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Graduate Student Appreciation Week 2024

Graduate Student Appreciation Week (GSAW) is celebrated during the first week of April and will be observed April 1-7. 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

2024 UNC Events:

Graduate School Association Goodie Bags Giveaway 
Event date; Monday, April 1 
Event time: All Day  
Event Location: Carter Hall, Room 2007. 

Stop by the Graduate school and get a goodie bag as we kick start the first day of Graduate Student Appreciation Week.  

Congratulations on your remarkable achievements as a graduate student! Your dedication, hard work and relentless knowledge pursuit have paid off. Your accomplishments serve as an inspiration to us all. Well done! Happy Graduate Student Appreciation Week.  

Sponsored by GSA (Graduate Student Association) and the Graduate School.


Crumbl Cookies and Coffee  
Event date: Tuesday, April 2
Event time: 10 a.m.-noon  
Event location: Carter Hall, Room 2007

Join us for a cup of coffee and cookies. As we continue to extend our heartfelt appreciation to you, the graduate students, for your tireless efforts and commitment to excellence. Your contributions to research, academia and the community are invaluable. Thank you for pushing the boundaries of knowledge and making a difference in the world. 

Sponsored by GSA and the Graduate School.


Sandwiches from Jimmy John's  
Event date: Wednesday, April 3 
Event time: 10 a.m.-noon  
Event location: Carter Hall, Room 2007 

We see you! We also want to express our deep appreciation for your exceptional work as a graduate student. Your unwavering determination, intellectual curiosity and passion for your field have propelled you to new heights. Your accomplishments are a testament to your brilliance and hard work. Congratulations! 

Sponsored by GSA and the Graduate School.


Graduate Student Luncheon  
Event date: Thursday, April 4 
Event time: 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m.  
Event location: Holmes Dinning Hall  

Stop by Holmes Dining Hall to enjoy lunch with your fellow scholars. The first ten graduate students who arrive will receive a nice surprise. See you all then!  

Keep going! We would like to recognize and appreciate the incredible accomplishments of our graduate students. Your perseverance, intellect and ability to overcome challenges have been awe-inspiring. Your dedication to learning and growth is commendable, and we are confident that you will continue to achieve great things in your future endeavors — you can do it and keep going!  


Graduate Student Appreciation Cake Day  
Event date: Friday, April 5 
Event time: 10 a.m.-noon  
Event location: Carter Hall, Room 2007 

We want to express our utmost appreciation to our exceptional graduate students for their remarkable achievements. Your research, discoveries and contributions have greatly enriched our academic community. Your hard work, creativity, and passion for your field have not gone unnoticed. Congratulations on your well-deserved success! Now, let's have cake!  

Sponsored by GSA and the Graduate School.


Graduate Student Brunch  
Event date: Sunday, April 7
Event time: 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m.  
Event location: Holmes Dinning Hall 

To all graduate students, you are appreciated. Your unwavering hard work and dedication to pursuing advanced degrees are essential. You play a crucial role in research, teaching and academic support, contributing significantly to the growth and success of the university.  Your commitment to expanding knowledge and pushing the boundaries of your fields deserves constant recognition and gratitude. Let us take a moment to appreciate the invaluable contributions of all graduate students and acknowledge our vital role in higher education.

Cheers, and we hope you had a wonderful Graduate Student Appreciation Week!


UNC mascot Klawz browsing the stacks of archived dissertations at University Libraries.

Win Big with University Libraries!
University Libraries is excited to recognize and celebrate all UNC graduate students! In honor of Graduate Student Appreciation Week, the Libraries will have three drawings for fabulous prizes to spotlight graduate students and all 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.


GSAW email signature logo

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 6.

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 6.

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