In recent years we have celebrated Graduate Student Appreciation week in the fall, however, going forward we will align our campus wide celebration with the NAGPS National Grad Student Appreciation Week. This week will be a time to celebrate grad students and their contributions to our community.
Join us for Graduate Student Appreciation Week from April 7 – 11, 2025.
Here's a recap of GSAW 2023:
October 9-13, 2023
Graduate Student Appreciation Week is an opportunity to celebrate graduate students at Illinois and throughout our campus community.
Kickoff Event
MONDAY, OCTOBER 9 | 10AM - 1PM | Anniversary Plaza (Main Quad, Illini Union Side)
Join us on Monday for our Graduate Student Appreciation Week Kickoff Event! We'll be gathered at Anniversary Plaza to kick off the week with stickers, selfies, and snacks.
Take any good pictures? Tag us! We'd love to see how you’re celebrating #ILLINOISGSAW
VISIT US ON GREEN STREET All week long
Can't make it to see us on the Quad? Stop by the Graduate College at 507 E. Green St to take photos with our GSAW decorations and share the Grad Love!
GRADUATE STUDENT APPRECIATION WEEK BANNER
We're partnering with the Illini Union to raise a banner by the Quad!
Student Parent Meet-up
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 10 | 4 PM - 6 PM | BLAIR PARK
Join us at Blair Park where kids can play and adults can meet other folks who are parenting while pursuing degrees. We'll have snacks for kids and adults, as well as bubbles and sidewalk chalk.
Leadership Award Announcement
Wednesday, October 11
Learn about Illinois graduate student trailblazers when we announce the 2023 Graduate Student Leadership Award winners.
Grad Student Appreciation: Donuts with the Beckman Institute Director
Wednesday, Oct. 11 | 9:30 - 10:30 AM | Beckman Café Area
Beckman grad students are invited to have coffee and donuts with Interim Director Cathy Murphy as a part of Graduate Student Appreciation Week. Please RSVP by Monday, Oct. 9.
Free Professional Headshots for Graduate Students
Wednesday, October 11 | 11:15 AM - 1 PM | Illini Union
The Professional Portrait Lab (Illini Union Room 335) is offering graduate students the opportunity for a professional headshot during Graduate Student Appreciation Week! No appointment required. Can't make it during GSAW? The Professional Portrait Lab offers opportunities for headshots on Mondays and Thursdays.
Celebrate Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Wednesday, October 11 | 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM | Illini Union 314A
Stop by and chat it up with the DEI team. We will have fall snacks available! All participants, affiliates, allies, and alumni of Aspire, COS, SROP, SPI, and Sloan UCEM are invited.
Pop-Up Health Fair
Wednesday, October 11 | 1 - 2:30 PM | Graduate College 105
Stop by the Graduate College to chat with McKinley Peer Educators and grab a wellness pack with your I-Card!
International Education Graduate Student Appreciation Night
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 11 | 5:30 - 7:00 PM | ASIAN AMERICAN CULTURAL CENTER
Come join us to show our appreciation for graduate students at the University of Illinois, with interactive activities and an appreciation dinner! (Co-Sponsored by International Education, ISSS, and the Graduate College)
GradSKATE
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 11 | 7:30 - 9:30 PM | UIUC ICE ARENA
Feel like taking to the ice? Come by the UIUC Ice Arena! Graduate students and their families are welcome to free skate rentals. (Bring your I-Card)
Graduate Student Appreciation Week Online Game Night Social
Thursday, October 12 | 6:30 - 7:30 PM | Zoom (See our calendar for Details)
Want to meet other graduate students, relax, and enjoy an evening of games and conversation? This is the place for you!
Illini Wellness Week Swag Bag Pick-Up
Friday, October 13 | 1 - 2 PM | Graduate College 105
Stop by the Graduate College to pick up a bag of Illinois Wellness Week swag! We have bags for the first 25 people who stop by with their I-Cards. (Update: Thanks for stopping by! The Illini Wellness Week bags have been claimed.)
Humanities Research Institute Graduate Student Social
Friday, October 13 | 4 - 6 PM | Levis Faculty Center, 1st Floor Lobby
Graduate students in the humanities, arts and related fields: you are cordially invited to join us for a casual, relaxed happy hour gathering on the first floor of Levis Faculty Center! Come and meet fellow students while enjoying light food, drinks, and convivial conversation.
RESOURCES
WE CAN'T WAIT TO SHARE HOW YOU'RE CELEBRATING GRADUATE STUDENTS WITH THE WIDER CAMPUS COMMUNITY!
Want to celebrate graduate students during Graduate Student Appreciation Week? We've got resources to help you highlight the grad students in your life, lab, or organization.
Promotional Kit
Download our Promotional Kit for photos, gifs, videos, and decorations to help you celebrate the week.
Have an Event?
Are you hosting an event or celebration for graduate students? We'd love to hear about it!