the gap and support your scholarly communication and digital or data-intensive research needs.

No need to register—just drop by for a friendly chat, some refreshments, and to ask your research questions!