All graduate students are invited to the Graduate School’s Welcome Week, with the following events taking place the week before classes begin. Register in advance to attend these events by clicking on the link in the title.
Communicating Effectively for Graduate School Success
Monday, August 26
12:30 – 2 pm
1310 Sterling Hall
Whether you’re just starting your graduate program or continuing it, this talk by Dr. Shalini Nag will provide you with practical tips that you can apply immediately. Dr. Nag will share the five types of professional relationships essential for grad school success and offer guidance on in-person and virtual communication. These strategies will enable you to initiate, nurture, and manage those relationships effectively.
Enhancing Your Graduate Degree with a Certificate
Monday, August 26
3 – 4:30 pm
Online
What are graduate certificates, and how can they add value to your graduate degree? In this virtual session, faculty and staff representing several graduate certificate programs (and their equivalent doctoral minors) discuss the multiple benefits that these programs provide to graduate students across campus—including fulfilling breadth requirements, expanding interdisciplinary knowledge, mastering new skills, creating community and networking opportunities, and building cultural competence. Attendees will also have the opportunity to speak with each certificate representative in smaller groups.
Flourishing in Graduate School: How to Manage Stress and Maintain Your Mental Health
Tuesday, August 27
11 am – 12:30 pm
1310 Sterling Hall
Want to make graduate school a time to thrive and not just survive? This workshop will focus on promotion of psychological well-being in graduate school. Topics covered will arm graduate students with strategies to thrive through the challenges of graduate school, including managing the transition/adjustment process, coping with stress, promoting work/life balance, and establishing habits to maintain or improve mental health. This event is presented by the Graduate School Office of Professional Development in collaboration with University Health Services.
Time Management for Graduate Students
Tuesday, August 27
3 – 4:15 pm
1310 Sterling Hall
In this interactive workshop, you will learn tips and techniques for staying on track and managing your time. We’ll cover goal-setting, minimizing distractions and staying focused, and overcoming some of the most common challenges to staying on task. Participants will leave with strategies that they can apply immediately. The strategies we’ll cover are appropriate for students in any discipline.
Cool Tools: Apps and More to Increase Productivity
Thursday, August 29
3 – 4:15 pm
1310 Sterling Hall
Prepare to maximize your time and energy this semester by taking advantage of software available to UW–Madison graduate students that can help streamline your workflow. This workshop, presented by Pete Valeo from Software Training for Students (STS), will introduce you to both basic and advanced software tools, including cloud storage services, notetaking apps, mobile scanners, research tools, tasks managers, password managers, lifestyle apps, and more.
Graduate School Dash & Bash
Friday, August 30
8 – 11 am
Library Mall
The Graduate School invites you to celebrate the start of the academic year at the Graduate School Dash & Bash. Whether you plan to “Dash” to the finish line, handcycle the route, take a scholarly stroll, or join the “Bash” activities just for the fun of it, all are welcome and encouraged to participate in this free event – new and current graduate students, faculty, staff, and family members.
Inclusive Horizons: Graduate Welcome Gathering
Friday, August 30
4:30 – 6 pm
AT&T Lounge, Pyle Center
Join us for an evening of celebration and connection as we welcome underrepresented graduate students, both domestic and international, to the academic community. This event is designed to foster a sense of belonging and support among students from diverse backgrounds. You will have an opportunity to network and socialize with peers, as well as connect with campus resources and leadership. All graduate students are welcome to attend.