National Postdoc Appreciation Week
September 19-23, 2022
Join us for the 13th celebration of National Postdoc Appreciation Week!
The Postdoctoral Association of the University of Minnesota welcomes you to Postdoc Appreciation Week 2022 - a series of events to bring UMN postdoctoral researchers together and showcase their excellent contributions to research and the community during National Postdoc Appreciation Week (NPAW).
Please check out the events the UMN PDA and OPI have planned for the week of September 19th through September 25th below and register for any you'd like to join! We have also linked our PDA calendar below, which includes all UMN-planned events plus those provided by the National Postdoctoral Association.
Monday, September 19th
National Postdoc Appreciation Week Reception
Monday, September 19 | 9:00–10:30 AM via Zoom
9:00 AM – 9:30 AM Welcome and Awards Presentation
9:30 AM –10:30 AM Roundtable Discussions
Please join the Graduate School and the Postdoctoral Association at a reception to thank and celebrate the U of M postdoctoral community during National Postdoc Appreciation Week (NPAW). The event will recognize postdocs who have made outstanding contributions to research, teaching and mentoring, service to the University, community outreach and diversity and inclusivity. Faculty awards will be presented for excellence in postdoctoral advising. Postdocs can choose to participate in one of three roundtable discussions: Navigating Mental Health and Well-being, Pursuing Diverse Career Paths and Incorporating Inclusive Teaching and Research Practices. RSVP here. The Zoom link will be sent to those who RSVP'd a few days before the event.
NPAW Kickoff Event: Finding Your Balance
Monday, September 19 | 12:00–1:00 PM
Hosted by the National Postdoctoral Association
The national kickoff event to start National Postdoc Appreciation Week. The theme this year is on postdoc mental health and wellness. Speakers will discuss the challenges early career researchers face, share tips they have learned from their struggles, and provide a framework for postdocs to build better balance in their professional lives especially as they navigate their next career step.
You can register for and learn more information about the event here.
Tuesday, September 20th
U.S. Immigration and Employment Options for International Postdocs and Graduate Students
Tuesday, September 20 | 12:00–1:00 PM via Zoom
The Arkell Immigration Team at Dunn Law Firm will present information about U.S. immigration and employment options for international postdocs and graduate students.
Topics include:
U.S. permanent residence (‘green cards’)
National Interest Waivers for researchers and entrepreneurs
Extraordinary Ability petitions
Transitioning from F-1 OPT or J-1 status to H-1B, and ‘H-1B cap’ issues
Recent changes in U.S. immigration, executive orders and related issues
Please RSVP here to receive the Zoom link via email.
NOTE: If you cannot make this time, the Michigan State University Postdoc Association will be hosting another webinar with the Dunn Law Firm on Friday, September 23rd at 1:00 PM. Please RSVP here if you would like to attend during this time instead.
Wednesday, September 21st
Postdoc Orientation Session
Wednesday, September 21 | 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM via Zoom
Welcome to UMN! Whether you have just arrived at the university or have been here for a bit and have remaining questions, all are welcome to attend this session. You will be introduced to Noro Andriamanalina, the Assistant Vice Provost for Student Initiatives who supports postdocs through her position in the Office of Graduate Students and Postdoctoral Initiatives. Sharolyn Kawakami-Schulz and Jenna Hicks from the Office of Professional Development in the Medical School will take you through their orientation session to leave you equipped to conduct your postdoctoral work successfully. Finally, you will get a chance to hear about the Postdoctoral Association and the assortment of career development resources that our Career Development Chair Jay Hou has assembled for postdocs at UMN.
If you plan to attend, please RSVP here.
Friday, September 23rd - Sunday, September 25th
SKY Happiness Retreat
Friday September 23 | 4:30 PM - 7:00 PM
Saturday September 24 | 1:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Sunday September 25 | 1:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Hosted by Lalitha Belur, the SKY Happiness Retreat is a breath-based meditation workshop provided through the UMN Wellbeing Program and RecWell. It combines evidence-based breath work, positive psychology, emotional intelligence, and community building to significantly alleviate anxiety, stress, and boost happiness.
Registration can be done here and the cost is $35.
Sunday, September 25th
UMN Postdoc Family Picnic
Sunday, September 25 | 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM | Boom Island Park, Shelter C
The Postdoctoral Association (PDA) is excited to announce we are hosting another family picnic! Please join us to meet other postdocs and research associates and their families. Partners (including good friends) and kids are welcomed! Food and drinks are on us -- come hang out (we will also have yard games). In order to ensure we have enough food and consider any dietary restrictions, please RSVP here by Thursday, September 22nd.
The address for Boom Island Park is 724 Sibley St NE Minneapolis, MN 55413.
All events are listed on our calendar! You can add this Google Calendar to your own by clicking the blue plus button in the bottom right-hand corner.
National Postdoc Appreciation Week 2022
National Postdoc Association official NPAW 2022 website: https://www.nationalpostdoc.org/page/2022NPAW
Since 2009, the NPA has sponsored National Postdoc Appreciation Day/Week to recognize the significant contributions that postdoctoral scholars make to U.S. research and discovery. In 2010, this week was officially recognized by the U.S. House of Representatives. We are excited to announce the third virtual, multi-institutional NPAW celebration! We are continuing the tradition by working with organizations to highlight events that are open to postdocs from across the country and world.
Lastly, don’t forget to keep your NPA membership updated by visiting this link! NPA offers a variety of great resources for postdocs, including tools for career development and mentoring. NPA membership for UMN postdocs is supported by the PDA, so join for free using this link (choose "Affiliate Individual Member, Postdoc").