Grad+ Seminar Series: Special Topics - Identity Cultivation & Application for Confidence - Fall 2026

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!