SHARPGrads Program

SHARPGrads is the Skills, Habits, and Research Program for Graduate Students at the University of South Carolina. This free workshop series, sponsored by University Libraries, Research Computing, and the Graduate School, provides training in data skills, digital scholarship, computing, and other important research concepts for students enrolled in graduate-level courses at the Columbia campus. Students completing the program receive a certificate of completion and digital distinction.

How does SHARPGrads work?

Participants in this program attend five (or more) required and optional sessions. After each session, a short survey is sent to each attendee. Completion of these surveys is mandatory. Once all Required and Optional requirements have been fulfilled, the student has completed SHARPGrads.

SHARPGrads cohorts begin in the fall semester and end the following spring. Students must complete the program during its two-semester duration. SHARPGrads programming is not offered during the summer. At the end of the semester of completion, the Certificate of Completion and digital distiction will be awarded at the email address used to register on the registration form.

You must register for each session you plan to attend ahead of time. Watching a video recording of a session does not count towards SHARPGrads completion. You must attend the synchronous (in-person or online) session. Most sessions are offered multiple times.

Learn more about each SHARPGrads session and register at the links below.

You must attend one session of each of these. Register online.

Graduate Student Research Toolbox
Introduction to Publishing in Scholarly Journals
Research Data Management Basics

You must attend a total of at least two optional sessions. You may register for as many optional sessions as you like.

Optional Sessions

Completing SHARPGrads

Upon completion of SHARPGrads, you will receive a Certificate of Completion from University Libraries and Research Computing and an ORCID digital distinction indicating your completion of the program. All communication will be sent to the email address provided on the SHARPGrads Registration Form. Students who complete the program will be invited to attend a reception at the end of the spring semester.

What is an ORCID Digital Distinction?

ORCID (Open Researcher and Contributor ID) is a persistent digital identifier that uniquely distinguishes researchers and connects them with their scholarly work, affiliations, and contributions across time and platforms. ORCID Distinctions build on this by allowing researchers to document and showcase achievements such as skills, certifications, and professional development activities—like completing SHARPGrads. Your ORCID Distinction will allow you to share this accomplishment widely with others in your research community.

How to incorporate your participation in SHARPGrads on your résumé, CV, or website

List as "University of South Carolina SHARPGrads Program."
Place this in a section such as "Professional Development Activities” or "Other Professional Activities.” You can add a link to your ORCID iD on your document. Potential employers and others in your research field can access the link to learn more about the skills learned during the program. You can also share your ORCID record through social media platforms and display it on your email signature.

For questions about SHARPGrads, contact Digital Research Services at digres@mailbox.sc.edu.

University Libraries