THE GRADUATE SCHOOL

Presented by The Graduate School (TGS)

To celebrate GSAW 2026, The Graduate School (TGS) is giving away $25 credit vouchers to the Norris University Bookstore.  

During the week of GSAW (April 6–10), 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(s) of their choice. 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 below no later than 11:59 PM CT on Thursday, April 9. You only need to submit one entry to be considered for all of the daily giveaways. Please submit your entry by Sunday, April 5 to be included in each daily drawing and no later than 11:59 PM CT on Thursday, April 9 for a chance to win. 

Email tgs-events@northwestern.edu with any questions.

Presented by The Graduate School (TGS)

Monday, April 6 from 3:00–4:15 PM CT 

Via Zoom 

Create a personalized virtual vision board! This interactive Zoom workshop will demonstrate how to design your own virtual vision board to stay focused, motivated, and aligned in your personal and professional journey. Participants will identify their goals and intentions for the future, design a personalized virtual vision board using free online tools, and save it as a wallpaper for a constant reminder. No previous experience is required; open to all levels of artistic ability! 

Presented by The Graduate School (TGS) and the Graduate Student Association (GSA)

Monday, April 6 from 6:00–8:00 PM
TGS Commons (2122 Sheridan Rd.), Evanston

Bring your smartest friends to compete in a GSAW Trivia Night! Sign up with a premade team or a random team for a chance to make new friends. Food will be served, and the winning teams will receive prizes! The Monday GSAW Access Pass (sent via email on Monday morning) is required. 

Sign up by Sunday, April 5.  

Presented by Northwestern Career Advancement (NCA) and The Graduate School (TGS) 

Wednesday, April 8 from 12:00–1:30 PM
Parkes Hall (1870 Sheridan Rd.) 

PhD Student Reorientation is an opportunity to reintroduce doctoral students to campus partners and resources they may not have engaged with since orientation. Similar to the TGS Resource Fair, students will connect intentionally with campus partners such as the Office of Fellowships, the Buffett Institute for Global Affairs, the Kaplan Public Humanities Graduate Practicum, Innovation + New Ventures (INVO), and more. Learn about programming opportunities to develop specific skills that will help you as you continue your graduate work and beyond. Light snacks and refreshments will be served. 

Presented by The Graduate School (TGS) and the Graduate Student Association (GSA)

Friday, April 10 from 12:00–2:00 PM
Silverman Courtyard (2170 Campus Dr.), Evanston

Celebrate 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. The Friday GSAW Access Pass (sent via email on Friday) is required to receive a ticket.

Saturday, April 11 from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM  
Puttery (932 W. Randolph St.), Chicago *Please note this is an off-campus location. 

Join us for indoor miniature golf at Puttery Chicago! Close out GSAW with some friendly competition! Enjoy unlimited play of the mini golf course, savory bites, and a lively social atmosphere. Open to all TGS students. Space is limited, first come first served. If registration reaches capacity, students will have the opportunity to sign up for the waitlist. 

REGISTER FOR THE PUTTERY

JOIN THE WAITLIST FOR THE PUTTERY

Presented by the Center for Civic Engagement (CCE)

Monday, April 6 from 8:45 AM – 4:30 PM CT
Via Zoom

The Center for Civic Engagement is offering 20-minute Zoom consultations to graduate students interested in developing a relationship with a Chicago-area nonprofit. Whether you are looking for a volunteer opportunity, internship, or to seed a research or artistic collaboration, you will come away with a list of organizations tailored to your interests. The Center for Civic Engagement maintains relationships with hundreds of local organizations and has placed more than 150 PhD students at 90+ nonprofits and governmental agencies through their practicum programs. Learn more here.

Presented by The Graduate School (TGS) 

Monday, April 6 from 3:00–4:15 PM CT 
Via Zoom 

Create a personalized virtual vision board! This interactive Zoom workshop will demonstrate how to design your own virtual vision board to stay focused, motivated, and aligned in your personal and professional journey. Participants will identify their goals and intentions for the future, design a personalized virtual vision board using free online tools, and save it as a wallpaper for a constant reminder. No previous experience is required; open to all levels of artistic ability! 

Presented by the Graduate Writing Place

Tuesday, April 7 from 1:00–4:00 PM CT 
Via Zoom 

Come get some writing done in the company of others and/or get some writing advice or feedback from the Graduate Writing Fellows. This Writing Retreat will provide a common space for graduate students to write together and check in with peers! All graduate students are welcome to drop in at any point during Writing Retreats, but registration is required for each.

• GSAW '26 Spotify Playlist
  Featuring a mix of empowering and inspiring tracks, this playlist is designed to motivate you and celebrate your triumphs throughout your academic journey. We hope this playlist energizes you throughout the week and beyond. 
• GSAW Digital Wallpapers
  Download these digital GSAW wallpapers to use on your smartphone, computer, or video conferencing (Zoom, Teams, etc.)

CGSA Bunny Petting 

Presented by the Chicago Graduate Student Association (CGSA)

Monday, April 6 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 sessions of 12 students each, one beginning at 6:00 PM and the other at 7:00 PM. 

TGS Donut Drop

Presented by The Graduate School (TGS) and the Center for Leadership 

Tuesday, April 7 from 9:00–11:00 AM  
Potocsnak Atrium in the Simpson Querrey Biomedical Research Center (303 E. Superior) 

The Graduate School (TGS) and the Center for Leadership will pass out free coffee and donuts from Stan's Donuts to Chicago-based TGS students while supplies last. Vegan and gluten-free options are available. The Tuesday GSAW Access Pass is required (sent via email on Tuesday morning). 

CGSA Pottery Painting

Presented by the Chicago Graduate Student Association (CGSA) 

Tuesday, April 7 from 6:00–8:45 PM  
Freestyle Ceramics and Tufting Andersonville (5127 N. Clark St.) *Please note this is an off-campus location. 

Bring out your creative side with ceramic painting this GSAW! 20 students will be able to paint a ceramic of their choosing in a private room with light snacks! 

Rock Climbing with CGSA 

Presented by the Center for Civic Engagement (CCE)

Wednesday, April 8 from 6:00–7:00 PM
First Ascent (108 N. State St.) *Please note this is an off-campus location.  

Sign up for rock climbing with your grad school peers! 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. 

NCA Headshots and Résumé Drop-In Clinic + CGSA Breakfast

NCA is excited to partner with the Chicago Graduate Student Association (CGSA) to offer complimentary headshots and a résumé drop-in clinic to TGS students for GSAW! Come for breakfast from Cozy Corner and stay for a free headshot and résumé review. Hope to see our Chicago-based PhD students there! The Thursday GSAW Access Pass (sent via email on Thursday morning) is required. 

CGSA Replay Happy Hour

Presented by the Chicago Graduate Student Association (CGSA) 

Thursday, April 9 from 5:00–7:00 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 will have pizza available! Bring a friend and enjoy mingling and unlimited free pinball! The Thursday GSAW Access Pass is required (sent via email on Thursday morning). 

Uncontrolled Variables Show: Science-Themed Comedy 

Presented by the Chicago Graduate Student Association (CGSA) 

Thursday, April 9 from 7:00–8:30 PM 
The Den Theatre (1331 N. Milwaukee Ave.) *Please note this is an off-campus location. 

Join us for a night of science and comedy at the five-year anniversary edition of Uncontrolled Variables, hosted at the Den Theater in Wicker Park! Comedians will attempt to present scientific data, then the scientists who conducted the research will share what the data actually means. CGSA will provide 10 free tickets to the first students who sign up; after which students may be added to the waitlist. Additional tickets may be purchased here. 

CGSA Dollop Coffee Giveaway

Presented by the Chicago Graduate Student Association (CGSA) 

Friday, April 10 from 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM (while supplies last) 
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 Friday GSAW Access Pass (sent via email on Friday morning). This offer will continue into the next day if the first 100 coffees are not claimed. 

CGSA Aerial Yoga Class

Presented by the Chicago Graduate Student Association (CGSA) 

Friday, April 10 from 8:00–9:00 AM
AIR Aerial Fitness - Lincoln Park (2217 N. Clybourn Ave.) *Please note this is an off-campus location. 

Join your fellow NU students for a relaxing aerial yoga class that links yoga poses and breathwork with aerial hammock movement, allowing for a full body stretch and mental reset. No prior experience is required, and we will have breakfast available for attendees! Space is limited. 

TGS @ Puttery Chicago

Saturday, April 11 from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM  
Puttery (932 W. Randolph St.), Chicago *Please note this is an off-campus location. 

Join us for indoor miniature golf at Puttery Chicago! Close out GSAW with some friendly competition! Enjoy unlimited play of the mini golf course, savory bites, and a lively social atmosphere. Open to all TGS students. Space is limited, first come first served. If registration reaches capacity, students will have the opportunity to sign up for the waitlist. 

REGISTER HERE FOR THE PUTTERY

JOIN THE WAITLIST FOR THE PUTTERY

Daily Grad Student Happy Hour at Luna's Pub

Presented by Luna's Pub

Monday, April 6 – Friday, April 10 from 4:00–6:00 PM
Luna's Pub at Norris University Center (1999 Campus Dr.)

Celebrate Graduate Student Appreciation Week at Luna’s Pub from April 6–10 with a daily Grad Student Happy Hour from 4:00–6:00 PM. Simply show your Wildcard to enjoy $6 draft beer, $6 house wine, $7 Luna signature cocktails, and $5 mocktails. In addition, Luna's will also offer the following food specials on Friday night at a $6 price point for graduate students: Buffalo Cauliflower with cilantro ranch, Mini Luna's Nachos, and 7oz. Bavarian Pretzel with beer cheese. Join us to relax, connect, and celebrate!

NCA Headshots and Résumé Drop-In Clinic + GSA Bagel Breakfast

NCA is excited to partner with the Graduate Student Association (GSA) to offer complimentary headshots and a résumé drop-in clinic to TGS students for Graduate Student Appreciation Week! Come for breakfast items from Einstein’s Bagels and stay for a free headshot and résumé review. Hope to see our Evanston-based PhD students there! The Monday GSAW Access Pass (sent via email on Monday morning) is required. 

BODYPUMP™ 

Monday, April 6 from 12:00–1:00 PM  
Studio 1AB in the Henry Crown Sports Pavillion (2311 Sheridan Rd.) 

Come experience a barbell workout for anyone looking to get lean, toned, and fit! Using light-to-moderate weights with lots of repetition, this is a total body workout. Instructors will coach you through scientifically proven movements and techniques while pumping out encouragement, motivation, and great music!  

Class is first come, first served. No registration is required. 

Trivia Night

Presented by The Graduate School (TGS) and the Graduate Student Association (GSA)

Monday, April 6 from 6:00–8:00 PM
TGS Commons (2122 Sheridan Rd.), Evanston

Bring your smartest friends to compete in a GSAW Trivia Night! Sign up with a premade team or a random team for a chance to make new friends. Food will be served, and the winning teams will receive prizes! The Monday GSAW Access Pass (sent via email on Monday morning) is required. 

Sign up by Sunday, April 5.  

Data Science Careers Panel and Networking

Tuesday, April 7 from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM 
TGS Commons (2122 Sheridan Rd.) 

As part of the Graduate Student Appreciation Week, the Research Computing and Data Services team of Northwestern IT is hosting a panel of AI, data science, and statistics professionals to discuss careers within and outside academia. An informal networking event will follow the panel discussion, and light refreshments will be served. No registration is required. 

GSA Happy Hour

Tuesday, April 7 from 6:30–8:30 PM  
Five & Dime Evanston (1026 Davis St.) *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 the Tuesday GSAW Access Pass (sent via email on Tuesday morning) are required for entry. 

Norris Mini Courses: Bisque Pottery Painting

Tuesday, April 7 from 7:00–9:00 PM 
Dittmar Gallery in Norris University Center (1999 Campus Drive) 

Join us at Norris for an evening of ceramic creativity! Unleash your inner artist and come paint your own bisque pottery. Choose 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.

GSA Snack & Swag Giveaway

Presented by the Graduate Student Association (GSA) 

Wednesday, April 8 at 10:00 AM (while supplies last) 
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 Wednesday GSAW Access Pass will be required (sent via email on Wednesday morning). While supplies last. 

Chai and Chat with OISS

Presented by the Office of International Student and Scholar Services (OISS) 

Wednesday, April 8 from 1:30–3:00 PM  
Office of International Student and Scholar Services (630 Dartmouth Pl.)

Join OISS for casual conversation, cookies, and delicious homemade chai at the Office of International Student and Scholar Services on the Evanston campus. Meet new friends, relax, and enjoy great conversation. Please RSVP so we can make sure to have enough snacks available. 

Sky Zone with GSA

Presented by the Graduate Student Association (GSA)  

Wednesday, April 8 from 5:00–7:00 PM 
Sky Zone Trampoline Park (1711 Maple Ave.) *Please note this is an off-campus location.

GSA is excited to invite graduate students to a fun evening at Sky Zone as part of Graduate Student Appreciation Week! Join us for an opportunity to unwind, jump around, and connect with fellow graduate students. Take a break from your work, enjoy some high-energy fun, and celebrate GSAW with the GSA community. Space is limited. 

Sunrise Yoga

Presented by NU Recreation 

Thursday, April 9 from 7:00–8:00 AM  
Studio 2 in the Henry Crown Sports Pavillion (2311 Sheridan Rd.) 

This class begins with quiet reflection and a thorough warm-up that energizes and awakens the body through a variety of yoga postures, combined with breathing, balance, and mobility techniques. It is the perfect way to start your day feeling grounded, focused, and clear.   

Class is first come, first served. No registration is required. 

TGS Donut Drop

Thursday, April 9 from 9:00–11:00 AM 
TGS Commons (2122 Sheridan Rd.) 

The Graduate School (TGS), the Center for Leadership, and the Office of the Ombudsperson will pass out free coffee and donuts from Stan's Donuts to Evanston-based TGS students while supplies last. Vegan and gluten-free options are available. The Thursday GSAW Access Pass is required (sent via email on Thursday morning).

GSA Café Coralie Giveaway

Presented by the Graduate Student Association (GSA) 

Thursday, April 9 at 9:00 AM (while supplies last) 
Café Coralie in Silverman Hall (2170 Campus Dr. – Second Floor)  

The first 200 TGS students who stop by the Café Coralie in Silverman Hall will enjoy a black coffee courtesy of GSA! While supplies last. The Thursday GSAW Access Pass is required (sent via email on Thursday morning).  

Spring Mingle

Presented by the Searle Center for Advancing Learning and Teaching 

Thursday, April 9 from 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Searle Center (627 Dartmouth Pl.) 

Celebrate Graduate Student Appreciation Week with a lively gathering at the Searle Center! Enjoy festive seasonal snacks, games, and conversation- starter decks designed to spark energizing discussions about learning and teaching. This drop‑in event is an opportunity to meet Searle’s educational developer, connect with fellow graduate students, and enjoy a cheerful kickoff to the Spring Quarter. 

You will also have the chance to: 

• Explore professional development opportunities that support your pedagogical growth. 
• Receive feedback on your teaching materials through a one-on-one consultation. 
• Enter a raffle to win one of our favorite books on learning and teaching.  

Come enjoy good food, good conversation, and a vibrant spring celebration with the Searle Center community! 

GSA Party in the Sauna Club

Presented by the Graduate Student Association (GSA) 

Thursday, April 9 from 6:00–8:00 PM  
South Arrington Lagoon at Dawes Park (1647 Sheridan Rd.) *Please note this is an off-campus location. 

It is time to sweat off your stress! Join GSA for a mega sauna party at the Evanston Sauna Club pop-up location on the beach (South Arrington Lagoon at Dawes Park, Evanston, IL 60201). Transportation is not provided, but it is near the Evanston campus. 

Please note, your RSVP does not guarantee a ticket; participants will receive their ticket confirmation by Tuesday, April 7. The email address provided will be the email address used for communication about this event. 

Food Trucks

Presented by The Graduate School (TGS) and the Graduate Student Association (GSA)

Friday, April 10 from 12:00–2:00 PM
Silverman Courtyard (2170 Campus Dr.), Evanston

Celebrate 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. The Friday GSAW Access Pass (sent via email on Friday) is required to receive a ticket.

Mindful Yoga

Presented by NU Recreation 

Friday, April 10 from 5:30–6:30 PM  
Studio 2 in the Henry Crown Sports Pavillion (2311 Sheridan Rd.)  

The pace of this class is moderate with poses ascending in complexity. A meditative, mindful approach is emphasized in all postures to develop greater internal awareness. Well-suited for those with a yoga foundation.   

Class is first come, first served. No registration is required. 

Graduate Food Specials at Luna's Pub

Presented by Luna's Pub

Friday, April 10 from 4:00–6:00 PM
Luna's Pub at Norris University Center (1999 Campus Dr.)

In addition to our GSAW happy hour drink specials from 4:00–6:00 PM Monday–Friday, Luna’s Pub will also offer the following food specials on Friday night at a $6 price point for graduate students: Buffalo Cauliflower with cilantro ranch, Mini Luna's Nachos, and 7oz. Bavarian Pretzel with beer cheese. Simply show your Wildcard to enjoy these discounted treats in addition to our happy hour drink specials: $6 draft beer, $6 house wine, $7 Luna signature cocktails, and $5 mocktails. Join us to relax, connect, and celebrate!

Norris Mini Courses: One-Day Wheel-Throwing Workshop 

Presented by The Graduate School (TGS) and Norris Mini Courses 

Saturday, April 11 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? Come join us for a two-hour workshop where you will learn the fundamental steps of throwing. Participants will get to throw as much as they can but will only select one piece to keep. Participants will also choose from four different glaze colors to match their perfect creation. Projects will be available for pick up two weeks from the workshop's completion. No experience is required!