Celebrating Graduate Students: Inaugural National Graduate Students Appreciation Week

As the winter season transitions to beautiful spring weather, the Office of Graduate Affairs is preparing for an exciting week dedicated to Seton Hall’s hardworking graduate students. Week-long events and activities will be centered around the celebration of graduate students as part of Seton Hall's inaugural National Graduate Student Appreciation Week from April 2 through April 5, 2024.

The Office of Graduate Affairs, in collaboration with Student Services, is offering our graduates a variety of elevated events centered around professional development, financial literacy, and health and mental awareness with time to socialize amongst your peers. "The University is delighted to celebrate the contributions, accomplishments, and unique needs of our graduate students during this week of recognition throughout the country. Graduate and professional students contribute to the mission and vitality of Seton Hall in a variety of ways," said Chris Cuccia, Associate Provost for Academic and Graduate Affairs, and Institutional Research. "The experience and creativity of our graduate students lead to discovery and scholarly contributions that are inherent to the University’s ability to fulfill its teaching and research goals as an academic institution."

Current graduate students are invited to attend and participate in events and activities to network and socialize with fellow graduate students and witness how important they are to the University’s community.

The week will commence on Tuesday, April 2, with a Welcome Table at the South Orange and Interprofessional Health Sciences (IHS) campus, with the excitement of Spring in the air. Graduate students are encouraged to stop by the Welcome Table on the Green (or the University Center due to inclement weather) or at the IHS campus at the table in the Winter Garden. Say hello to university representatives and learn about the week’s events and receive a giveaway in celebration of the week.

This day will also touch upon a very important aspect that graduate students are often thinking about in their current and future careers: professional development. This day will feature free professional headshots for all graduate students available at the South Orange and IHS campus. Registration is required for this activity.

To end the day, there will be a Professional Development Workshop with Seton Hall’s Career Center, where they will discuss the best way to develop your LinkedIn profile to yield better results in job interviews. Students will also have the chance to meet and learn from Seton Hall alumnus, Andrew Brereton, a professional development coach, where he will provide tips on life design and student success.

Wednesday, April 3 will encourage in-person community building and socialization among fellow graduate students, who may otherwise only communicate via virtual platforms. The evening will feature a dinner reception where students can attend with a guest, connect with other graduate students, eat delicious food and engage with various administrative offices such as the Office of Graduate Affairs and representative from Seton Hall’s schools and colleges. Have class and can’t make it? Following the dinner will be a delicious dessert bar. This late-night snack is open to graduate students, regardless if they attended the dinner reception.

On top of professional development, it’s important for graduate students to be knowledgeable in money management as they prepare for their future. On April 4, join Stillman School of Business Alumnus, David Marconi (B.S. Business Administration ’11 and M.S. Professional Accounting ’16), who will discuss the importance of saving early and letting the benefits of compounding interest work for you. The Office of Financial Aid and the Bursar's Office will also be available to answer any questions you may have in regard to graduate degree financing options.

The last and final day will stress the importance of finding a balance between health, school, work and life. Graduate students often juggle a lot at the same time, whether they are working full or part time, raising a family, or even dealing with personal matters while attending school, Seton Hall commends students for their dedication to advancing their education amongst it all. Students are encouraged to attend the Health-Life Balance Awareness Fair at the IHS campus with representatives from Health Services, Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) and Disability Support Services and gain insights on how to best manage your mental and physical health and other support services available to you at Seton Hall. Afterwards, treat yourself to a mini massage to relax and get a mental and physical pick-me-up.

Throughout the week, there will be a Graduate Student Food Donation Drive. Look for the non-perishable food collection boxes at each event to donate. In partnership with the Division of Volunteering Efforts (DOVE), all items collected will be donated to local food banks and pantries.

For students that are not on campus regularly, this would be a great opportunity to visit. Current graduate students are invited to register and participate in any of the week-long activities. Specific events and activities may require registration.

Learn more about National Graduate Student Appreciation Week and register for events.

Categories: Campus Life