Our mission at the SGSPA is to enable graduate students and postdoctoral fellows to develop the capacities needed to lead us collectively into a better future. Learning at Queen’s is inspired by an inclusive and collaborative community that balances wellbeing, academic excellence, and professional growth.

Using an integrated skills-based framework, our programming builds on knowledge and applied skills already learned to explore additional competencies to prepare for future careers, whether in academic or non-academic fields.

Our professional and academic development opportunities provide graduate students and postdoctoral fellows with diverse learning opportunities to cultivate a range of personal, professional, and academic skills to achieve continued success as globally engaged citizens.

The SGSPA, in collaboration with various Queen’s and external partners, offers a suite of skill-building workshops and opportunities. Using a holistic approach our framework consists of four key sectors: “Community” is our uniting theme, with the intersecting pillars of “Academic,” “Wellbeing,” and “Professional.”

To address each sector, we offer a range of activities – modules, workshops or events – for students and postdocs to choose from throughout their time at Queen’s. The diversity of our offerings allows you to select which areas and competencies you wish to strengthen, while also reflecting on what you have learned.

In consultation with our partners, an annual calendar of activities will be provided and tagged according to both the sector, the type of activity and who will be hosting the activity.

Opportunities for Professional Development

As part of your development, you can access and participate in various professional development programs and events, which are all available on our searchable calendar. These include:

• Workshops & Opportunities
• Individual Development Plan
• PhD-Community Initiative
• Writing Camps
• Internships
• Online Courses
• Campus Resources

Queen’s Professional Development Record

All students and postdoctoral fellows who participate in SGSPA approved workshops or activities, will receive a Queen's Graduate Professional Development Record (formally called the "Supplemental Training Record") on completion of their degree, or fellowship. This record will:

• Provide a record of all SGSPA approved workshops and activities, including the month/year you participated in that workshop/event/module/activity
• Allow you to download the record for yourself on completion of your degree

Note: It is important that you set up your record by registering in the and that you ensure you always use your full name and Queen's email when registering for activities. If you don't, it will be difficult for us to match your activities with your record.

Accessibility

Queen’s is committed to an inclusive campus community with accessible goods, services, and facilities that respect the dignity and independence of persons with disabilities. The School of Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs professional development workshop series is available in an accessible format or with appropriate communication supports upon request.

Please contact the SGSPA Office in one of the following ways: Email: sgspa.event@queensu.ca or in-person: 74 Union Street, Gordon Hall, Room 425.