The First Friday Forum (FFF) meetings are part of the doctoral program, COM 792C, and are intended to provide direction and support for the student in the process of writing his or her prospectus and/or dissertation. The practicum includes professional development experience, and is designed to include workshops and peer reviews of prospectus and dissertation writing.

All meetings held in STA 417, 1 to 3 p.m. (1 to 2:15 is presentation and discussion with guests - open to all students and faculty; 2:15 to 3 is prospectus/dissertation workshopping and goal-setting with students registered in COM 792C. The meeting schedule is listed below.

August 1, 2008 - Prospectus writing: the basic ingredients and tips for making it pay-off for the final project (Sarah Tracy and Kory Floyd)
August 29, 2008 - Life on the other side: tips for navigating research relationships, teaching assignments, and disciplinary commitments in your first academic job (Heather Canary and Kellie Carlyle)
September 26, 2008 - Job talks: resources and tips for presenting your research (Art Ramirez, Sarah Tracy)
November 7, 2008 - Preparing for the academic job market: CVs, letters, interviews, and conferencing (Tony Roberto)
December 5, 2008 - Finding a place for your words: academic publishing and thriving through the revise and resubmit process (Laura Guerrero and Eric Margolis)
January 23, 2009 - Special Re-orientation Session 2:30-3:30: Sarah Tracy and Heather Freireich review and answer questions about procedures for comps, prospectus, data meetings and dissertation writing.
January 30, 2009 - Special Opportunity12-230: Navigating Work-Life Balance (in conjunction with PWWL visit & workshop) Featured Guests: Tevis Gale and Sarah Tracy
February 20, 2009 - Employment Options: Beyond the Traditional Assistant Professor position. Featured Guests: Berry Spiker and Kellie Carlyle Palazzolo
March 20, 2009 - Public Scholarship and The Writing Life: How to write for applied audiences and make writing a regular part of your scholarly existence.Featured Guests: Bud Goodall and Steve Corman
April 10, 2009 - The promises, perils, pay-offs and pitfalls of academic service to the department, university and discipline. Featured Guests: Paul Mongeau and Daniel Brouwer
May 1, 2009 - The Academic Administration Track: Advantages, disadvantages, and tips for pursuing and thriving in academic administrative roles. Featured Guests: Belle Edson and Clark Olson