The Graduate College has joined the Graduate Student Senate and the Graduate & Professional Student Government to encourage a week-long celebration of our graduate students from April 6-10, 2026. Learn more about the National Association of Graduate-Professional Students.
We encourage all faculty, staff, and students to come up with their own ideas and events focused on celebrating the contributions of graduate and professional students to celebrate and recognize the contributions of graduate students year-round.
Please feel free to use the appreciation posters for virtual event announcements and post them on social media!
Sponsored by the Grad Success Center and Graduate Student Senate
Graduate Student Appreciation
It's important to recognize the impact of our graduate students at the University of Iowa! You can fill out this from & we will send them an email with your recognition to show your appreciation.
Events
Grad Ice Cream Sundae Bar
Take a sweet study break and build your own sundae at our Ice Cream Sundae Bar! Join us for an afternoon of treats, toppings, and time to connect with fellow graduate students. Whether you’re in need of a midweek pick-me-up or just craving something sweet, stop by between 2–4 PM and create your perfect sundae. We can’t wait to see you there!
Location: Eckstein Medical Research Building atrium
When: Wednesday, April 8, 2:00 - 4:00pm
P2P Power-Up Social
Join us for an evening of connection, community, and conversation at our P2P Mentor Social at Tap Tap! This casual gathering is a chance for Peer-to-Peer Mentoring Program participants to unwind, meet fellow graduate students, and spend time connecting with their mentors and mentees outside of the usual academic setting. Food and non-alcoholic beverages will be provided, and each student will receive a $10 game card to enjoy the arcade and activities. Whether you’ve been meaning to catch up, expand your grad circle, or simply enjoy a relaxed midweek break, we’d love to see you there. Stop by anytime between 6–8 PM — bring your questions, your stories, and your grad school survival tips. We can’t wait to celebrate and strengthen our P2P community together! Register to attend.
Location: Tap Tap, 121 E. College Street, Iowa City
When: Wednesday, April 8, 6:00 - 8:00pm
Humanities Write-In
A Gathering at the Obermann Center for Advanced Studies
Celebrate Graduate Student Appreciation Week with dedicated writing time and meaningful community. Join us for a focused Humanities Write-In facilitated by Grad Ambassadors, designed to offer structure, accountability, and connection for Iowa’s graduate and professional students working on any kind of academic writing project — articles, fellowship or grant applications, dissertations, book manuscripts, and more. After our writing session, stay for a relaxed social with snacks provided — a chance to unwind, reflect, and connect with fellow writers. Space is limited and registration is first-come, first-served. Sign up for a spot and join other graduate students and grad ambassadors. First come, first served by registration. Lunch will be provided at the social after the writing group session.
Location: Writers' Attic at the Obermann Center, 111 Church St., Iowa City
When: Thursday, April 9, 2:00 - 4:00pm
Graduate College Scholars’ Table ft. Fernanda Campos
Join the Graduate College for a special Scholars’ Table lunch featuring Fernanda Campos at the Stanley Museum of Art. This intimate gathering offers graduate students the opportunity to network, connect, and engage in meaningful conversation with a leader in museum and cultural work.
Fernanda joined the Stanley Museum of Art in November 2023 as Mellon Curatorial Assistant for Provenance Research. She brings over a decade of experience in the nonprofit and academic sectors, with a strong background in cultural management. Her academic training includes an MA in Social Sciences (Anthropology) from the University of Chicago, an MA in Art and Politics from Goldsmiths, University of London, and a BA in International Relations from Universidad de las Américas, Puebla.
Apply for the opportunity to join Scholars’ Table on Friday, April 10 for lunch. Space is limited, and registration is first-come, first-served.
Location: Location details will be shared with confirmed attendees
When: Friday, April 10, 2:00 - 4:00 pm
Friday Night Vibes
Join the Graduate Student Senate for an evening of connection, conversation, and community with fellow graduate students. Whether you're looking to unwind after a busy week, catch up with friends, or meet new people across programs, this is the perfect way to kick off your weekend.
Location: Iowa City ReUnion Brewery, 113 E College St, Iowa City, IA 52240
When: Friday, April 10, 6:00-9:00 pm
Connect with Us
#GPSAWeek, #UIGradStudent, @UIGradCollege, @UIowaGSS