The Institute for Chinese Studies at The Ohio State University hosted a two day academic workshop for graduate students from Ohio State and Indiana University. The workshop featured open dialogue on works in progress by eight graduate students and included comments on papers from graduate students and professors from the respective universities. Papers focused on various aspects of Chinese studies and topics ranged from interpretations of Confucian teachings to China’s sponge cities. The goal of the workshop was to offer thoughtful and constructive feedback on the papers and to deepen author analyses and strengthen arguments. Beyond the workshop, graduate students and faculty shared meals, coffee breaks, and informal exchanges that extended the relationship between the two universities. Not only did the workshop advance individual research, but it also shows the commitment of supporting a new generation of Chinese Studies scholars.