Postdoctober Fest is a monthlong celebration of UCLA’s postdoctoral scholar community in honor of National Postdoc Appreciation Week (NPAW). This year, NPAW was from September 15 – September 19, 2025.
At UCLA, we celebrate our postdocs throughout the month of October with programming, workshops, and social events. Postdoctober Fest is a collaboration with the Division of Graduate Education, Bioscience Postdoc Affairs Office, and PDA at UCLA.
About NPAW
Since 2009, the National Postdoc Association has sponsored National Postdoc Appreciation Day/Week to recognize the significant contributions that postdoctoral scholars make to U.S. research and discovery. Organizations from across the world participate by holding special events. In 2010, this week was officially recognized by the U.S. House of Representatives.
Did You Know?
Current UCLA postdoctoral scholars can claim a free affiliate membership with the National Postdoc Association. Click here to learn more!
Postdoctober Fest 2025 Calendar of Events
Check out or schedule of events! Registration for events strongly recommended.
Annual TA & Postdoc Teaching Conference
September 16 – 17 via Zoom and Royce Hall & Haines Hall Classrooms
The TLC’s annual TA & Postdoc Teaching Conference offers opportunities for novice and experienced instructors to build a community of colleagues and develop their teaching toolkits. This latest iteration of the conference expands offerings for postdoctoral scholars as well as incoming and returning TAs to build the necessary skills to start fall quarter strong.
View Conference Information and Registration
Sponsored by the Teaching and Learning Center
PDA at UCLA Coffee Hour and General Meeting
September 18 from 12 – 2:45 P.M.
Pritzker Hall 1531
Register for the 09/18 Coffee Hour
Sponsored by the Postdoctoral Association at UCLA
Fall International Graduate Student and Scholar Social
October 8 from 5:30 – 7:30 P.M.
Wescom Terrace in Ackerman Union
Join the Dashew Center at Wescom Terrace in Ackerman Union for the International Graduate Student & Scholar Fall Social! This event is aimed specifically towards international graduate students, scholars, and their dependents, but is open to all graduate students and scholars in the UCLA community who are interested in attending.
There will be Dashew swag and complimentary light dinner and refreshments will be available for the first 200 attendees. We will also feature prize giveaways and resource tables from campus partners. Registration is recommended.
Register for the 10/08 International Scholar Fall Social
Sponsored by the Dashew Center for International Students and Scholars
Postdoctober Welcome Reception
October 9 from 4 – 6 P.M.
James West Alumni Center, Founders’ Room
Join us to kick-off Postdoctober Fest, our monthlong celebration of UCLA’s postdoc community! Current and former postdocs, Faculty Mentors, and Postdoc-Affiliated Staff are welcome! Light refreshments will be available.
Register for the 10/09 Postdoctober Reception
Sponsored by the Division of Graduate Education
From Postdoc to Professor: Teaching Readiness Intensive Workshop
October 24 from 10 A.M. – 2 P.M.
Powell 190
Developing Your Teaching Philosophy (led by TLC staff)
Course Design Fundamentals (led by TLC and CIRTL staff)
This multi-session program supports postdoctoral scholars preparing for teaching-focused academic careers. Participants will deepen their understanding of evidence-based, student-centered, and inclusive teaching practices; gain experience with core elements of course design; and develop materials such as a teaching philosophy. This program also creates opportunities to connect with peers and mentors committed to teaching excellence and is part of UCLA’s annual Postdoctober recognition month. Lunch will be served.
Register for the 10/24 Workshop
Sponsored by the Teaching and Learning Center
U.S. Immigration and Employment Options for Grad Students and Postdocs Workshop
October 27 from 12 – 1 P.M. via Zoom
Click here to Join the Immigration Workshop
Sponsored by PDA at UCLA and Dunn Law Firm
Less, but Better: Focusing on What Matters Workshop
New Date! October 27 from 1 – 2:15 P.M.
BSRB 154
This workshop is designed to provide a powerful tool in helping to set priorities for one’s productive work. This understanding is critical to effectively navigate sea of obligations we are all subject to. Based on the highly influential work of Greg McKeown, participants will learn practical and effective strategies for identifying which projects to take on and which to decline, and how to do so gracefully and effortlessly.
Lunch will be served. Space is limited. RSVP by 10/23 to secure your spot.
Register for the 10/27 Less but Better workshop
Sponsored by the Division of Graduate Education
PDA at UCLA Fall Fest
November 4 from 4 – 6 P.M.
Physics and Astronomy Building Patio
All postdocs are welcome!
RSVP for the 11/04 Fall Fest
Sponsored by PDA at UCLA
Chancellor’s Postdoc Research and Excellence in Postdoc Mentoring Awards Ceremony
November 12 from 4 – 7 P.M.
California NanoSystems Institute
