Graduate and Professional Student Appreciation Week 2025
Each year during National Graduate and Professional Student Appreciation Week, 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 more. Join us for a week of connection and celebration!
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.
Register for Steeped in GRADitude
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.
Blend and Bloom: DIY Tea Blend, Board Games, and Gratitude Wall
- Event Date: Tuesday, April 8, 2025
- Event Time: 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.
- Event Location: Rackham Graduate School, East Conference Room, 4th Floor
Rackham Student Government welcomes you to a couple hours of wellness and community bonding with fellow graduate students! Graduate students will be offered pre-packaged tea blends, play board games, and publicly express appreciation about their graduate experience by leaving written notes or messages on a large poster-board.
Register for Blend and Bloom: DIY Tea Blend, Board Games, and Gratitude Wall
Sponsored by Rackham Student Government
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!
Register for Mornings and Mugs
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.
Register for Professional Profile Boost
Sponsored by Rackham Professional Development and Engagement, and the U-M Medical School Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies.
Social Justice Symposium
- Event Date: Thursday, April 10, 2025
- Event Time: 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
- Event Location: Palmer Commons, Great Lakes Room
Taking Back Our Power for Driving Change: Advancing Social Justice through Civic Engagement and Social Capital
Mark your calendars and be part of an inspiring day at Palmer Commons as we gather to explore the power of civic engagement in advancing social justice. This year’s symposium features a keynote address by Jacqueline S. Mattis, an engaging panel discussion on “Driving Change in Divided Times,” and opportunities to connect with others across campus.
Through dynamic discussions, performances, and interactive activities, we will examine how we can reclaim our collective power to foster change, strengthen our communities, and drive meaningful action. Don’t miss this chance to build connections, exchange ideas, and be part of a movement dedicated to justice and equity.
Capacity is limited—secure your spot today!
Register for the Social Justice Symposium
Sponsored by Students of Color of Rackham
Therapaw Thursday
- Event Date: Thursday, April 10, 2025
- Event Time: 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.
- Event Location: Rackham Graduate School, Assembly Hall, 4th Floor
Graduate and professional students are invited to come de-stress with adorable furry friends from Therapaws of Michigan!
Register for Therapaw Thursday
Sponsored by Rackham Student Government
