Thriving in the Academy

Mission Statement

The mission of the Thriving in the Academy program at The McGraw Center for Teaching and Learning is to promote academic flourishing among Princeton’s Masters, Doctoral students, and Postdoctoral scholars. 

Utilizing a holistic model of academic support, we work with students and emerging researchers as you develop into independent scholars and professionals, and we help you acquire targeted tools to be productive while also finding purpose and balance in academic and personal pursuits.

We recognize that graduate school and postdoctoral training is qualitatively different from undergraduate study and other professional experiences, that scholarly “achievement” is dependent on numerous factors, and that many of the skills necessary to prosper in academia remain untaught. That said, we aspire to collaborate with you across disciplines to reveal this “hidden curriculum” while helping you and your peers identify strengths, attain individual goals, and develop supportive relationships with colleagues.

We also equip you with skills and strategies to address potential challenges to your scholarship, effectiveness, communication and collaboration, with the goal of promoting thriving in the academy and beyond.

Signature Services

Coaching by and for Grad Students

Work with a trained "thinking partner" in a confidential, one-on-one setting to identify your strengths and areas for growth; work toward authentic goals; realize your potential; and experience thriving in the academy and beyond.

Imposters Anonymous Discussion Groups

Do you ever feel like your success is undeserved, or as if your accomplishments are merely a result of luck? Do you often compare yourself to others? These feelings are common among graduate students and others in academia, but you don't have to confront them by yourself!

Virtual Writing Accountability & Support Groups

McGraw's Virtual Writing Accountability and Support Groups are small, robust, interdisciplinary writing groups that meet online. They are intended for post-Generals grad students and postdoctoral scholars, and are facilitated by trained McGraw Fellows.

Discerning Dissertating Learning Cohorts

The dissertation is known as the capstone of doctoral education, yet planning and writing one can be a confusing, stressful, and solitary endeavor. Indeed, for most students, the majority of time in grad school consists of the years after coursework and exams are completed - the protracted process of "dissertating" that can be exhilarating, exhausting, lonely, inscrutable, and profound - all at the same time.

Learning Mentoring

Mentoring profoundly affects the well-being of individuals and teams, as well as scientific productivity and success. This 8-session virtual course on effective mentoring is open to all STEM grad students, postdocs, and interested faculty.

Princeton University Neurodiversity Collective

The Princeton University Neurodiversity Collective (PUNC) empowers Princeton’s self-identifying neurodivergent students, faculty, post-docs, and staff by building supportive communities, advocating for positive visibility and inclusion, and equipping the neurodiverse community with tools for professional and personal success.