What is the OG Program?
The Office of Graduate Student Equity & Excellence (GSEE) is committed to enhancing the promotion and success of graduate students impacted by racism and its intersections* at the UW. While GSEE is based on the Seattle campus, Bothell and Tacoma graduate students are welcome to participate in GSEE programming.
The Outreaching Grads (OG) Program is a comprehensive and collaborative outreach and recruitment program housed in GSEE of the Graduate School. OGs help to support GSEE, academic departments, and student organizations as they enhance outreach and recruitment efforts for prospective and incoming, traditionally underserved graduate students. The OG Program introduces graduate students to opportunities and resources that help build community and increase diversity within the framework of the graduate student cycle.
What is the role of an OG?
OGs are trained to lead and support prospective, incoming, and current graduate students impacted by racism and its intersections in navigating the numerous aspects and phases of graduate school. They provide a personal lens, as well as meaningful guidance on living in the Pacific Northwest. To aid in assessing graduate student needs and to cultivate an inclusive campus community, OGs can:
- Connect and share opportunities and resources with prospective historically underrepresented graduate students (virtually and in-person)
- Participate in professional development opportunities
- Share graduate opportunities with UW registered student organizations to promote graduate education
- Engage in graduate student panels, public speaking, recruitment events, as well as networking and donor engagements
How can I become an OG?
Becoming an OG is a way to give back to our communities, create meaningful friendships, and ensure graduate opportunities remain open to all. OGs will also benefit from:
- Creating new connections with prospective and current graduate students during OG orientation and beyond
- Gaining leadership strengths, public speaking expertise, and other professional skill sets
- Expanding social and professional networks
- Building professional and community involvement skills that will enhance career goals
Our OG trainings typically occur during Autumn Quarter of each academic year. Current graduate students interested in becoming an OG may fill out the 2024–25 OG Interest Form or contact uwgsee@uw.edu.
How can I request the assistance of an OG?
We are happy to send OGs to various recruitment functions or have them visit one-on-one with prospective students or groups. We do ask, however, that your request be submitted at least two weeks in advance. To request that an OG meet with or contact your prospective student(s), please complete the 2024–25 Outreaching Grads (OG) Request Form.
The Office of Graduate Student Equity & Excellence (GSEE) hosts events and programming geared towards graduate students impacted by racism and its intersections* and are open to all UW graduate students, faculty and staff, and those interested in and committed to supporting and increasing a diverse graduate student population.
*Intersections include sexism, homophobia, ableism, Islamophobia, antisemitism, and other forms of discrimination.