Graduate Student Appreciation Week - We Appreciate You!
April 6-11, 2025
In 1993, the National Association of Graduate-Professional Students established Graduate-Professional Student Appreciation Week (GPSAW) as a mechanism to support and appreciate graduate and professional students, emphasizing the contributions, impact and value of graduate and professional students on campuses throughout the United States.
The Graduate School joins universities around the nation in this celebration by hosting the Graduate Student Appreciation Week (GSAW) at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. All graduate students, faculty, and staff are invited to join us for this year's events.
Competitions
Graduate Student Research Showcase: Paper & Poster
Deadline to Enter: April 1
Category 1: Foundational, Theoretical, and Humanistic Research
This category includes research that advances fundamental knowledge, develops new theories, or explores humanistic, social, or cultural perspectives. It also encompasses creative works in the arts, design, and literature, where originality, interpretation, or artistic expression is central to scholarly contribution.
Category 2: Applied and Translational Research
This category includes research that applies existing knowledge to solve specific problems, develop new technologies, inform policy and practice, or improve professional or industry processes. Projects in this category emphasize real-world impact, innovation, and the translation of research into applied solutions in fields such as engineering, healthcare, business, and public policy.
*Select the category that best fits your research paper or poster presentation entry. For more information, see the showcase guidelines or register here. Cash prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd in each category.
Say It in Six
Deadline to Enter: April 10
Based on the “six word memoirs” concept, Say It In Six challenges you to use only six words and one visual aid to tell a story — about your “Creative Research,” your “Louisiana Research,” or your “Radical Research.” A first place prize of $100 will be awarded in each category. Enter the competition here.
Most Loved Grad Program
The 2025 Most Loved Grad Program Competition is up and running! Share what you love about your grad program and earn points towards our most-loved grad program contest. You can upload a photo, put it in words, or both. Your entry may also be featured on the Graduate School's social media - follow along with #ULGradLove2025.
Schedule of Events
Saturday, March 29th
The Big Event with GSO
Graduate Students have joined the Big Event to do their part for UL Lafayette’s largest day of service! We’ll be teaming up with the Graduate Student Organization to lead an on-campus beautification project with Parish Proud. Register here.
Sunday, April 6th
Grad Etiquette Dinner
In partnership with the Office of Career Services and the Alumni Association, the Grad School is offering a great professional development opportunity for grad students. Engage with faculty and industry professionals and brush up on your dining etiquette. Activities (including dinner) will begin at 6 p.m., doors open at 5:30 p.m. in the Student Union Ballroom. Registration required.
Monday, April 7th
Grad Games & Good Vibes
Join the Graduate School staff at the Alumni Center for an afternoon of good food and yard games following our weekly Wake Up & Write. Come and go as you please between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Monday, April 7th
GSAW Keynote Address, Professional Head Shots, and Doctoral Candidacy Recognition Ceremony
Join us at the LITE Center for a professional headshot (4:30 - 6:30 p.m.) and some inspiration! Our speaker will inspire us at 6 pm with the GSAW Keynote Address and doctoral students who have advanced to candidacy since April 2023 will be recognized along with their graduate faculty committee chairs. Doctoral candidates, make sure to RSVP for you and your chair in advance. Live streaming will be available for family and friends who want to attend virtually. Please RSVP.
Tuesday & Wednesday, April 8th - 9th
Grad School Demystified: Making Graduate School a Reality
Thinking about grad school but unsure if it’s the right fit—or how to afford it? This Grad Student Appreciation Week session is designed for undergraduate students exploring their next steps. A panel of current grad students and faculty will break down the benefits of a graduate degree, share personal experiences, and highlight financial and academic resources that make grad school accessible to all. Learn about funding, flexible pathways, and support systems to help you take the next step with confidence. Sponsored by the Graduate Council. The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. on April 8th and 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. on April 9th. Location TBA.
Tuesday, April 8th
Money Matters Lunch and Learn: Career Planning
You are in grad school to leave - to move on to a fulfilling and exciting career. The transition from grad student to full-time professional has significant financial implications - including deciding which job offer to accept, negotiating your salary and choosing a retirement plan. This should be the most exciting transition of your academic life - and we'll help you get comfortable with the financial issues, so you are in control of your financial and professional futures. Lunch is served at 11:30 a.m. and the discussion begins at noon. Registration Required.
Wednesday & Thursday, April 9th - 10th
Research Showcase
The first-place prize is $500, and first, second, and third prizes will be awarded in two categories and in two formats (posters and papers). View the Research Showcase guidelines here. This is a great opportunity to share your work with the larger University community and be recognized for its excellence. Register for the competition.
Wednesday, April 9th
A2i Meeting - Job Search Strategies
Join us Downtown, Lafayette at the Opportunity Machine for hors d'oeuvres and a lively discussion with industry professionals. The focus will be on translating research and creative works and how to sell your ideas in spaces beyond the academic setting. The event will be held from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Registration Required.
Thursday, April 10th
Grad Glow-Up: Mind, Body, and Network
Join us in Bourgeois Hall from 9 am to noon for yoga, networking walks, and massages! Yoga sessions will begin at 9 a.m.,10:30 a.m., and 12 p.m. Walks will begin every half hour around Bourgeois park. Chair massages will be available for everyone on a first-come, first-serve basis. If needed, we will start a waiting list. Snacks and water will be available.
Friday, April 11th
Sustainability Summit & GSAW Awards
Join us from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Moody Room 103 as graduate students and faculty deliver brief, impactful pitches about sustainability-related research. Research showcase awards, the Say It in Six winners, and the Most Loved Grad Program will be announced at the conclusion of the Summit. Registration required.
Many thanks to our sponsors, hosts, and collaborators! GSAW would not be possible without you!
The Office of the Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Economic Development
University faculty and staff who volunteer to facilitate a workshop or serve as a judge for the research showcase