Graduate Student Appreciation Week 2026
Please join us in celebrating our Appalachian State graduate students during the week of April 6 - 10, 2026.
As Appalachian State continues to strengthen its role as a leading public institution and R2 university, our graduate students are helping to lead the way with their excellence in research, teaching, creative endeavors, and service. We want to recognize and celebrate that hard work! Graduate Student Appreciation Week (GSAW) will include a variety of events for graduate students to connect with their community in social activities, enjoy food and swag, focus on wellness and celebrations, and boost their professional development. The graduate school has collaborated with partners across campus to show our appreciation.
We hope our entire App State community will join us in recognizing and thanking graduate students. You can find a calendar of events below and be sure to follow the Cratis D. Williams graduate school social media. We look forward to seeing our graduate students at events!
Please contact Maureen Cathey if you have questions or would like to let us know about something you are doing to celebrate graduate students. You can also let others see your appreciation by promoting the hashtags #AppGradStudents and #AppGSAW2026 on social media.
2026 GSAW Events
April 3-6
Graduate School FREE Application Weekend - Apply to an Appalachian State graduate program with no application fee in honor of Cratis D. Williams birthday and GSAW 2026.
April 5 - Happy Birthday Cratis D. Williams
All Week
Graduate Student Appreciation Lounge Grab & Go Snacks
Available while they last in graduate student lounges More info on Engage
Happy Graduate Student Appreciation Week! Stop by one of the Graduate Lounges to grab a snack as a treat from the Cratis D. Williams School of Graduate Studies. We appreciate you!
Leon Levine 247
Anne Belk Hall 202
Smith Wright Hall 111
Belk Library 302
Campus Store Discount
From April 6th - April 10th, use code Spring2026 online or in store to receive 20% off one item! Excludes sale items, technology, text books, regalia and diploma frames.
Grad Student Coffee Discount
Come to a Graduate Student Appreciation Week Event or stop by a Grad Lounge to pick up a coupon for a discount on a coffee from Crossroads, Wired Scholar, or Rise Market.
Monday, April 6
GRAD-itude Donuts Drop-In
All grad students and grad faculty and staff are invited to drop in and spend time together over donuts and coffee. Cratis D. WIlliams School of Graduate Studies new swag will be available as well! We will also have a Career Development Center Career Coach available for quick resume or CV reviews and career questions.
Leon Levine Graduate Student Lounge: 10am - 12pm More info on Engage
Graduate Student Career Clinic
Drop in and briefly meet with a career coach to help you prepare for your next steps! Have a resume or CV question? Want to get advice on interview questions? This is a perfect opportunity to get expert advice from a career coach.
Leon Levine Graduate Student Lounge: 10am - 12pm Additional dates on Engage.
Tuesday, April 7
Financial Planning for Graduate Students
Gain valuable insights into financial planning best practices tailored for graduate students as they begin, return to, or advance in their careers. Eric Hermanson, AVP Financial Wellness Director, will be sharing tips and helpful information. Business Career Services is hosting this event as a part of Graduate Student Appreciation Week. This is an in-person workshop with limited seating, so please register for the event through the Handshake platform.
Peacock Hall 3015: 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Creative Coping
Creative Coping is a drop-in art space that focuses on students engaging in creativity to reduce stress, foster community, increase self-awareness, and cultivate mindfulness. No art experience is required. In this space, students are free to create what they want using the provided art supplies.
Plemmons Student Union - Glen Burney Falls (112); 3:00pm - 4:30pm Find more information on Engage.
2026 Cratis D. Williams School of Graduate Studies Graduate Faculty & Student Awards Ceremony
An event to honor winners of various graduate school awards. Nominees and award winners will receive invitations to the event.
Plemmons Student Union Parkway Ballroom: 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Wednesday, April 8
GRAD-itude Donuts Drop-In
All grad students and grad faculty and staff are invited to drop in and spend time together over donuts and coffee. Cratis D. WIlliams School of Graduate Studies new swag will be available as well!
Plemmons Student Union Howard's Knob Rooftop Patio (304) [Rain location PSU 122]: 1:30pm - 3:30pm More info on Engage
Weekly Refresh
Looking for a moment to pause, connect, and care for your mental health mid-week? Stop by the Weekly Refresh drop-in space hosted by the Counseling & Psychological Services Center. No commitment, no sign-up—just come as you are. You will be able to engage in an activity to de-stress and connect with the Mountaineer community.
Plemmons Student Union - Glen Burney Falls (112); 3:00pm - 4:30pm
Thursday, April 9
Grad Student Thursday Write In
Join in-person in 204H Belk Library or on Zoom online for this weekly event. This is a perfect chance to have a few hours of dedicated writing time, join together as a graduate student writing community, and have our Publications & Special Projects Coordinator on hand to answer writing questions. You can register on Engage or just drop in.
Belk Library 204H or Zoom: 9:00am - 12:00pm
Graduate Student Career Clinic
Drop in and briefly meet with a career coach to help you prepare for your next steps! Have a resume or CV question? Want to get advice on interview questions? This is a perfect opportunity to get expert advice from a career coach.
RCOE 3rd Floor Lobby: 11am - 1pm Additional dates on Engage.
Mindfulness and Meditation on our Journey Workshop - hosted by Wellness & Prevention Services and the Cratis D. Williams School of Graduate Studies
Graduate students will engage in an online experiential session, learning various types of breathwork and meditation practices proven to be effective with improved focus, stress management, better sleep, rest and relaxation. Register and find the Zoom link on Engage.
Zoom: 12:00pm - 12:45pm
GSGA Online Trivia Night
Join GSGA as they host an online trivia event on Zoom. All graduate students and their guests are welcome to join in the competition and fun! Registration on Engage.
Zoom: 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Friday, April 10
UREC Field Day
Join University Recreation for a Field Day during graduate student appreciation week at Sanford Mall from 1-3pm on April 10th. We will have fun games and activities like Battleputt, Giant Cup Pong, Kan Jam, Soccer, Cornhole, Crossnet, and Spikeball. Drop in event. FInd more details on Engage.
Sanford Mall 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Be sure to follow the Cratis D. Williams School of Graduate Studies social media accounts and use #AppGradStudents and #AppGSAW2026 to post your own GSAW pictures and learn about opportunities all week.
