Graduate and Professional Student Appreciation Week 2024

April 1-7, 2024

This week we recognize the many contributions graduate and professional students make to research, teaching, and service at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Get Involved!

We encourage all faculty, staff and students to come up with your own ideas and events focused on celebrating the contributions of graduate and professional students. These could be: a morning or afternoon coffee break, a lunch celebration, fun giveaways, photo opportunities, a social media campaign — feel free to think outside the box!

Let us know about your efforts and promote the hashtag #UNCGradStudents on social media with a photo featuring Carolina graduate students.

Vital contributions

Graduate and professional students are a combined 36% of UNC-Chapel Hill's total student enrollment.

Our graduate and professional students contribute so much to Carolina. Graduate and Professional Student Appreciation Week, celebrated nationwide, is dedicated to marking those vital contributions.

Celebrating #UNCGradStudents

2024 GPSAW Events

  • Monday Massages
    11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m., Carolina Union
  • Free Lunch & Swag Giveaway
    11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m., Bynum Hall Fountain
    • Stop by and refuel with a free sandwich and chips from Jersey Mike's! We'll also have free meal vouchers from Carolina Dining Services available for the first 250 students.
  • Headshots for Heels
    1:00-4:00 p.m., Graduate Student Center
    • Join us for a free headshot and networking event hosted by The Graduate School-CareerWell Professional Development. Come dressed to impress, network with your fellow Heels, and enjoy some light refreshments. Bring your CV or cover letter for an expert review. We hope to see you there! **Registration is required**
  • Blend & Unwind: A Trail Mix Creation Station
    11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m., Graduate Student Center
    • This event invites graduate students to take a well-deserved break and create their own trail mix. As you mix and match a variety of nuts, seeds, dried fruits, and sweet treats, you'll also have the chance to unwind at the GSC. Our event is designed to provide a stress-free zone where you can socialize, snack, and recharge. We understand the pressures of graduate school, and we want to offer you a break from the demands of your studies. Please join us and take some time for yourself!
  • Therapy Dogs
    11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m., Graduate Student Center
    • Come enjoy some puppy playtime and meet therapy dogs from several campus units, including UNC PD's new therapy dog, Mia!
  • Cookies and Coffee
    2:00-4:00 p.m., Bynum Hall Fountain
    • Come to the fountain in front of Bynum Hall to recharge and connect with other students and leadership from The Graduate School with cookies from Insomnia and iced coffee from Brandwein's Bagels, sponsored by The Graduate School's Development and Alumni Relations team!
  • TGS Swag Giveaways
    2:00-4:00 p.m., Bynum Hall Fountain
    • Grab some swag from The Graduate School with free sunglasses and stickers! Available while supplies last.
  • GPSG Social
    5:00-7:00 p.m., Carolina Brewery, 2nd floor
    • The Graduate and Professional Student Government (GPSG) is hosting a social event at Carolina Brewery. Come enjoy appetizers purchased by GPSG and grab a beverage with other graduate students while supplies last. Carolina Brewery offers non-alcoholic beverages and vegetarian food options will be available. If you have specific allergy concerns, please contact Elaine (reicheel@ad.unc.edu). Members of the GPSG Executive Branch will be present to discuss the Graduate Student Bill of Rights and Teaching Assistant concerns. We look forward to celebrating graduate student appreciation week with our peers!
  • Exclusive Ackland Art Museum Tours
    2:30-3:30 p.m., Ackland Art Museum
    3:30-4:30 p.m., Ackland Art Museum
    • The Ackland Art Museum is providing free tours exclusively for UNC graduate and professional students. Take the tour to explore the museum's collections and learn more about the Ackland's wonderful resources for students, teaching assistants, and community events! Each tour is limited to 20 students, so be sure to register by April 3 to secure your spot!