Grad+ Special Topics, led by human behavior specialist, Dr. Leslie-Ellen Blood, uses a lecture/lab format built on practical application, accountability, critical reflection, and meaningful contribution.

This fall, our Grad+ Special Topics seminar draws on behavioral science to explore how graduate students can develop, define, and leverage identity to build confidence and resilience. If you want to increase motivation and decrease stress, join us as we reimagine what success looks like, sharpen focus, and kick procrastination to the curb.

Identity is built through the personal, autobiographical narratives we construct and communicate, both internally and externally. Confidence in who you are, and clarity about your identity, are critical to resilience. Don’t miss this opportunity to build self-awareness, apply behavioral strategies grounded in research, and connect with fellow scholars across the CU Boulder community.

We recommend you participate in a year of Grad+ Fundamentals before advancing to Grad+ Special Topics series.

Outcomes

• Clarify your sense of self to strengthen identity and self-image
• Explore how values, beliefs, and experiences integrate into a cohesive self-concept
• Personalize research-backed, behavior-based strategies to support your growth and development
• Understand how cultural norms, family context, and personal experience shape identity
• Learn how identity can address patterns of avoidance and inaction
• Use identity to improve prioritization and reduce procrastination

All graduate students welcome!

Register by Sept. 3, 2026. Contact Hailey.Herman@colorado.edu with any questions.