National Graduate and Professional Student Appreciation Week was started in 1993 by the National Association of Graduate-Professional Students as a way to support and appreciate graduate and professional students. The week is aimed at highlighting the great contributions and high value that graduate and professional students bring to our community. This week will feature events aimed at showing our appreciation for students with social events, educational sessions, and networking opportunities.
This year Graduate and Professional Student Appreciation Week will take place April 1–5. The week’s activities are sponsored by Rackham Graduate School, U-M Office of Student Life, College of Literature, Science, and the Arts (LSA), Graduate Rackham International (GRIN), Rackham Student Government (RSG), and Students of Color of Rackham (SCOR).
Monday, April 1
Appreciation Breakfast
9:00 to 11:00 a.m.
Assembly Hall, 4th Floor, Rackham Building
Graduate students do so much for our campus, and we want to thank you. Enjoy a hot breakfast and network with fellow students, faculty, and staff as we kick off the week. Hosted by Rackham Graduate School.
GRIN Grad School Cafe
5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Espresso Royale, 1101 South University Avenue
Drop in for a cup of your favorite hot beverage and a chance to bond with fellow grad students while talking about the highs and lows of grad school. Hosted by Graduate Rackham International.
LSA Ice Cream Sundae Bar
12:30 to 2:00 p.m.
Room 2001, LSA Building
LSA wants to treat its awesome graduate students. Come early as ice cream is available while supplies last. Hosted by the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts
No registration is required.
Tuesday, April 2
RSG Wellness Room
12:00 to 2:00 p.m.
Assembly Hall, 4th Floor, Rackham Building
Take a moment out of your day to prioritize your mental health and wellness. Massages, arts and crafts, snacks, and a relaxing environment, all free to you. Self-care is the best care. Hosted by Rackham Student Government.
SCOR Zumba Class
5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
East Conference Room, 4th Floor, Rackham Building
Come and Zumba with SCOR! We know how difficult it is to find time to exercise, so to help, we have organized a free and fun class that will help you work up a sweat and have fun doing it! Hosted by Students of Color of Rackham.
Wednesday, April 3
RSG Food Truck Festival
11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
The Grove, North Campus
Who doesn’t love food trucks, free food, and music? This family friendly event is a great midday break from all the responsibilities of being a graduate student. Hosted by Rackham Student Government.
GRIN Board Game Night
6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Johnson Room, Lurie Engineering Center, North Campus
Join us for an evening of board games and fun! Pizza and non-alcoholic beverages will be served. Hosted by Graduate Rackham International.
Thursday, April 4
Appreciation Breakfast: North Campus
9:00 to 11:00 a.m
East Room, Pierpont Commons, North Campus
Graduate students do so much for our campus, and we want to thank you. Enjoy a hot breakfast and network with fellow students, faculty, and staff as we kick off the week. Hosted by the Office of Student Life.
RSG Chocolate Happy Hour
5:00 to 7:00 p.m.
Assembly Hall, 4th Floor, Rackham Building
Join RSG for a buffet of all things chocolate. Enjoy conversation with fellow graduate students and delicious chocolatey treats. Hosted by Rackham Student Government.
Friday, April 5
Ph.D. Connections: A Career Conference
8:00 a.m. to 5:15 p.m.
4th Floor, Rackham Building
Ph.D. Connections is a one-day career conference designed to support doctoral students and postdoctoral fellows in their exploration of career paths beyond academe. Ph.D. students and postdoctoral fellows will learn about non-faculty career opportunities through interactive sessions with Ph.D.s working in diverse fields and workshops focused on career exploration and job search preparation. Participants will have the opportunity to learn from the keynote presenter, L. Maren Wood, Ph.D. (Co-Founder of Beyond the Professoriate) who will kick-off the day’s events. Co-sponsored by the University Career Center, Rackham Graduate School, and the Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies.
Munger Open House
5:30 to 8:00 p.m.
Munger Graduate Residences, 540 Thompson Street
Come by and explore the Munger Graduate Residences. There will be snacks, tours of the common spaces, open access to the Wellness Zone as well as a retro arcade. Hosted by the Office of Student Life.
Sunday, April 7
Detroit Pistons vs Charlotte Hornets
4:00 to 7:00 p.m.
Little Caesars Arena, 2645 Woodward Ave, Detroit
Join us as we close out Graduate and Professional Appreciation Week with a trip to see the Detroit Pistons play the Charlotte Hornets in Downtown Detroit.
We have a limited number of tickets available for the game. In addition, there will be a questionnaire asking if you would like transportation to and from campus for the event. The bus has limited capacity and will also be available on a first-come-first-served basis. Hosted by the Office of Student Life.