All Things PDP
Exploring Avenues for Personal Development and Professional Achievement
Using opportunities provided by the University context, complete activities that require you to face a personal challenge or to help advance your personal or academic achievement in new ways.
You are not limited to these activities. You are also encouraged to find activities of your own to make it personal.
Keep in mind, activities are not limited to certain categories, it all depends on the category rationale you provide to your TA.
Some activities can be done at any time of the year and do not have a specific date or time associated with them, these activities can be found at the bottom of the page.
DO NOT sign up for any activity without prior approval of the activity and category from your TA.
Queer Dinner Night Out; Mt. Pleasant Pride Center, First Wednesday of each month 6:30pm
For more information go to https://www.mppridecenter.com/
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Gayme Night; Mt Pleasant Pride Center; every Thursday 6pm-8pm
For more information go to https://www.mppridecenter.com/
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Arts and Crafts; Mt. Pleasant Pride Center; Every Friday 6pm-8pm
For more information go to https://www.mppridecenter.com/
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Let's Connect; Wednesdays, 2:00-3:45 PM, 9/2-12/16, UC - CSID
A time to relax, ask questions about mental health, create art, and connect with a counselor. Feel free to drop in for a few minutes or spend the entire
time connecting.
Alternating Counselors
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Different Minds Community Meeting; Tuesdays, 5:00-6:00 PM, 9/8-12/8, Foust 100
A weekly community meeting for Autistic students to show up as their authentic self to discuss shared experiences, navigate college life, and build
supportive peer connections.
Leader: Cheryl Danner (danne1ca@cmich.edu)
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Pause for Paws - Therapy Dogs 2nd & 4th Friday of each Month, 3:00-4:45 PM, 9/11-12/11, Foust 100
Take a moment to relax with a therapy dog. Dogs are present the 2nd & 4th Friday of each month. Meets in Foust 100 (check @cmucounseling Instagram).
Questions are directed to: Counseling Center (counsel@cmich.edu)
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Men's Circle of Growth; Tuesdays 6pm-7pm 9/15-12/8, Foust 136
Have you ever struggled to understand your own or someone else’s feelings and emotions? Have you struggled to meet your needs? Have you wanted to
solve a problem while reducing conflict? Improve your communication skills, relationships, and improve your life. Life is about relationships, with everyone!
Join our men’s group to reflect on similar experiences, enhance your skills, and build community.
Leader: Tim Theisen (theis1tm@cmich.edu)
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Executive Function Strategies; Tuesdays 5-6:30pm, 9/15-12/8, Foust 135
Do you struggle to manage your time/tasks, have a hard time asking for help, saying “no” to things you want to do, but don’t have time to do? Learn
strategies to help with prioritizing, organizing/shifting between tasks, and staying focused/regulating attention. Build or improve your skills and improve
your classroom performance.
Leader: Anna Grajek (graje1am@cmich.edu)
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The Art of Managing Anxiety; Wednesdays 5-6:30pm, 9/16-12/9, Foust 135
Combine calming and expressive art activities while getting and providing support along with others who can relate. Learn new anxiety management
strategies as well as tangible skills and tools you can use to address anxiety while sharing what has worked for you with each other.
Leader: Atefeh Jenrow (jenro1ae@cmich.edu)
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Survivor Support; Wednesdays 3-4:30pm, 9/16-12/9, Foust 135
This support group is open to anyone who has been impacted by sexual assault, domestic violence, intimate partner violence, and/or stalking. The content of the group varies from week to week, but there is no obligation or pressure to share your story to attend.
Leader: Aileen Guerra-Morales (guerr1a@cmich.edu)
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Career Coaching in Grawn; 12pm-2pm Sept 30th, Oct 14th, Oct 28th, Nov 11th, Dec 2nd
Get career advice without leaving Grawn Hall! Stop by the Grawn Atrium from noon-2 p.m. for one-on-one support from Career Peer Advisor Jenna Lang.
Whether you're getting ready for a career fair, polishing your resume or just figuring out your next step, stop by for help with:
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Elevator pitch practice
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Resume reviews
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Interview preparation
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Career consulting
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Career fair readiness
No appointment is necessary. Bring your questions — and your resume if you'd like it reviewed.
For more information, visit the HUB in Grawn 112 or email cbahub@cmich.edu.
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Transgender Adult Support Group; Mt. Pleasant Pride Center, Oct 13th, Nov 10th, 5:30pm-7:00pm
For more information go to https://www.mppridecenter.com/
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LGBTQIA+ Youth and Parents Support Group; Mt. Pleasant Pride Center, Oct 16th, Nov 20th, 4:30-6pm
For more information go to https://www.mppridecenter.com/
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Men's Social; Mt. Pleasant Pride Center, Sept 29th, Oct 27th, Nov 24th, 6-7:30pm
For more information go to https://www.mppridecenter.com/
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Mock Interviews; Wed, Sept 30, 10 AM - 1 PM, Grawn Atrium
Shake off your pre-interview jitters by sitting down for a real mock interview with an actual recruiter and Career Development staff. You'll get honest, real-time feedback on your answers, body language, and overall presentation — exactly the kind of practice that builds confidence before the real thing. Registration is required, and space is limited; once registered, you can choose up to two employers and pick your preferred time slots. Please be on time, as interviewers will move on to the next student if you're more than 5 minutes late.
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Sweat and Reset with TA Kathryn; October 6th, 5:45 pm-7:00pm, Student Activity Center (We will meet in the SAC lobby at 5:45 pm, from there I will take us to our instructor for a short presentation before the workout)
Take a break from the busy pace of college and make time for yourself! Sweat & Reset is a beginner-friendly full-body fitness experience designed to show how movement can be both a physical and mental outlet. We’ll start with a short conversation about the connection between physical activity and stress relief before participating in a workout designed to help you "sweat and reset. Whether you’re new to fitness or already active, this is a chance to move and leave feeling refreshed. Come sweat with us, then give yourself permission to rest. The link closes on October 4th, 2026, so you will need to sign up before then if you wish to participate!
Please wear close-toed shoes and comfy clothes that you can move in!
Maximum of 15 people
Email: Thorn2k@cmich.edu
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Disconnect to Reconnect: Being Present with Purpose; Oct. 6th 6-7:30pm, Deerfield Nature Park, 2425 W. Remus Rd.
With life creating so many distractions, commitments, and obligations, it is important to take time to be mindful and present. This event will engage students in nature and wild spaces as an opportunity to disconnect from the noise, be present in the moment, and connect with your community. Students will engage in several activities and guided reflection to achieve these purposes and goals. This event will take place fully outside, with participants asked to bring appropriate clothing and footwear for walking in nature and being outside.
25 students
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Study Space Walking Tour with RSO Step it Up CMU and TA Paige; Thursday October 8th 6:00pm-7:30pm, Meet at the arch between East and South dorms
Did you know that studying in your room increases stress and decreases your quality of sleep? Join the RSO Step it Up CMU on a walk around campus to learn about the hidden gems where you can study outside of your dorm and learn how walking provides mental preparedness for studying. Wear comfortable walking shoes and be prepared for inclement weather. We walk rain or shine!
Maximum number of people accepted: 30
Contact email: weid1ps@cmich.edu
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Sign-up link: Here
Therapy Dogs at the Park Library; Oct. 7th, 5-7pm, Park Library
Take a break from studying and spend some time with our therapy dogs. Stop by to pet the dogs, relax, and enjoy some furry company.
October 7
5–7 p.m.
Park Library, 2nd floor at the top of the stairs
No registration required. Stop by anytime between 5 and 7 p.m. to visit.
Can't make this session?
The therapy dogs will be here every month of the semester and again during finals.
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Chillaxin with Elizabeth; 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month, 6:00-7:30 PM,10/13-12/8, Foust 100
A support group for students with minoritized identities. Meets the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of every month in Foust 100. THIS STARTS IN OCTOBER
Leader: Elizabeth Husbands (husba1e@cmich.edu)
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Cooking 101: Learn to Make Spaghetti with TA Hannah; October 14th, 6pm-8pm, Wightman 110
Come join staff from the Nutrition and Dietetics Program and TA Hannah to learn how to make a simple spaghetti dinner from start to finish! We’ll go over basic grocery shopping and meal planning, practice beginner cooking skills like safely cutting vegetables, and prepare a meal together. No previous cooking experience is needed!
Limited to 12 people
jonss1h@cmich.edu
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Study Smarter, Not Harder: Mastering Notes and Study Skills with TA Gina; October 15th 6-7 pm, Anspach 260
Come work with Eron Drake from the office of Academic Support and learn practical strategies for studying more effectively, taking useful notes, managing your time, and studying for exams. We will explore different note taking methods, ways to turn class notes into useful study materials, and techniques for staying on top of coursework in all classes.
20 people can attend
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Sign up here
Sign up here
CMU All Major Career Fair; Fri, Oct 16, 10 AM - 1 PM, Bovee University Center
Our biggest career event of the fall, open to students from every major across campus. Recruiters from a wide range of industries will be there to discuss internships and entry-level opportunities, so whether you're an underclassman just starting to explore career paths or a senior ready to apply, there's real value here for you. It's also a great way to practice your networking and interviewing skills with multiple employers in one place.
Before the Career Fair events:
- Register in advance through Career Central (walk-ins welcome too!)
- Prep a 1-minute elevator pitch
- Bring several error-free resumes
- Dress professionally — need an outfit? First Impressions offers free professional clothing by appointment!
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SAPA Solidarity Night – 10/20
Solidarity is a night of unity and expression when campus & community come together in honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. This popular event features a speaker and a variety of groups and individuals showcasing musical performances, poetry, and artistic expression. Following the performances there is a speak-out portion where anyone affected by sexual aggression can share their story in a supportive environment. On average, this event is attended by approximately 80-100 individuals each semester. This event will take place on October 20th at 6pm in the UC Rotunda.
If you are interested in performing at the event, please send your piece (lyrics, music, artwork) to SAPA administration two weeks before the event- sapa@cmich.edu Each performance is allotted 5-7 minutes and they request pieces that are related to sexual aggression/ domestic violence in some way (with a focus on hope, related emotions, what it means to be a survivor, or the impact of the experience). A few examples of songs that were performed in the past include: “Astronomy” by Conan Gray, “What’s My Name” by China Anne McClain, and “Matilda” by Harry Styles. SAPA welcomes a wide variety of performances as long as the message is supportive of survivors of domestic violence and sexual aggression.
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Meet Me At The Mat with TA Vanessa; October 16th from 3pm-4pm, SAC NRSA room
Besides building strength and flexibility, pilates can be a healthy alternative to managing stress for busy college students. Join TA Vanessa and Dr. Catherine Tobin for a beginner-friendly introduction to Pilates and learn some of the fundamental routines that you can then use to practice on your own.
maximum of 20 students
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Health Professions Fair; Wed. Oct 21, 4 PM - 7 PM, HP Building 1020
The Health Professions Fair, hosted by the Career Development Center and the College of Health Professions, is a forum for students to connect with employers in their field. It is open to ALL CMU Health Professions Students, Biology and Health Sciences student and Health Business Students.
Before the Career Fair events:
- Register in advance through Career Central (walk-ins welcome too!)
- Prep a 1-minute elevator pitch
- Bring several error-free resumes
- Dress professionally — need an outfit? First Impressions offers free professional clothing by appointment!
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Workplace Burnout in Speech-Language Pathology: Building Resilience Through Action-Oriented; Oct 22nd, 4pm-5pm
Join us for Communication is Central: A Professional Learning Event Series, a course designed to explore the impact of workplace burnout, chronic stress, and rumination on speech-language pathologists across a variety of clinical settings. Participants will gain practical, evidence-informed strategies to enhance resilience, strengthen emotional regulation, and promote sustainable professional well-being. By the end of the course, participants will be able to identify key factors contributing to workplace burnout in speech-language pathology, describe effective strategies for reducing burnout beyond traditional self-care practices, and develop an individualized action plan that incorporates evidence-informed approaches to improve workplace well-being and support long-term professional success.
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Register: Here
Smiles & Miles Beginner Run Club with TA Adalyn; Friday, Oct 23 from 9:00-9:30, Tuesday, Oct 27 from 5:00-5:30, Friday, Oct 30 from 9:00-9:30, Tennis courts on Broomfield (next to the SAC)
All three of these dates are necessary to attend for this PDP!
Have you been wanting to start running, but don't know where to start? Come join TA Adalyn and get started. This club is for people who want to start running but may not know exactly how or for those who are motivated by running with others. Each meeting will include beneficial stretches, warm-ups, and then we will run for 1-2 miles.
Max number of people: 12
Contact info: Adalyn Britton- britt2a@cmich.edu
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When "Average Scores" Are Not Reassuring: Identifying Hidden Language Risk; Nov 9th, 4pm-5pm
Join us for Communication is Central: A professional Learning Event Series.
Some students achieve average scores on standardized assessments while still experiencing significant challenges with academic language, literacy, discourse, and classroom success. This presentation explores how contextualized assessment, narrative and discourse analysis, writing analysis, and error interpretation can uncover hidden language risks that may be overlooked by composite scores alone. Participants will gain practical strategies for identifying and supporting students with subtle but meaningful language difficulties.
Register by 11/4/2026 here: https://bit.ly/4y89woe
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Register here
Therapy Dogs at the Park Library; Nov 11th, 5-7pm, Park Library
Take a break from studying and spend some time with our therapy dogs. Stop by to pet the dogs, relax, and enjoy some furry company.
November 11
5–7 p.m.
Park Library, 2nd floor at the top of the stairs
No registration required. Stop by anytime between 5 and 7 p.m. to visit.
Can't make this session?
The therapy dogs will be here every month of the semester and again during finals.
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