Florida State University will celebrate the contributions and achievements of its graduate and professional students during the annual national Graduate-Professional Student Appreciation Week, held April 6-10.
The weeklong celebration highlights the essential role graduate and professional students play in advancing teaching, research, creative activity and service at FSU. Students from across disciplines are invited to take part in a series of events focused on recognition, professional development, wellness and community connection.
“Graduate and professional students are central to the mission and success of Florida State University,” said Steve McDowell, interim dean of The Graduate School. “This week is an opportunity to honor their accomplishments, support their goals and express our appreciation for the many ways they strengthen our campus.”
EVENT OVERVIEW:
MONDAY, APRIL 6
Celebration of Graduate Student Excellence
10 a.m.-noon
FSU Alumni Center
This event honors outstanding graduate students from across the university. It will feature remarks by keynote speaker Carrie Cooper, dean of University Libraries, and recognize the winners of the Graduate Student Leadership and Graduate Student Research and Creativity awards.
TUESDAY, APRIL 7
Financial Wellness Workshop: Retirement Planning – Determining Your Future (food provided)
5-6 p.m.
Gus A. Stavros Center
This workshop focuses on long-term financial planning and retirement preparedness and is open to all FSU students.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8
Digital Symposium: “Illuminations”
10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Johnston Digital Studio (WJB G‑062)
Hosted by the Reading‑Writing Center, this symposium showcases digital poster presentations featuring students from all the programs within the Department of English.
Three Minute Thesis (3MT) Competition
3-5:30 p.m.
College of Medicine, Peaden Auditorium
This is an international research communication competition developed by The University of Queensland, Australia, that challenges graduate students to present their research and its significance in just three minutes for a non‑specialist audience.
The competition is open to enrolled FSU master’s and doctoral students who have completed at least 18 credit hours and are presenting research conducted as part of their graduate program at FSU.
Career Opportunities for Ph.D.s in a Government Research Setting
4-5:30 p.m.
DeVoe L. Moore Conference Room (BEL 150E)
Hosted by the College of Social Sciences and Public Policy in partnership with The Graduate School, this session features representatives from the Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability, a research arm of the Florida Legislature.
Financial Wellness Workshop: Financial Planning Essentials – Key Aspects and Tools (food provided)
5-6 p.m.
Gus A. Stavros Center
This workshop focuses on core financial planning concepts and key tools to help students build a strong financial foundation and make informed financial decisions.
THURSDAY, APRIL 9
Dissertation Roadmap
2:30-3:30 p.m.
Nancy H. Marcus Great Hall (4th floor, HSF)
Hosted by FSU Libraries and the Graduate Student Resource Center, this session supports doctoral students in dissertation planning and progress.
How to Navigate Campus Academic Job Interviews
4-5:30 p.m.
Nancy H. Marcus Great Hall (4th floor, HSF)
A faculty panel will share insights and strategies for successfully navigating academic job interviews. Featured panelists include Eric Chassignet, Oceanography; Paul Renfro, History; Svetla Slaveva-Griffin, Classics; and Nora Underwood, Biological Science.
Financial Wellness Workshop: Bring Questions, Get Answers (food provided)
5-6 p.m.
Gus A. Stavros Center
This interactive workshop gives students the opportunity to ask questions and receive practical guidance on a range of financial planning topics.
FRIDAY, APRIL 10
HSF Student Excellence in the Visual Arts Reception (with light refreshments)
3-5 p.m.
Honors, Scholars, and Fellows House
The reception celebrates student achievement in the visual arts. The university community is welcome to enjoy the art and light refreshments in the beautiful HSF House, as well as vote on student artwork for a “People’s Choice Award.”
Opening Reception, MFA Graduating Class Exhibition: “Decentered Reframed”
5:30-7:30 p.m.
Museum of Fine Arts
The exhibition, on view April 10-May 2, highlights work by graduating MFA students and art award finalists.