Please take a moment to complete the Division A GSC Survey, which is being used to inform this academic year's programming. Please share your opinion on the various aspects of the initiatives we have within Division A GSC. Thank you to those who have shared their thoughts with us!
The Writing Group is a space for graduate students to work on writing projects or coursework in solidarity. We’ll start with a quick check-in, then turn off our mics and cameras, and get to work. It's okay to arrive late/leave early. The Writing Group meets Mondays from 7pm-9pm ET through 12/21 for the Fall Semester.
Registration link for sessions from 9/14 through 12/21:Div A GSC Writing Group Zoom Link
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email with instructions for joining the meeting. Looking forward to writing with you!
Passcode: diva
Questions? Email the Writing Group Chair, kiina dordoni (kjd2126@tc.columbia.edu)
Please see a message from our GSC Chair, Edith Middleton:
Welcome to my first issue of GSC Chair Notes.
As I shared in my welcome letter, one of my goals as GSC Chair is to help bring AERA's many opportunities, Divisions, SIGs, deadlines, and events, specific to graduate students, into one accessible place each month.
This issue is a first step toward gathering announcements from across AERA Divisions and SIGs relevant to graduate student members.
Get involved with AERA GSC? Please complete the AERA GSC Community & Connection Interest Form to share how the GSC can create opportunities to connect, collaborate, and support one another during the year and at the 2027 Annual Meeting in Toronto.
Connect with our council of GSC Officers and Division Representatives, check out our GSC newsletter, The Manual, and our monthly GSC meeting minutes.
The Division A GSC Writing Group is over the moon to host our first guest speakers of the season! Our guest speakers will facilitate a workshop or conversation during the first hour so that we are inspired to continue writing for the second hour.
Date/Time: 2 November 2026 7pm EST
Topic: Writing Through Data Collection: Memoing, Organizing & Self-Care
1. RSVP here (this is to let us know you are attending and the place to submit questions - get the Zoom link in Step 2).
2. This is the Zoom link to attend the Guest Speaker session with Dr. Evans-Winters: Div A GSC Writing Group Zoom Link
Bring your questions, challenges, and ideas about writing during the dissertation data-collection process. In this student-led Q&A and conversation with Dr. Venus Evans-Winters, we’ll explore what to write while collecting data—from memoing and research journals to organizing notes, capturing emerging insights, and staying grounded throughout the process. Come ready to ask questions, share experiences, and learn from one another.
About the Speaker: Dr. Venus E. Evans-Winters (Dr. V) is a scholar activist, author, speaker, professor, bold truth-teller, cultural worker and healer who interweaves humanizing dialogue and story-telling into her presentations and writing. She is a professor, Director of PhD Programs, and Program Chair for Doctoral Programs in Leadership Studies in the School of Leadership and Education Sciences at the University of San Diego. A scholar, clinician, and intellectual activist, her work bridges education policy, Black feminist thought, critical pedagogy, and healing-centered leadership.
She is the author of ten books and numerous journal articles and book chapters examining the intersections of race, gender, education, location, and power. A dedicated mindfulness practitioner, she approaches meditation and running with equal parts humor and determination. You can find Dr. V on LinkedIn, on her website, or on Instagram @drvenusevanswinters.
Please email Writing Group Chair, kiina dordoni, with any questions or suggestions: kjd2126@tc.columbia.edu
Now Accepting Applications
The American Educational Research Association (AERA) announces its 2027-2028 AERA Minority Dissertation Fellowship in Education Research competition for graduate students. This fellowship is targeted for members of racial and ethnic groups historically underrepresented in higher education (e.g., African Americans, Alaskan Natives, American Indians, Asian Americans, Hispanics or Latinos, and Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islanders).
The Fellowship Program encourages studies that examine a wide range of education research topics such as students’ school experiences, STEM education and learning, ethnic studies/curriculum; tracking; measurement of achievement and opportunity gaps; English language learners; or bullying and restorative justice. This program provides mentoring and funding support to develop research skills and conduct studies in education related fields and topics.
Further information about the program, frequently asked questions, and application instructions are available in the Call for Proposals.
The application deadline is Monday, November 16, 2026. Contact AERA at fellowships@aera.net with any questions about this program.