Most chemical engineering programs that offer M.S. and Ph.D. degrees have a common seminar series for all the graduate students. Many would agree that seminars lack student interest, leading to ineffectiveness. We questioned the possibility of adding value to the seminar series by incorporating non-technical topics that may be more important to the success of students. We incorporated topics such as technical writing, engineering ethics, patent issues, safety at the workplace, and cultural diversity into the seminar series by identifying resources within the university. To encourage public speaking and attentiveness of students during the presentation, students have to submit a critique (homework) providing feedback on the presentations or ask a question at the end of the seminar. These responses have been very positive and encouraging.