Graduate and Professional Student Appreciation Week 2025
Each year, during National Graduate and Professional Student Appreciation Week, the Rackham Graduate School joins universities from across the country to host events designed to support and recognize graduate students. The week is aimed at highlighting the great contributions and high value that graduate and professional students bring to our community. This year’s events include networking, delicious food, games, swag, and the relaxing, joyful presence of therapy dogs. Join us for a week of connection and celebration!
Submit Events for 2025!
Graduate and Professional Student Appreciation Week is April 7 to April 11, 2025. We invite you to celebrate Graduate and Professional Student Appreciation Week by sharing your events and initiatives with us! This week is a time to honor the incredible contributions of graduate and professional students to our academic community.
Rackham’s appreciation week aligns with National Graduate and Professional Student Appreciation Week, observed nationwide from April 7 to 11. Share your planned events with us, and we’ll help promote your initiatives to recognize and celebrate our exceptional students. Some past events to help your department get started showing its appreciation include:
- Discounted Tiger Baseball Tickets
- Welcome Breakfast
- Stress Less Dessert Bar
- GRIN-IGW Caucus Dinner
- Rackham Student Government Trivia Night
- Wellness Room
- Water Bottle Giveaway and Therapy Dog Visit
- Donuts and Coffee
- Appreciation Week Dinner
Let’s come together to make this week a meaningful and memorable celebration of graduate and professional students!
Please contact Danielle Coleman if you have any questions or need to make any changes to your event submission.
Monday, April 7
Steeped in GRADitude
- Event Date: Monday, April 7, 2025
- Event Time: 9:00 to 11:00 a.m.
- Event Location: Rackham Graduate School: 4th Floor
Kick off National Graduate and Professional Student Appreciation Week with Steeped in GRADitude—a special breakfast event celebrating you! Enjoy delicious breakfast options, fresh coffee, and great company. As a token of appreciation, attendees will receive a Rackham-branded coffee mug, while supplies last.
Join us in recognizing the hard work and dedication of our graduate and professional student community.
Sponsored by Rackham Professional Development and Engagement.
Tuesday, April 8
Grad Grub
- Event Date: Tuesday, April 8, 2025
- Event Time: 12:00 to 2:00 p.m.
- Event Location: Ingalls Mall North
- Food Truck Rally (Details Below)
Take a break and grab some delicious food at Grad Grub, a special food truck rally in celebration of National Graduate and Professional Student Appreciation Week! Stop by to pick up a voucher and enjoy a meal from one of the featured food trucks:
- Whoa! Tacos
- Wanderbowls
- Little Caesars
A tent will be set up outside for shade and shelter, and the East and West Conference Rooms on the 4th floor of Rackham will be available for additional seating and weather protection.
As a bonus, attendees will receive a cozy Rackham-branded crewneck sweatshirt (while supplies last). Come for the food, stay for the fun, and celebrate with your fellow graduate and professional students!
Sponsored by Rackham Professional Development and Engagement.
Wednesday, April 9
Mornings and Mugs
- Event Date: Wednesday, April 9, 2025
- Event Time: 9:00 to 11:00 a.m.
- Event Location: North Campus: Gerstacker Grove
- Food Truck: Bearclaw Coffee Truck
Start your morning off right at Mornings and Mugs! Join us for a morning pick-me-up featuring a Bearclaw Coffee Truck, serving up your favorites. Enjoy a complimentary cup of coffee and grab a Rackham-branded travel mug (while supplies last). Whether you’re on your way to class or taking a break, stop by and kick off your day with us!
Sponsored by Rackham Professional Development and Engagement.
Thursday, April 10
Professional Profile Boost
- Event Date: Thursday, April 10, 2025
- Event Time: 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
- Event Location: Rackham Graduate School: Assembly Hall, 4th Floor
Enhance your professional presence with Professional Profile Boost! Whether you’re job searching, networking, or updating your credentials, this event is designed to help you put your best foot forward. Stop by for a free professional headshot, and get expert guidance on refining your LinkedIn profile and resume. Be sure to bring your laptop for on-the-spot reviews and updates!
We recommend wearing business casual attire for your headshot, which will be taken against a blue background.
Enjoy coffee and light refreshments while you polish your professional brand.
Sponsored by Rackham Professional Development and Engagement, and the U-M Medical School Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies.