Graduate Student Appreciation Week (GSAW) 2025
Graduate Student Appreciation Week (GSAW) 2025 is a nationally recognized celebration that will take place from Monday, April 7 – Friday, April 11, 2025 (with some bonus events on Saturday, April 12). It is a terrific opportunity to celebrate and recognize PhD and master's students in The Graduate School (TGS)!
Below is a comprehensive list of GSAW events and giveaways that are free and open to all TGS students (unless otherwise specified).
Note: Certain events are only accessible with a Daily GSAW Access Pass. All eligible TGS graduate students will receive a new Pass in their Northwestern email every morning of GSAW with that day's programming.
To help plan out your week of festivities, events that offer food or refreshments will be indicated by the Food and Drink icon.
GSAW 2025 is sponsored by The Graduate School, Graduate Student Association (GSA), Chicago Graduation Student Association (CGSA), and the following campus partners and TGS-affiliated student organizations:
Center for Civic Engagement (CCE), Center for Leadership, Graduate International Student Association (G-ISA), Graduate Writing Place, Norris Mini Courses, Northwestern Career Advancement (NCA), NU Recreation, Office of the Ombudsperson, Searle Center for Advancing Learning and Teaching, sustainNU, TGS English Language Programs (ELP), and University Libraries.
Featured Programming
Daily Raffle Giveaway
To celebrate GSAW 2025, The Graduate School (TGS) is giving away $25 credit vouchers to the Norris University Bookstore.
During the week of GSAW (April 7–11), TGS will announce 15 winners each day on our social media (Facebook and Instagram) by first name and last initial as well as notify winners by email. Winners can redeem their vouchers at the Norris Bookstore for an item of their choosing. Vouchers cannot be used for online purchases and must be redeemed in-store. Vouchers must be redeemed by Thursday, July 31.
To enter the daily raffles, please complete the form no later than 11:59 PM CT on Thursday, April 10. You only need to submit one entry to be considered for all of the daily giveaways. Please submit your entry by Sunday, April 6 to increase your chances of winning.
Email tgs-events@northwestern.edu with any questions.
Trivia Night
Presented by The Graduate School (TGS) and the Graduate Student Association (GSA)
Tuesday, April 8 from 6:30–8:30 PM
TGS Commons (2122 Sheridan Rd.), Evanston
Bring your smartest friends with you to compete in a GSAW Trivia Night! Sign up with a premade team or sign up for a random team for a chance to make new friends! Food from Raising Canes and Elephant & Vine will be served. Winning teams will receive TGS and GSA-branded swag! Tuesday GSAW Access Pass (sent via email on Tuesday) is required.
Sign up by Monday, April 7.
Food Trucks
Presented by The Graduate School (TGS), the Graduate Student Association (GSA), and the Graduate International Student Association (G-ISA)
Friday, April 11 from 12:00–2:00 PM
Silverman Courtyard (2170 Campus Dr.), Evanston
Round out GSAW with a delicious food truck event featuring bites from Soul & Smoke, La Cocinita, and Rainbow Cone Catering! Enjoy a variety of savory eats and sweet treats while connecting with fellow grad students. Food tickets will be available on a first-come, first-served basis, while supplies last. Friday GSAW Access Pass (sent via email on Friday) is required to receive a ticket.
TGS @ the Museum of Ice Cream – AT CAPACITY
Presented by The Graduate School (TGS)
Saturday, April 12 from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Museum of Ice Cream at Tribune Tower Suite G (435 N. Michigan Ave.), Chicago *Please note this is an off-campus location.
Join us for a sweet celebration at the Museum of Ice Cream as part of Graduate Student Appreciation Week! Explore the vibrant, interactive exhibits, enjoy unlimited ice cream, and sip on a refreshing beverage with your complimentary drink token. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to connect with fellow grad students while indulging in a world of colorful, frozen treats! Open to all TGS students and their families, up to two guests per student. Space is limited. Registration and waiver form required for entry.
Virtual Offerings
Chicago Programming
Programming listed here will take place either on the Northwestern Chicago campus or within the city of Chicago.Monday, April 7
TGS Donut Drop
Presented by The Graduate School (TGS)
Monday, April 7 from 9:00–11:00 AM
Ryan Family Atrium in the Lurie Medical Research Center (303 E. Superior)
The Graduate School (TGS) will pass out free coffee and donuts from Stan's Donuts to Chicago-based TGS students. Vegan and gluten-free options are available. While supplies last. Monday GSAW Access Pass is required (sent via email on Monday morning).
CGSA Bunny Petting
Presented by the Chicago Graduate Student Association (CGSA)
Monday, April 7 from 6:00–7:00 PM and 7:00–8:00 PM
Cuddle Bunny (2901 N Clark St.) *Please note this is an off-campus location.
Destress with some adorable bunnies at Cuddle Bunny! Sign up for a one-hour session of relaxing music and bunny petting! There will be two different sessions of 12 students each, one beginning at 6:00 PM and the other at 7:00 PM.
Tuesday, April 8
CGSA Rock Climbing
Presented by the Chicago Graduate Student Association (CGSA)
Tuesday, April 8 from 6:00–7:00 PM
First Ascent Climbing & Fitness in Block 37-Fourth Floor (108 N. State St.) *Please note this is an off-campus location.
Sign up for rock climbing with your grad school peers at First Ascent! Rental shoes will be provided as part of this experience; please be sure to wear appropriate clothing and bring water! Try to arrive 10 minutes before your climbing time to ensure you can take advantage of the full hour. Space is limited.
Wednesday, April 9
One-on-One Consultations with the Center for Civic Engagement
Presented by the Center for Civic Engagement (CCE)
Wednesday, April 9 and Thursday, April 10 from 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM CT
Via Zoom
Sign up for a 30-minute Zoom consultation with the Center for Civic Engagement on Wednesday, April 9 or Thursday, April 10! Whether you’re looking for a volunteer opportunity, internship, or to seed a research or artistic collaboration, you’ll walk away with a list of local organizations tailored to your interests and be entered in a raffle to win a book of your choice from Bookends and Beginnings!
The Center for Civic Engagement maintains relationships with hundreds of local organizations and has placed more than 150 PhD students at 100+ nonprofits and governmental agencies through their practicum programs. Learn more here.
CGSA Brain Boost Breakfast
Presented by the Chicago Graduate Student Association (CGSA)
Wednesday, April 9 from 9:00–11:00 AM
Method Atrium in the Searle Medical Research Building (320 E. Superior St.)
Join CGSA for some delicious breakfast from Cozy Corner! While you are here, you can also update your headshot and your résumé with representatives from Northwestern Career Advancement (NCA)! Please note that while all TGS students are invited to enjoy the free breakfast and headshot photos, the résumé review will be catered to PhD students. Book your spot for headshots in advance on Handshake. Wednesday GSAW Access Pass (sent via email on Wednesday morning) is required.
LinkedIn Headshot Clinic + Drop-In Résumé Clinic
Presented by Northwestern Career Advancement (NCA)
Wednesday, April 9 from 9:00–11:00 AM
Tarry Atrium in the Searle Medical Research Building (320 E. Superior St.)
NCA is excited to partner with the Chicago Graduate Student Association (CGSA) to offer complimentary headshots and a PhD résumé drop-in clinic to graduate students for Graduate Student Appreciation Week. Come for breakfast and stay for a free headshot and résumé review! Please note that while all TGS students are invited to enjoy the free breakfast and headshot photos, the résumé review will be catered to PhD students. Wednesday GSAW Access Pass (sent via email on Wednesday morning) is required. We hope to see all our Chicago-based students there!
CGSA Sip n' Paint Night
Presented by the Chicago Graduate Student Association (CGSA)
Wednesday, April 9 from 5:30–7:30 PM
Trienens Conference Room (Mezzanine) in the Simpson Querrey Biomedical Research Center (303 E. Superior St.)
Come and flex your artistic skills! Paint an interpretation of your thesis, a beautiful still life, or make some modern art while enjoying light snacks and drinks. Art supplies will be provided. Wednesday GSAW Access Pass (sent via email on Wednesday morning) is required.
Thursday, April 10
One-on-One Consultations with the Center for Civic Engagement
Presented by the Center for Civic Engagement (CCE)
Wednesday, April 9 and Thursday, April 10 from 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM CT
Via Zoom
Sign up for a 30-minute Zoom consultation with the Center for Civic Engagement on Wednesday, April 9 or Thursday, April 10! Whether you’re looking for a volunteer opportunity, internship, or to seed a research or artistic collaboration, you’ll walk away with a list of local organizations tailored to your interests and be entered in a raffle to win a book of your choice from Bookends and Beginnings!
The Center for Civic Engagement maintains relationships with hundreds of local organizations and has placed more than 150 PhD students at 100+ nonprofits and governmental agencies through their practicum programs. Learn more here.
CGSA Dollop Coffee Giveaway
Presented by the Chicago Graduate Student Association (CGSA)
Thursday, April 10 from 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Dollop Coffee (345 E. Ohio St.) *Please note this is an off-campus location.
The first 100 TGS students will receive a free coffee (value of $5) at Dollop Coffee. Enjoy a sweet treat on CGSA! Be sure to show the barista your Thursday GSAW Access Pass (sent via email on Thursday morning)! This offer will continue into the next day if the first 100 coffees aren't claimed.
CGSA @ Replay Lincoln Park
Presented by the Chicago Graduate Student Association (CGSA)
Thursday, April 10 from 6:00–8:00 PM
Replay Lincoln Park (2833 N. Sheffield Ave.) *Please note this is an off-campus location.
Join CGSA for a fun night at Replay Lincoln Park! The first 50 graduate students will receive a free drink, and we'll have pizza available! Bring a friend and enjoy mingling and unlimited free pinball! Thursday GSAW Access Pass (sent via email on Thursday morning) is required.
Saturday, April 12
TGS @ the Museum of Ice Cream – AT CAPACITY
Presented by The Graduate School (TGS)
Saturday, April 12 from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Museum of Ice Cream at Tribune Tower Suite G (435 N. Michigan Ave.) *Please note this is an off-campus location.
Join us for a sweet celebration at the Museum of Ice Cream as part of Graduate Student Appreciation Week! Explore the vibrant, interactive exhibits, enjoy unlimited ice cream, and sip on a refreshing beverage with your complimentary drink token. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to connect with fellow grad students while indulging in a world of colorful, frozen treats! Open to all TGS students and their families, up to two guests per student. Space is limited. Registration and waiver form required for entry.
Evanston Programming
Programming listed here will take place either on the Northwestern Evanston campus or within neighboring suburbs.Monday, April 7
GSA Bagel Breakfast
Presented by the Graduate Student Association (GSA)
Monday, April 7 from 9:00–11:00 AM
TGS Commons (2122 Sheridan Rd.)
Join your fellow Evanston-based TGS students for a fun and healthy start to your week with Einstein Bros. Bagels! Available while supplies last. Additionally, Northwestern Career Advancement (NCA) will be offering free professional headshots and a drop-in PhD résumé clinic. Staff from NCA will be available to answer any questions about career and professional development at Northwestern. Please note that while all TGS students are invited to enjoy the free breakfast and headshot photos, the résumé review will be catered to PhD students. Monday GSAW Access Pass (sent via email on Monday morning) is required.
LinkedIn Headshot Clinic + Drop-In Résumé Clinic
Presented by Northwestern Career Advancement (NCA)
Monday, April 7 from 9:00–11:00 AM
TGS Commons (2122 Sheridan Rd.)
NCA is excited to partner with the Graduate Student Association (GSA) to offer complimentary headshots and a PhD résumé drop-in clinic to graduate students for Graduate Student Appreciation Week! Come for the bagels and stay for a free headshot and résumé review! Please note that while all TGS students are invited to enjoy the free breakfast and headshot photos, the résumé review will be catered to PhD students. Monday GSAW Access Pass (sent via email on Monday morning) is required. We hope to see all our Evanston-based students there!
Latin Dance
Presented by NU Recreation
Monday, April 7 from 5:30–6:30 PM
Studio 1AB in the Henry Crown Sports Pavilion (2311 Campus Dr.)
Get moving with high-energy Latin-inspired dance routines that make fitness fun while improving coordination and stamina. No dance experience is needed—just bring your enthusiasm and enjoy the rhythm!
Class is first-come, first-served. No registration is needed.
Tuesday, April 8
GSA Snack and Swag Giveaway
Presented by the Graduate Student Association (GSA)
Tuesday, April 8 from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Technological Institute Lobby (2145 Sheridan Rd.)
Join Northwestern's Graduate Student Association for brown bags full of snacks and GSA-branded swag! No registration is required, however the Tuesday GSAW Access Pass (sent via email on Tuesday morning) is required. While supplies last.
Cocoa & Consultations with the Searle Center
Presented by the Searle Center for Advancing Learning and Teaching
Tuesday, April 8 from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
TGS Commons (2122 Sheridan Rd.)
- Explore evidence-backed strategies to enhance teaching and learning.
- Discover a wealth of resources and programming tailored to you.
- Receive guidance in designing courses, creating course materials, and developing your teaching portfolio.
Drop by for a chat or stay to work on your teaching materials—we will wrap up with a raffle of our favorite books on learning and teaching!
Register for Cocoa & Consultations
Earth Month Tour of Block Exhibit, Woven Being: Art for Zhegagoynak/Chicagoland
Presented by sustainNU
Tuesday, April 8 from 12:00–1:00 PM
The Block Museum of Art (40 Arts Circle Dr.)
Join sustainNU and the Block Museum for a tour and discussion of the current exhibition, Earth Month Tour of Block Exhibit, Woven Being: Art for Zhegagoynak/Chicagoland. Attendance will be limited, so spots are reserved on a first-come, first-serve basis.
sustainNU has compiled a calendar of Earth Month 2025 events throughout the month of April. Follow the department on Instagram @sustainNU and sign up for sustainNU's newsletter here to stay connected.
Register for the Block Museum Exhibition Tour
Communicating Your Research to General Audiences
Presented by The Graduate Writing Place
Tuesday, April 8 from 2:00–3:30 PM
TGS Commons (2122 Sheridan Rd.)
This workshop will discuss how to convey academic research effectively in various settings. Topics covered include identifying the audience, setting the appropriate tone, selecting relevant content, and packaging the information. You will have a chance to see and critique several examples of communication styles for audiences with varying levels of technical expertise. You will also get the opportunity to turn your research into a blurb for a lay audience and receive feedback from fellow participants.
Register for Communicating Your Research to General Audiences
Trivia Night
Presented by The Graduate School (TGS) and the Graduate Student Association (GSA)
Tuesday, April 8 from 6:30–8:30 PM
TGS Commons (2122 Sheridan Rd.)
Bring your smartest friends with you to compete in a GSAW Trivia Night! Sign up with a premade team or sign up for a random team for a chance to make new friends! Food from Raising Canes and Elephant & Vine will be served. Winning teams will receive TGS and GSA-branded swag! Tuesday GSAW Access Pass (sent via email on Tuesday) is required.
Sign up by Monday, April 7.
Norris Mini Courses: Bisque Pottery Painting
Presented by Norris Mini Courses
Tuesday, April 8 from 7:00–9:00 PM
Lake Room (Second Floor) at Norris University Center (1999 Campus Dr.)
Join us at Norris for an evening of ceramic creativity! Unleash your inner artist and come paint your own bisque pottery. Select one of two pre-selected pottery pieces to paint and decorate. All supplies and services included: pottery, paint, tools, glazing, and firing. Come back to pick up your finished pottery two weeks after the workshop!
Spots are limited. Please register in advance and we will send you a confirmation email before Tuesday, April 8.
Wednesday, April 9
One-on-One Consultations with the Center for Civic Engagement
Presented by the Center for Civic Engagement (CCE)
Wednesday, April 9 and Thursday, April 10 from 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM CT
Via Zoom
Sign up for a 30-minute Zoom consultation with the Center for Civic Engagement on Wednesday, April 9 or Thursday, April 10! Whether you’re looking for a volunteer opportunity, internship, or to seed a research or artistic collaboration, you’ll walk away with a list of local organizations tailored to your interests and be entered in a raffle to win a book of your choice from Bookends and Beginnings!
The Center for Civic Engagement maintains relationships with hundreds of local organizations and has placed more than 150 PhD students at 100+ nonprofits and governmental agencies through their practicum programs. Learn more here.
TGS Donut Drop
Presented by The Graduate School (TGS) and the Office of the Ombudsperson
Wednesday, April 9 from 9:00–11:00 AM
TGS Commons (2122 Sheridan Rd.)
The Graduate School (TGS) and the Office of the Ombudsperson will pass out free coffee and donuts from Stan's Donuts to Evanston-based TGS students. Vegan and gluten-free options are available. While supplies last. Wednesday GSAW Access Pass (sent via email on Wednesday morning) is required.
Zumba
Presented by NU Recreation
Wednesday, April 9 from 6:00–7:00 PM
Studio 1AB in the Henry Crown Sports Pavilion (2311 Campus Dr.)
Groove to a mix of Latin and international beats in this dynamic fitness class, combining cardio and strength-building moves. It is a full-body workout that feels more like a dance party than exercise.
Class is first-come, first-served. No registration is required.
GSA Happy Hour at Five & Dime
Presented by the Graduate Student Association (GSA)
Wednesday, April 9 from 6:30–8:30 PM
Five & Dime (1026 Davis Street) *Please note this is an off-campus location.
Celebrate GSAW with friends upstairs at Five & Dime for a happy hour with drinks and light bites for the first 100 attendees. First-come, first-served. A government-issued ID and Wednesday GSAW Access Pass (sent via email on Wednesday morning) is required for entry.
Thursday, April 10
One-on-One Consultations with the Center for Civic Engagement
Presented by the Center for Civic Engagement (CCE)
Wednesday, April 9 and Thursday, April 10 from 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM CT
Via Zoom
Sign up for a 30-minute Zoom consultation with the Center for Civic Engagement on Wednesday, April 9 or Thursday, April 10! Whether you’re looking for a volunteer opportunity, internship, or to seed a research or artistic collaboration, you’ll walk away with a list of local organizations tailored to your interests and be entered in a raffle to win a book of your choice from Bookends and Beginnings!
The Center for Civic Engagement maintains relationships with hundreds of local organizations and has placed more than 150 PhD students at 100+ nonprofits and governmental agencies through their practicum programs. Learn more here.
Sky Zone with GSA
Presented by the Graduate Student Association (GSA)
Thursday, April 10 from 6:30–8:30 PM
Sky Zone Trampoline Park (1711 Maple Ave.) *Please note this is an off-campus location.
Jump into GSAW with a night of nonstop trampoline fun at Sky Zone in Evanston! Enjoy an evening of bouncing and letting loose with fellow grad students.
This event is RSVP only. RSVP by Monday, April 7 to secure your spot; limited tickets are available. RSVP does not guarantee entry. Those who receive tickets will be contacted prior to the event. Please do not RSVP if you do not plan on attending.
Transportation to and from the event will be the responsibility of the attendee. Thursday GSAW Access Pass (sent via email on Thursday morning) is required for entry.
Register for Sky Zone trampoline park
GSA Tipsy Paint
Presented by the Graduate Student Association (GSA)
Thursday, April 10 from 6:00–9:00 PM
Tipsy Paint – Glenview (1944 Lehigh Ave., Unit E) *Please note this is an off-campus location.
Join GSA in painting your own masterpiece to take home! All supplies are provided. Tipsy Paint is a bring-your-own-beverage (BYOB) studio. You can bring your beverage of choice: alcoholic or non-alcoholic.
This event is for NU TGS students only. RSVP only; limited tickets are available. RSVP does not guarantee tickets. Those who receive tickets will be contacted prior to the event. Please do not RSVP if you do not plan on attending. Thursday GSAW Access Pass (sent via email on Thursday morning) is required for entry.
For those needing transportation, we will try to arrange carpools for this event. Transportation to and from the event will be the responsibility of the attendee.
Friday, April 11
GSA Coffee Lab Giveaway
Presented by the Graduate Student Association (GSA)
Friday, April 11 from 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Coffee Lab (910 Noyes St.) *Please note this is an off-campus location.
The first 100 TGS students can enjoy coffee on GSA at Coffee Lab on Noyes! You can get 16 oz. hot or iced coffee or classic iced tea or lemonade, and one pastry. While supplies last. Friday GSAW Access Pass (sent via email on Friday morning) is required.
Multidirectional Mentoring: Maximizing Academic Relationships for Your Success and Growth
Presented by University Libraries and the Office of the Ombudsperson
Friday, April 11 from 10:00 –11:30 AM
Small Classroom 2124 (Second Floor) in Mudd Library (2233 Tech Dr.)
Join the Ombuds team for an interactive workshop designed for graduate students to strengthen their communication skills as mentors and mentees. This session will provide essential strategies to build effective and positive mentoring relationships with faculty, peer mentoring among cohort members, and with students learning from you in classes and labs.
The program will cover techniques for clear and constructive communication, active listening, setting and understanding expectations, and providing feedback that fosters relationships. Sarah Klaper (University Ombudsperson) and Kamaria Porter (Associate Ombudsperson) bring a range of experiences with mentoring and communication, frequently working with faculty and students on effective communication.
Light refreshments will be provided. Registration is required.
Register for Multidirectional Mentoring
Food Trucks
Presented by The Graduate School, the Graduate Student Association (GSA), and the Graduate International Student Association (G-ISA)
Friday, April 11 from 12:00–2:00 PM
Silverman Courtyard (2170 Campus Dr.)
Round out GSAW with a delicious food truck event featuring bites from Soul & Smoke, La Cocinita, and Rainbow Cone Catering! Enjoy a variety of savory eats and sweet treats while connecting with fellow grad students. Food tickets will be available on a first-come, first-served basis, while supplies last. Friday GSAW Access Pass (sent via email on Friday) is required to receive a ticket.
Mindful Yoga
Presented by NU Recreation
Friday, April 11 from 5:30–6:30 PMStudio 2 in the Henry Crown Sports Pavilion (2311 Campus Dr.)
Unwind and recharge with this calming yoga session focused on mindfulness, stretching, and relaxation. Perfect for all skill levels, this class helps you find balance and serenity in your day.
Class is first-come, first-served. No registration is required.
Saturday, April 12
Norris Mini Courses: One-Day Wheel-Throwing Workshop
Presented by The Graduate School (TGS) and Norris Mini Courses
Saturday, April 12 from 3:30–5:30 PM
ARTica Ceramics Studio at Norris University Center (1999 Campus Dr.)
Want to dip your hands in a little clay? Join us for a two-hour workshop where you will learn the fundamental steps of throwing. Participants will get to throw as much as you can but will only be choosing one piece to keep. You will also get to choose from four different glaze colors to match their perfect creation. Projects will be available for pickup two weeks after the workshop's completion. No experience is required!
Spots are limited. Please register in advance, and we will send you a confirmation email after registration closes.