Discover Your Skills
Doctoral studies can feel isolating as if you're alone on an island, and as a result, it can feel like a humongous task to navigate interpersonal conflicts and build relationships. The OYF workshops helped me break down these concepts and provided strategies so that now I am able to de-escalate conflict and maintain meaningful relationships with my peers, supervisors, and thesis committee."
Priyanka Prabhu
PhD Candidate, Chemistry
Contact Information
Jenny Richmond-Bravo
Graduate Professional Development Coordinator
p. 519-661-2111 x87848
jrichm6@uwo.ca
Current grad students will receive regular emails with Own Your Future news and updates.
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Communication & Relationship Building

Graduate Students Who Excel in Communication & Relationship Building:
Communicate Complex Information
You tailor your communication to a variety of audiences and adjust the level of technical detail to ensure comprehension and impact. You showcase your unique voice and style and present ideas with clarity.
Disseminate Information Effectively
You use dissemination channels (publications, social media, etc.) to effectively share information relevant to your research, scholarship, or creative activity.
Work Effectively With Others
You establish rapport, empathy, and understanding with others. You address conflict, give and receive feedback, and manage power imbalances to foster positive working relationships.
Build Partnerships and Collaborations
You build partnerships that enhance the needs and interests of all parties.
Dissertation and Thesis Writers' Retreat
Aug. 10, 11, 12, 2026, 9:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. ET each day
Back by popular demand! We are happy to announce three more summer dates for our Dissertation and Thesis Writers' Retreat!
Remove yourself from daily distractions and focus your time exclusively on writing! The Dissertation and Thesis Writers' Retreat provides graduate students with dedicated time for intensive writing. Participating in the retreat can help you make significant progress in writing your dissertation or thesis while establishing good writing habits.
Please note the following changes for these summer dates:
- We will be in the Scholar's Square, which is located in the lower level of Weldon Library.
- Please bring your own lunch and beverages.
- This time, registration is separate for each date. You are welcome to attend all three days but you will need to register three times. All links to register are below. You are also welcome to attend only one or two out of the three days.
more Communication & Relationship Building resources for Grad students
GradWRITE Seminars cover a variety of writing support topics for graduate students and postdoctoral scholars.
Learn about publishing, copyright, information management and more!
Access programs to support research communication, knowledge mobilization, and opportunities for collaboration.
Practice describing your research and scholarship in 150 words!
Access workshops and online modules to support your communication and relationship building skills while upholding EDI principles
Resources and actions for engaging in, and promoting, Truth and Reconciliation work at ·ÛºìÅ®ÀÉ and beyond.