Survive and Thrive Workshops

A toolkit for success at uni and beyond

Join our free workshop series designed to help you build practical skills for university and beyond. Whether you’re learning to advocate for yourself, preparing for placement, managing perfectionism, or navigating your relationship with a thesis supervisor, these interactive sessions will equip you with strategies to succeed throughout your studies and future career. 

About the workshops

All workshops are free to attend. Sessions are delivered either online or in person at Nathan Campus. 

WORKSHOP 1

Self-Advocacy at Uni and Beyond

Week 8 | Thursday, 10th of September from 4pm-5pm 

WORKSHOP 2

Wellbeing & Success on Placement: A Panel Discussion

Week 9 | Thursday, 17th of  September from 3pm-4pm 

WORKSHOP 3

Perfectionism & Imposter Syndrome 

Week 10 | Thursday, 24th of September from 10am – 12pm 

WORKSHOP 4

You and Your Thesis Supervisor 

Week 11 | Thursday, 1st of October from 10am – 12pm

Workshop 1:

Self Advocacy at Uni and Beyond

This interactive workshop, facilitated by Lisa Chiang from Griffith Counselling & Wellbeing and Sarah Cardiff from the SRC Student Advocacy team will explore practical self-advocacy skills both within university and in everyday life. Students will learn strategies for communicating needs, navigating difficult conversations, understanding support pathways, setting boundaries, and building confidence in speaking up for themselves in academic, personal, and professional settings. 

The session will include discussion, reflection activities, and practical examples, with opportunities for student engagement throughout. 

Who

All Griffith students (undergraduate & postgraduate)

When

Week 8 | Thursday, 10th of September from 4pm-5pm

Where

Online via Microsoft Teams. Link to be provided after registration. 

Facilitators: 

  • Lisa Chiang – Counselling & Wellbeing
  • Sarah Cardiff – SRC Student Advocacy 

You’ll leave this workshop with: 

  • Practical tools to advocate for yourself confidently  
  • Strategies for navigating difficult conversations  
  • A better understanding of your rights, responsibilities, and support options at university  
  • Greater confidence in communicating your needs in academic, personal, and professional settings  

Workshop 2:

Wellbeing & Success on Placement - A Panel Discussion

Preparing for placement can be exciting, but it can also bring uncertainty, stress, and lots of questions. Join Lisa Chiang from Griffith’s Counselling & Wellbeing team, alongside an experienced Placement Coordinator, a recent Griffith graduate, and a current placement student, as they share practical advice and honest insights into navigating placement successfully while maintaining your wellbeing. 

Topics will include preparing for placement, managing expectations, looking after your mental wellbeing, overcoming common challenges, seeking support when needed, and making the most of the placement experience.  

The session includes a 45-minute panel and a 15-minute audience Q&A.  

Who

Open to all Griffith students, particularly those preparing for or undertaking placement.

When

Week 9 | Thursday, 17th of September from 3pm-4pm 

Where

In-Person: N18_Theatre 2, Nathan Campus 

Facilitators: 

  • Lisa Chiang – Counselling & Wellbeing 

  • Griffith Alumni – Teaching graduate

  • Current Griffith Social Work student – currently on placement

  • An Experienced Placement Coordinator 

Moderation: Q&A facilitated by Lisa Chiang

You’ll leave this workshop with: 

  • Practical tips for preparing for placement

  • Strategies to manage stress and maintain your wellbeing   

  • Real-world insights from students, graduates, and staff   

  • Greater confidence in making the most of your placement experience 

Workshop 3:

Perfectionism & Imposter Syndrome

Many of us believe that perfectionism helps us achieve success and maintain high standards, but it often comes at a significant personal cost. Similarly, imposter syndrome can distort how we perceive our abilities and achievements, leaving us feeling like we don’t belong or aren’t good enough despite evidence to the contrary. 

In this interactive webinar, Dr Desiree Dickerson explores the hidden costs of perfectionism and imposter syndrome, including their impact on productivity, mental clarity, wellbeing, and enjoyment of our work. Participants will learn how to recognise when these patterns are affecting them and develop practical strategies to challenge their inner critic with greater objectivity and self-compassion. 

This workshop is particularly relevant for students undertaking research, where high expectations and self-doubt can often emerge.

Who

Higher Degree by Research (HDR) candidates and other Griffith students completing a research thesis component as part of their degree. 

When

Week 10 | Thursday, 24th of September from 10am – 12pm 

Where

Online via Zoom. Link to be provided after registration. 

Facilitator: 

  • Dr Desiree Dickerson, Dickerson et al.

 

You’ll leave this workshop with: 

  • A better understanding of perfectionism and imposter syndrome  
  • Practical strategies to quiet your inner critic  
  • Tools to build self-compassion and confidence  
  • Techniques to improve productivity without burnout 

Workshop 4:

You and Your Thesis Supervisor

Developing a positive and productive relationship with your thesis supervisor is an essential part of a successful research degree. This workshop, hosted by Dr Michael Carden (PhD) from the GUPSA Postgraduate Advocacy team, explores how Higher Degree by Research (HDR) candidates can take an active role in building a strong professional relationship with their supervisor, while navigating the expectations, responsibilities, and communication that underpin successful supervision. 

The session will also examine common challenges that can arise throughout the supervisory relationship, including managing expectations, resolving difficulties, and understanding the rights and responsibilities of both candidates and supervisors. Particular attention will be given to the power and experience imbalances that can sometimes leave research students feeling uncertain or overwhelmed. 

Who

HDR candidates and coursework students considering a PhD or commencing a research component within their degree. 

When

Week 11 | Thursday, 1st of October from 10am-12pm

Where

Online via Blackboard Collaborate. Link to be provided after registration. 

Facilitator: 

  • Dr Michael Carden (PhD) from the GUPSA Postgraduate Advocacy team 

 

You’ll leave this workshop with: 

  • A clearer understanding of the supervisor–candidate relationship  
  • Strategies for effective communication with your supervisor  
  • Practical approaches to managing common supervision challenges  
  • Greater confidence in navigating your research journey 

Have feedback or questions for us?

If there’s something you’d like raised with the SRC Board, please email your question or concern to src@griffith.edu.au and include your student number.

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Need extra support?

Please email our advocacy team at advocacy@griffith.edu.au

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