Advising Sessions and Workshops

Important! Regular LDL Course Participants

If you are enrolled in a regular LDL course (not the Exam Sequence)) that meets on Mondays, refer to the courses page for Zoom information.

Recurring Zoom Link (except for the regular classes)

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+16513728299,,943597235# US (Minnesota)
+16465189805,,943597235# US (New York)

While the regular LDL courses have their own Zoom link(s), all of our group advising sessions, writing retreats, virtual meet-ups, workshops, peer presentations, some onboarding, and student-alumni events take place on our recurring LDL Zoom link unless otherwise noted.  Note that individual advising sessions have a different Zoom link.


New LDL Program Students

Purpose: Provide an overview of the LDL program, requirements, and resources

Audience: New Masters and Doctoral students accepted into the LDL concentration

View the Happening Now page for the dates and the Zoom details.

New LDL Course Participants

Purpose: Supplementary to the required asynchronous onboarding, this session will highlight the most important things and serve as an open Q&A

Audience: Anyone who has not previously taken a course from Dr. Cope, Dr. Kalantzis, or Dr. Francis using the CGScholar platform

View the Happening Now page for the dates and the Zoom details, typically this is held during the first week of Office Hours.

In-Person Gatherings

Purpose: To establish and maintain in-person connections

Stay tuned as we strive to bring you more in-person gathering options. Note that these are optional and any travel or lodging expenses are the responsibility of the student.

  • LDL Gathering: A three-day session (Thursday to Saturday) annually
  • College of Education Graduate Student Conference (A research-focused conference available both in-person and remotely)
  • Graduation ceremonies are another opportunity to connect in-person with peers and advisors

Exam-Dissertation Sequence Students

As a part of the Exam-Dissertation Sequence (EDS) we hold regular workshops and weekly group advising sessions. We also are always available to meet with students individually. While the workshops and group advising sessions are optional, we strongly encourage active participation throughout your EDS journey in order for you to receive the most support and guidance possible. Apart from the optional sessions, some sessions are required (see below).

Exam-Dissertation Sequence-Specific Workshops

Purpose: Receive instruction on a core part of the exam-dissertation sequence, such as getting starting, the General Field, Methodology, and more.

  • Mondays (times vary) (US Central Time) during the regular course term, cancelled for all U.S. National holidays.
  • No sessions are held during Summer session 2

Refer to emails and our Happening Now page for specific dates and topics.  Occasionally these sessions will be repurposed or cancelled based on students’ needs.

Exam-Dissertation Sequence Small Group Collaborative Sessions

Purpose: Join with peers who are at the same stage as you within the EDS. These are peer-led sessions where students set the agenda. Select a breakout room after joining our LDL Zoom link. The dissertation advisor may visit a specific breakout room

  • Mondays, (times vary) (US Central Time) during the regular course term, cancelled for all U.S. National holidays.
  • Refer to emails and our Happening Now page for specific dates and topics.  Occasionally these sessions will be repurposed or cancelled based on students’ needs.
Exam-Dissertation Sequence Live Group Advising Sessions

Purpose: Join with faculty advisors and peers to ask questions, request feedback, and/or share progress. During each session, three to five students will volunteer to “present”. All participants can contribute to and/or learn from the discussion.

  • Mondays, 7:30 – 8:30 pm (US Central Time) during the regular course term, cancelled for all U.S. National holidays. Note that during Summer session 2 these will be held from 2:30 to 3:30 pm US Central Time.
  • Most Tuesdays, 9:00 – 10:00 am (US Central Time) during the regular course term.  Refer to the Happening Now page for the most up-to-date schedule.

Contact Dr. Mattingly stuartm3@illinois.edu to present or ask questions. Please come prepared with a brief slide that introduces your topics, research question, and/or logic model to provide context for the discussion.


Individual Advising Sessions

In addition to the mandatory advising sessions, you may schedule individual advising sessions with your faculty advisor Dr. Kalantzis or Dr. Cope, Dr. Xu, or Dr. Magee.

The EDS group advising sessions are a valuable opportunity to receive live feedback from faculty advisors and peers, but we recognize that some circumstances warrant individual advising sessions. Dr. Mattingly will be available for checking your manuscripts for required elements and structure, and will refer you to your advisor.

Program Planning

  • Contact Dr. Mattingly directly to ask questions or to arrange a meeting time with your advisor.
Meeting with Advisor (Dissertation Supervisor)
  • Meet with your advisor for your advanced discussions on your research questions, literature review, methodology, and findings.
  • Tuesdays during normal US daytime hours.
  • Contact Dr. Mattingly stuartm3@illinois.edu to set up a time