by Amy D’Andrade

If you’re anything like me, you’re returning to the campus hoping that you get a bit more writing and research done this term than you did last semester! In this month’s Update from CASA CARHS, we have information about a unique webinar from NCFDD that can help you further develop your time management skills, details about several peer-based writing supports that are just starting up for the term, and an invitation to our new “First Fridays at Flames,” where you can reward yourself for your scholarly accomplishments, or just vent about the challenges of academic life. Here’s the latest from CASA’s Center for Research on Human Services (CARHS).  Welcome back!

Free on-line workshop on “Aligning your time with your priorities” 

The National Center for Faculty Development and Diversity, to which SJSU has an institutional membership, is offering a webinar bon “Aligning your time with your priorities.” Too often we say we want to focus on our scholarship, but then, for a variety of reasons, weeks go by and little writing has been done. In this webinar/workshop you will learn (and practice) skills to align your limited time with your priorities. NOTE: You must be registered with NCFDD to participate! It’s free, but we need a few days advance notice to sign you up. Contact Amy D’Andrade at amy.dandrade@sjsu.edu with questions or to register.

CARHS writing supports starting up this for Spring semester

The Writing Room: 

Research suggests that people who write for short periods of time on a regular basis are much more productive than those who do “binge writing” –who write in big chunks of time spaced far apart. But finding the time to write is difficult when we have so many other demands competing for our attention. Several of your CASA colleagues are solving this dilemma by meeting on Wednesday mornings from 9-11 to create a regular space in their week to devote to writing. The first session is 2/6/13, meeting in the MLK Library lobby to start. Virtual participation welcome. Contact Danielle Harris at danielle.harris@sjsu.edu with questions or for more information.

Writing Accountability Group:

Research also suggests that writers who have to be accountable to others write much more than those who don’t. Another group of faculty members are using this strategy to help them move forward on scholarly projects. They’ll meet every two weeks to set specific goals, report progress, and just check in about the writing process. Virtual participation is welcome at this group as well. Contact Lori Rodriguez at lori.rodriguez@sjsu.edu with questions or for more information.

Introducing CARHS First Fridays at Flames

With all the stress of the academic life, you might be feeling the need to debrief and unwind. We propose a solution! Please consider joining your colleagues at the CARHS ‘First Friday at Flames’ – a space to relax, chat about research, check in with colleagues about writing goals, vent about grading, or simply forget all about work if you’d rather! Held the first Friday of the month at Flames, from 4PM to whenever: 2/1/13; 3/1/13; 4/5/13; 5/3/13. All are welcome. Contact Ted Butryn at theodore.butryn@sjsu.edu  with questions or for more information.

CARHS research supports

Software support: Struggling with SPSS or NVivo? We have users groups available for NVivo (contact Amy D’Andrade, amy.dandrade@sjsu.edu to sign up) and SPSS (contact Ed Cohen, edward.cohen@sjsu.edu to sign up); also available is one-on-one support for NVivo from a faculty member with special training (contact Amelie Pedneault, amelie.pedneault@gmail.com).

Statistical consultation: We have two excellent statisticians who are available to consult with you on your research. This service is free for CASA faculty members (up to five hours per individual per semester). Contact Kathy Lemon, kathy.lemon-osterling@sjsu.edu for a referral.

Campus research supports

There are a number of valuable supports for research and scholarship offered on campus. SJSU ResearchFoundation workshops this semester from the Office of Sponsored Programs focus on federal grant writing skills, including the upcoming session on 2/20/13 by Associate Dean for Graduate Studies and Research Jerry Flanzer on strategies for working with federal program officers. RSVP to Nancy Riley at nancy.riley@sjsu.edu. Through the Center for Faculty Development, there are a number of terrific opportunities to talk informally with researchers and scholars across campus about their work and its implications. In February, Dr. Kevin Jordan from Psychology – who has received millions of dollar of grant funding – will be speaking at the “Tea and Talk” program on Wednesday at 3PM in IRC 101.

Got ideas for other supports you could use? Offer them on our anonymous feedback form.