Graduate Student Appreciation Week 2023

Graduate Student Appreciation Week (GSAW) is celebrated during the first week of April and will be observed April 3-7. This week recognizes the important contributions of graduate students in the UNC campus community. The Graduate Student Association invites all offices and departments at UNC to do something memorable for graduate students to show their appreciation during this special week. Looking for ideas? Check out some student appreciation ideas from UNC.

See what other institutions have done for their graduate students

2023 UNC Events:

John Wick: Chapter 4 private screening
Sponsored by the UNC Graduate Student Association, Asian Pacific Islander Union, UNC Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Club
Friday, March 24
6:30 p.m. Doors open
7 p.m. Showtime
Cinemark Greeley Mall

This event serves as an early start to Graduate Student Appreciation Week. Join the Asian Pacific Islander Union, UNC Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Club and the UNC Graduate Student Association for this opening night private screening of John Wick: Chapter 4 at the Cinemark Greeley Mall. Doors to the theater open at 6:30 p.m. Showtime at 7 p.m. Graduate Students may reserve tickets for themselves and an optional guest by emailing GSA Director David.Shimokawa@unco.edu. Vouchers for candy from the concessions stand are included with all graduate student ticket reservations.

Haiku Competition (deadline April 7, 5 p.m.)
Sponsored by the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences
Link for Submissions

Attention all aspiring poets and creative minds! We are excited to announce the Graduate Student Haiku Contest, open to all current graduate students. This is your chance to showcase your talent and win amazing prizes. For those who may not know, a haiku is a traditional Japanese poem consisting of three lines, with five, seven and five syllables in each line, respectively. It's a beautiful and concise way to express your thoughts and emotions. To enter the contest, simply submit your original haiku via link by the deadline. Our esteemed panel of judges will review all submissions and select the winners. So what are you waiting for? Let your creativity flow and show us what you've got. This is an amazing opportunity to share your work and be recognized for your talent. We can't wait to read your submissions!

Donuts in Ross for NHS Graduate Students
Sponsored by the College of Natural and Health Sciences
Monday, April 3
9-10 a.m.
Ross Hall, room 2238

Attention all graduate students in the College of Natural and Health Sciences! Are you feeling a bit stressed out from all your coursework and research? Do you need a little pick-me-up to get you through the day? Well, you're in luck! We are offering FREE donuts to all graduate students in the College of Natural and Health Sciences. That's right, free donuts! Swing by Ross Hall, room 2238 to grab a tasty treat and recharge your batteries. This offer is available for a limited time only, so don't miss out! Come and enjoy a delicious donut on us and take a break from your busy academic schedule. We hope to see you soon!

Therapy Dog Meet and Greet
Sponsored by the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences
Monday, April 3
10 a.m. noon
1-3 p.m.
McKee Breezeway

Come join us for a paw-some time at the Therapy Dog Meet and Greet! Our furry friends are excited to meet new people and share their love and affection. Therapy dog playtime is a great opportunity to relax and de-stress from your busy schedule. Our dogs are certified therapy animals that have been trained to provide comfort, support, and companionship to individuals in need. Whether you’re a graduate student, undergrad or just someone looking for some furry company, therapy dog playtime is perfect for everyone. Our dogs love attention and are great at putting a smile on your face. So come on down and enjoy a fun-filled morning/afternoon with our therapy dogs. Bring your friends, family or colleagues, and make new furry friends while you’re at it! We can’t wait to see you there!

GSAW Lunch
GSA Lunch with the Women in Graduate Sciences
Sponsored by the UNC Graduate Student Association
Monday, April 3
Noon
Holmes Dining Hall (meet near Starbucks by noon to get in for free)

Attention all graduate students! The Graduate Student Association and the Women in Graduate Sciences (WIGS) are excited to invite you to our upcoming Graduate Student Appreciation Week lunch. This is a fantastic opportunity to network with fellow graduate students, learn about the work that Women in Graduate Sciences is doing, and enjoy a delicious lunch on the GSA! Whether you are a current member or just interested in learning more about WIGS, we welcome you to attend. All graduate students, from all disciplines, are invited.

Cookies in Gunter for NHS Graduate Students
Sponsored by the College of Natural and Health Sciences
Monday, April 3
5-6 p.m.
Gunter Hall, room 1120

Cookie Monster says, "Me love cookies and me hear that you love them too, especially when they free! Graduate students in College of Natural and Health Sciences, me have great news for you! Me have free cookies waiting just for you! Me want you to be happy and fueled up for all the hard work and studying you do. These cookies are delicious, soft, and freshly baked with lots of love. Me know you love free things, but trust me, you’ll love these cookies even more! So come and get ‘em while they still warm and waiting for you! Remember, me say, 'C is for cookie, that good enough for me!'”

Win Big with University Libraries!
University Libraries is excited to recognize and celebrate all UNC graduate students! This week, the Libraries will have daily drawings for fabulous prizes to spotlight graduate students and all of their important contributions to the UNC campus community. Enter here to win big! Not on campus? No problem! We’ll ship your prize to you.

Free Yoga for Graduate Students
Sponsored by the Sacred Space Yoga
Monday, April 3-Friday, April 7
Sacred Space Yoga, 824 9th Street, Unit C, Greeley, CO 80631

Sacred Space Yoga is offering free classes to UNC Graduate Students from April 3-7th! Sacred Space Yoga is an intimate studio with a friendly, supportive community with classes designed to give members tools to heal trauma and symptoms of long-term stress. Enjoy a wide variety of free classes during the week by visiting them at 824 9th Street Unit C, Greeley, CO 80631 with your student ID and comfortable clothing. Loaner mats, blocks, blankets and pillows are available. Visit their website at https://ssyoga.com/classes to pick any class offered from April 3-7. Enjoy a chance to relax and relieve stress!

Graduate Student Dessert Bar (no registration necessary; walk-in)
Sponsored by the UNC Graduate Student Association
Hosted by the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences
Tuesday, April 4
1-5 p.m.
McKee Hall, room 282

Are you looking for a sweet escape from the stresses of academia? Look no further than the Graduate Student Dessert Bar! Join us on Tuesday, April 4, from 1-5 p.m. (while supplies last) in McKee Hall, room 282 for an afternoon of indulgence in delicious desserts. This is the perfect opportunity to take a break from your studies and connect with your fellow graduate students. Meet new people, share stories, and enjoy some delectable treats. Don't miss out on this chance to treat yourself and take a break from the academic grind. Admission is free, so bring your graduate student friends and join us! We look forward to seeing you there!

Free Yoga for Graduate Students
Sponsored by the Campus Recreation Center
Wednesday, April 5
9-9:45 a.m. Slow Flow Yoga
10:30-11:15 a.m. Dynamic Movements Flow
11:30-11:45 a.m. 15-minute Mindfulness Session
Campus Rec Center: Lower Group Fitness Room
Registration: email Cheyenne.Hassebrock@unco.edu

Attention all yoga enthusiasts and those looking to try something new! We are excited to invite all graduate students to some free yoga classes, designed for all levels of experience. Experienced instructors will guide you through a series of poses and movements that will help you improve flexibility, strength and mental clarity. Whether you are a seasoned yogi or a beginner, you will find something to enjoy and benefit from in our classes. The classes will take place in a relaxed and welcoming environment, perfect for those looking to unwind and destress. Join us for a rejuvenating session that will leave you feeling refreshed and energized. Come join us and experience the benefits of yoga for yourself! These classes are free, so why not give it a try?

UNC Research Day (no registration necessary; walk-in)
Thursday, April 6
8 a.m.-4 p.m.
UNC University Center
Grad students and general public invited; no registration necessary

Come listen to the greatest graduate student research presentations and see the amazing assortment of graduate research posters (there are a few undergrads and faculty members presenting research too). Join us for an informative and engaging series of research presentations at UNC's Research Day, the University's premier academic event! Our graduate students have been working tirelessly on projects across a wide range of disciplines, from science and technology to social sciences and humanities. Come and listen to their insightful presentations, and gain a deeper understanding of the latest developments in their fields of study.

Free Cake (no registration necessary; walk-in)
Sponsored by the Graduate School
Thursday, April 6
11 a.m.-1 p.m.
UNC University Center @ Research Day (near registration tables)

Attention all cake lovers! The Graduate School staff cordially invites you to come and indulge in our delicious free cake during Research Day! We understand how stressful graduate school can be, so we want to treat you to something sweet and satisfying. Don't miss out on this opportunity to satisfy your sweet tooth and take a break from your studies. Or, use this as a chance to treat yourself after your Research Day presentation! Our staff will be happy to chat with you and answer any questions you may have about the Graduate School. We look forward to seeing you there!

GSAW Reception at Feinstein Residence
Sponsored by the Office of the President
Thursday, April 6
5:30-7 p.m.
President Feinstein's Residence
Registration Closed

President Feinstein will be hosting an appreciation week reception for graduate students at his private residence. Appetizers and beverages to be served. Casual attire. Address to be provided to registered graduate students only.

UNC Spring Concert (featuring Ace Hood)
Sponsored by the UNC Graduate Student Association
Friday, April 7
5:30 p.m.-midnight
UNC Bank of Colorado Arena

Contact GSA@unco.edu if you want free tickets (while supplies last).

GSA Sunday Brunch (no registration necessary; walk-in)
Sponsored by the UNC Graduate Student Association
Sunday, April 9
11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
Holmes Dining Hall
Grad students and guests invited; no registration necessary

Join your fellow graduate students for the GSA's weekly brunch in Holmes Dining Hall. Meet in the main entrance hallway at 11:30 a.m. to be swiped into the dining hall. Partners and/or children of graduate students welcome to attend.

Add Graduate Student Appreciation Week Logo to Your Outlook Signature

GSAW Email Signature png

On Mac:

Start a new email.
Go to the “Draft” tab at top and select “Signatures” in the drop-down menu and then select “Manage Signatures.”
You should see a Signatures menu. Under “Signature name,” you may have a “Standard” signature. I would suggest creating a new signature, based on your current signature and then add the attached logo.
For “Choose default signature,” I would suggest having your new signature with the GSAW logo as the “New Messages” choice but have your standard signature for the “replies/forwards.”
Don’t forget to return to your standard signature after April 8.

On PC:

Start a new email.
Go to the "Message" tab and go to the "Signature" drop-down menu in the "Include" section. Click "Signatures."
A "Signatures and Stationary" window should appear. Select a signature to edit or create a new signature.
Above the signature text entry box, there is a image icon to the right of the "Business Card" icon. Click the image icon to enter the GSAW logo.
For “Choose default signature,” I would suggest having your new signature with the GSAW logo as the “New Messages” choice but have your standard signature for the “replies/forwards.”
Don’t forget to return to your standard signature after April 8.

Participating UNC Offices ⁄ Programs 2023

Want to know if your office or program is participating in Graduate Student Appreciation Week? Keep checking back with this list here; we're adding updates as we receive them:

Participating:

Campus Recreation Center
College of Education and Behavioral Sciences
College of Natural Health Sciences
English Department
Graduate School
Graduate Student Association
President's Office
School of Psychological Sciences
UNC Libraries

Undecided:

College of Humanities and Social Sciences
College of Performing and Visual Arts
Monfort College of Business
UNC Bookstore
UNC Dining Services (Sodexho)
UNC Police

Not Participating:

UNC Graduate Student Appreciation Week 2022

Bowling and Laser Tag with the GSA (photos)
Private Skate at the Ice Haus with the GSA (photos)
Hatchet House buyout with the GSA (photos)
Shatter Rage Room with the GSA (photos)
Topgolf with the GSA
Research Day food
Cake for Grad Students
EBS Dessert Bar
EBS Haiku Contest
EBS Online Gaming Event
EBS Therapy Dog visits
Spring Concert
Free Group Fitness Classes with Campus Rec

UNC Graduate Student Appreciation Week 2019

(Last year of full in-person GSAW activities before COVID)

Photos from GSAW 2019:

SpikeBall Challenge @ Gunter Field
Wheelchair Basketball @ Campus Rec
Archery Tag @ Campus Rec
Free Professional Headshots by University Relations
Therapy Dogs @ Michener Library
Yoga on the Lawn @ Gunter Green
Free Group Fitness Classes @ Campus Rec
GSA Social @ Highbrau Taphouse