GRN Call for Proposals

Graduate Research Network

The Graduate Research Network (GRN) is a network of scholars from digital rhetoric, computers and writing, and technical and professional communication who collectively sponsor a mentoring workshop concurrently with the Computers and Writing Conference. The aim of GRN is to provide a supportive and generative setting for graduate students to share work-in-progress research with scholars of similar interests and expertise. Work-in-progress reviews for work at any stage of completion—from conceptualization to publication—are facilitated with scholars in the field serving as discussion leaders.

GRN, June 10, 12, 14, & 20, 2024 
Computers and Writing Conference, June 21-24, 2024
Conference host: Texas Christian University
Location:  Fort Worth, TX
Contact email: candwconference@gmail.com

What can the GRN do for me?

Our pre-conference events are FREE and open to all registered conference participants. Discussions provide an ideal setting to share research with colleagues of similar interests. Conversations are facilitated by discussion leaders and work at any stage of completion—from conceptualization to publication—is welcome.

    • Jumpstart a new research project
    • Overcome dissertation / thesis dead-ends
    • Acquire feedback on current projects
    • Discover venues for future publication
    • Prepare for your academic career search
    • Get to know, learn from, and conspire with key members of the C&W community

Call for Proposals

We are seeking proposals for in-process writing and research projects for roundtable discussions at the 22st annual GRN, held in conjunction with the Computers and Writing Conference. GRN 2024 is open to all registered conference participants at no charge and will include a series of virtual and face-to-face events to increase opportunities for graduate students and faculty mentors interested in participating in workshops.

Deadline: Submit Your Proposal by Friday May 3, 2024 at 11:59pm EST.

GRN Schedule of Events

Monday, June 10, 11-4, EST |
Virtual GRN Kickoff & Writing Groups Part I

At this synchronous virtual event, participants will gather to celebrate the beginning of the Graduate Research Network. As part of this kick-off event, we’ll work together to build writing groups that address our unique positions, methods, and goals; and we’ll get to know one another as a group. 

Detailed Agenda 

    • 11-1130 EST | Welcome, introductions, and goal setting
    • 1130-3 EST | Writing groups work in Zoom breakout groups online and/or asynchronously
    • 3-4 EST | Large group debrief

Zoom links for this event will be sent to registered participants via the email they provided. Please check your spam folders.

Wednesday, June 12, 11-4 EST |
Virtual GRN: Writing Groups Part II

During this synchronous virtual session, we’ll break into the 3-5 person writing groups we established in the previous session. During this session, members will read and give feedback on one another’s written work, continuing the conversation about our writing goals and practices. Organizers will suggest a schedule, but groups are free to structure their time in a way that benefits all members. 

Detailed Agenda 

    • 11-1130 EST | Welcome, introductions, and goal setting
    • 1130-3 EST | Writing groups work in Zoom breakout groups online and/or asynchronously
    • 3-4 EST | Large group debrief

Zoom links for this event will be sent to registered participants via the email they provided. Please check your spam folders.

Friday, June 14, 4-6 PM EST |
Virtual GRN: Job Market Workshop

 

Join us for a virtual Graduate Research Network Job Workshop on Friday, June 14, from 4 to 6 p.m. ET. The workshop will include brief presentations from members of the computer and writing community and include breakout rooms focused on key topics related to preparing for the job market.

During this synchronous virtual event, faculty facilitators will hold breakout sessions on topics related to preparing for the job market, including (but not limited to!) creating application materials, interview preparation, elements of campus visits, and more. 

This year’s presenters include Zakery R. Muñoz (Syracuse University), Crystal VanKooten (Michigan State University), and Jenae Cohn (University of California, Berkeley).

Register here: https://syracuseuniversity.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJwscOygrD8tGtRTldcwsoQj9aSiTZtyU5ZV

Facilitators: Patrick W. Berry (pwberry@syr.edu) and Derek Van Ittersum (dvanitte@kent.edu)

Thursday, June 20, 12:00 – 4:00 PM @ TCU: On-Site Methods Mixer

All GRN participants and faculty mentors are invited to join us for this on-site event for a catered lunch and even more opportunities to connect. The Methods Mixer will feature lightning talks from C&W participants, Q&A opportunities for graduate students, and a recap of the first-ever Virtual GRN experience. During the Mixer, we’ll work together to explore our research questions, methods, and our subdisciplines and areas of interest. At the end of the Mixer, organizers will help all participants get matched with writing & mentorship opportunities that extend beyond C&W 2024. 

GRN Writing Groups: Quarterly Meetings (TBA) 2024-2025

Following GRN, groups of interested graduate students will be partnered with a faculty mentor (or mentors) in order to promote ongoing mentoring and engagement related to research and writing projects. Throughout 2024-2025, writing groups will meet quarterly at a time to continue the dialogue started at GRN 2024.