01. 26. 2026

Join us as we celebrate the contributions of our graduate and professional students!

Graduate & Professional Student Appreciation Week is April 6-10, 2026!

Sponsored by the National Association of Graduate and ­Professional Students, Graduate and Professional Student Appreciation Week is designed to raise awareness of the role of graduate and professional students within America’s colleges and universities.

The impact of graduate and professional students stretches beyond academia through their practical and significant work as future teaching professionals, breakthrough researchers, healthcare pioneers, business innovators, legendary artists, and leaders of the state, the nation and the world.

The University of Minnesota will celebrate the contributions of its more than 14,000 graduate and professional students during the week of April 6-10. Join us for some of the activities going and show your appreciation for the contributions of our graduate and professional students!

Do you know of additional activities not mentioned below? Let us know!

Twin Cities Campus

Taco Social: Lunch (with a side of networking)

Duluth Campus

Self-Care Event 

  • Monday, April 6, 2026 | 4-5 p.m.
  • Learn strategies for lowering stress and avoiding burnout while decorating a mini terra cotta pot to take home with a cute little plant! 
  • Contact [email protected] with questions

 “Appy Hour” 

  • Thursday, April 9, 2026 | 6:30-7:30 p.m.
  • A great opportunity to mingle with students from other grad programs at UMD. GSA will provide the apps!
  • Contact [email protected] with questions

Resumé Café

  • Friday, April 10, 2026 | 3-4 p.m.
  • It’s time to get your resumé ready for a summer or post-graduation job. Learn what will make yours stand out with experts from the Career Center. Coffee and cookies provided.
  • Contact [email protected] with questions

Graduating Students’ Dinner

  • Monday, April 13, 2026 | 5:30-7:00 p.m.
  •  A celebration for students finishing up their graduate degrees this year, at which we will also recognize the winners of the 2026 Outstanding Graduate Student Award.
  • Contact [email protected] with questions

COLLEGE-LEVEL ACTIVITIES

CCAPS Graduate Student Appreciation Event

  • Wednesday, April 8, 2026 | 4:00-5:30 p.m.
  • Ruttan Hall, Suite 20
  • Event Website

School of Kinesiology Research Day