Graduate and Professional Student Appreciation Week

April 1-5, 2024 we recognize the many contributions our NC State graduate and professional students make to research, teaching, our state, and beyond. 

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 seeks to emphasize the contributions, impact, and value of graduate and professional students on campuses throughout the United States. 

During this week the Graduate School in partnership with the Graduate Student Association (GSA), and other campus partners will recognize, appreciate and celebrate all that is extraordinary about our GradPack!  See a list of events and activities below.

Monday, 04/01

Donuts on the Dean | Grad T-shirt Giveaway – 10 a.m. | Centennial Campus (across the street from The Graduate School)
We appreciate our graduate and professional student community. Stop by the Graduate School table, grab a donut on the Dean, some Grad School swag and learn about the many resources available to graduate and professional students.

Mindful Monday – 12:15–1 p.m. | Centennial Campus (Research Building IV, Suite 1700)
As part of the Centennial Wellness programming, join us for a FREE relaxing yoga class on Centennial campus in Research Building IV, Suite 1700.

Tuesday, 04/02

Donuts on the Dean | Grad T-shirt Giveaway – 10 a.m. | Stafford Commons
We appreciate our graduate and professional student community. Stop by the Graduate School table, grab a donut on the Dean, some Grad School swag and learn about the many resources available to graduate and professional students.

Wednesday, 04/03

*Graduate Student Research Symposium – 1 p.m. | McKimmon Center
The 16th Annual Graduate Student Research Symposium, held each spring, includes poster presentations from more than 200 graduate students from NC State University. The goals are to showcase the outstanding quality and diversity of graduate-level research at NC State, in addition to providing students with the opportunity to practice and enhance their communication skills with those outside of their discipline.

The event is sponsored by the Graduate School and the Graduate Student Association and is open to the public. 

Wellness Wednesday – noon-1:00 p.m. | Virtual
Our well-being impacts our lives in a myriad of ways, so understanding how to best manage ourselves is an important part of our development. Join Michael Tuma, the embedded counselor for the Graduate School, and the Wilson College of Textiles for a one hour “Wellness Wednesday” session. Sign up!

Thursday, 04/04

LIVE at Lake Raleigh Event and Food Trucks – Food Trucks 5 p.m. | Concert 6 p.m. | Centennial Campus
NC State LIVE is kicking off the season with modern salsa sounds from Latin big band Orquesta GarDel. In addition to your picnic blankets, bring your dancing shoes and get ready to move to the high-energy rhythms of Latin America. Come out and hear Orquesta GarDel.

Thankful Thursday (Social media posting challenge) – All day
Tell us what you’re most thankful for via Twitter, IG or Facebook and use the hashtag #GradPack for a chance to win a prize. Will also encourage you to tag us @ncsugradschool (Twitter) | @ncstategradschool (IG/FB).

Friday, 04/05

Mindful Crafts With the Pack – noon-2 p.m.
Mindful Crafts with the Pack is a collaborative space between Prevention Services and the Crafts Center. Students are encouraged to expand their knowledge of the arts through the creation of fun and unique crafts while also fostering connections on campus and learning about valuable campus mental health resources. Register here

Drop-In Grass Volleyball – 6-9 p.m.
Enjoy an evening of grass volleyball on the Oval at Centennial Campus. Drop by any time between 6 and 9 p.m. with friends to get in the game. Registration is not required.

Save the Date | Friday, 04/12

GSA Annual Spring Social
Get ready to mingle and make memories at the Graduate Student Association Spring Social! Join GSA for a night of fun, networking, and unforgettable moments with fellow graduate students.

Help us spread the word and celebrate our NC State graduate and professional students. Click, download and share one or more of the below graphics via social media.