Master's Prep

October 11th & 12th, 2022
Evenings on Zoom | 5-7:10 PM MDT

Session 1 | 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM
I Didn't Know That!
Librarians & Masters Students, Partnering for Your Success
Presented by Professors Jen Mayer & Maggie Shawcross

We were all master’s students at one time, too! Join UNC librarians to learn how we can help you make the most out of your Master’s-level research. Topics will include time-saving tips on research starting places, how to ask for research guidance, and getting the most out of individual research appointments with librarians. Other topics may include literature reviews, showing your impact (online profiles), highlights of our archives and special collections, services like requesting materials from other libraries, and more!

Session moderated by Stephanie Wiegand, University Libraries.

Session 2 | 6:10 PM - 7:10 PM
Master's Students & Their Experiences with Capstones, Theses, Scholarly Projects, Action Research, and Comprehensive Exams, Oh My!
Presented by
Lisa Michelson, Doctor of Philosophy student in School Psychology
Lea Haverbeck Simon, Doctor of Philosophy student in Exercise Physiology
David Shimokawa, Doctor of Philosophy student in Sport Administration

Learn what we wish we had known as Master’s students. In this session, a panel of 4-5 students who completed a variety of non-thesis and thesis options will discuss the pros and cons of doing or not doing a thesis, how to best study for comprehensive exams, and more! 

Session moderated by Financial Award and Thesis and Dissertation Specialist GA Kay Cypret, UNC Graduate School.

Session 3 | 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Getting Started Right: Writing the Literature Review
Presented by Dr. Roger Austin

In this presentation, students learn about the purpose of literature reviews and how to get started. We will discuss how to read papers critically and how to organize materials before writing. Students will understand the importance of annotating information correctly, comparing & contrasting the literature gathered and integrating & synthesizing the information. 

Session moderated by Maggie Shawcross, University Libraries.

Session 4 | 6:10 PM - 7:10 PM
Introduction to Research Basics
Presented by Dr. Randy Larkins

Applied Statistics and Research Methods professor Randy Larkins will provide information on the skills and tools for quantitative and qualitative research. 

Session moderated by Graduate & Faculty Support Specialist Cheyenne Hassebrock, UNC Graduate School.

Fall 2022 Dissertation Prep Planning Committee:

• Jen Mayer (Chair) | University Libraries Scholarly Communication Department
• Kay Cypret | Graduate School
• Cheyenne Hassebrock | College of Education & Behavioral Sciences Dean's Office
• Maggie Shawcross | University Libraries Teaching & Outreach Department
• Stephanie Wiegand | University Libraries Scholarly Communication Department