The Graduate School and GSEE provide ways for graduate students impacted by racism and its intersections* to connect, to foster community and a sense of belonging in graduate school. Here is a list of the ongoing and periodic events and resources.
See the Complete GSEE/Equity & Justice Events Calendar
Annual Equity in Graduate Education Summit
The Graduate School’s annual tri-campus summit is a partnership with equity-focused, graduate student facing units across the UW.
The summit guides faculty, staff, graduate students, and campus leaders to not simply observe or feel bad about inequalities in graduate education, but to learn the tools to change those inequalities.
Equity in Graduate Education Series
The Equity in Graduate Education Series (EGES) (formerly Equity Focus Office Hours) are a series of events hosted by the Office of Equity and Justice (OEJ) and The Office of Graduate Student Equity and Excellence (GSEE). The series features current topics that impact graduate students impacted by racism and its intersections* and is designed to support faculty/staff invested in the success of these students. The series often hosts campus partners and guest speakers committed to moving beyond theory and performative action to support graduate students impacted by racism and its intersections and has culminated in an annual Equity in Graduate Education Summit over the last four years.
Weekly Newsletters
Current UW graduate students who self-identified as a racial or ethnic minority on their UW application will receive weekly GSEE emails. New graduate students impacted by racism and its intersections should receive their first GSEE email in mid-October. If you are not on the listserv and would like to be added, please email uwgsee@uw.edu or visit this webpage.
GSEE New Student Welcome
This event is a summer virtual meet & greet for incoming master’s, Ph.D. and professional students, including a student panel and breakout rooms to exchange tips and tricks on transitioning to Seattle and the UW.
Topics have included QTPOC Community, POC Outdoors, Student Activism/Advocacy, Parenting while in Graduate School, Find a Roommate, Free Chat.
Join us to see what topics emerge this year! We ask that newly admitted/incoming students register for GSEE’s 2024 New Student Welcome.
Getting Connected—Autumn Welcome
Getting Connected is GSEE’s signature Autumn Quarter event that occurs over two days. Day 1 features a virtual student panel (via Zoom) and Day 2 features an in-person reception (complete with food, dancing, and dessert!). Please note that you must RSVP to each day separately.
Save the date(s) for GSEE’s 2024 Getting Connected!
Day 1: GSEE’s Getting Connected Student Panel (virtual) | Oct. 16, 3:30–5:00 p.m. PT | Zoom
Day 2: GSEE’s Getting Connected Reception (in-person) | Oct. 17, 6:30–9:00 p.m. PT | Burke Museum, UW Seattle
Power Hours
GSEE Power Hours are designed to create a supportive community. These events feature UW faculty and community leaders and are designed with introspective and professional growth in mind. Graduate students impacted by racism and its intersections* have an opportunity to be a part of interactive discussions on topics that are unique to their academic and professional journeys.
Topics range from leadership development, self-care, overcoming the imposter syndrome, countering microaggressions and negotiating salaries.
As one student noted, graduate school can be a “lonely journey.” Taking some time to connect and talk with others is restoring and rejuvenating. At the Power Hour, “my soul was fed,” she added.
- Save the Date! Our first Power Hour of the 2024-25 academic year will be held on Nov. 6, 2:00-3:30 p.m. PT
Prospective Student Days
Prospective Student Days (PSDs) are two-day welcome events for admitted, prospective graduate students impacted by racism and its intersections. These events feature current students and GSEE staff panels. There are opportunities to gather with other prospective, admitted graduate students across disciplines.
2025 PSD events (stay tuned for more information)
- Virtual Student Panel
Thursday, April 3, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. PT via Zoom - In-Person Reception
Friday, April 4, 2025 from 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. PT at the Peterson Room, Allen Library, UW Seattle
Learn more about our Prospective Student Days
Spring Soirée
The GSEE Spring Soirée is a chance to relax and celebrate the end of the academic year with other graduate students impacted by racism and its intersections* from across campuses and disciplines.
2025 Spring Soirée
Stay tuned and save the date: Wednesday, May 15, 2025, at the Burke Museum at UW Seattle.
Staying Connected
Hosted by our Graduate Student Advisory Board (GSAB), Staying Connected are monthly social mixers meant for graduate students impacted by racism and its intersections to gather in community while supporting local businesses. If you are interested in meeting new folks, come hangout at this community event. This is a no-host gathering. No speakers or name-tags just a good old fashioned way to mingle!
Stay tuned to our social media channels and weekly newsletters for updates on Staying Connected events. For the 2024–2025 academic year, Staying Connected usually occurs on the first Friday of each month.
Real Talk Tuesdays
GSEE and the Center for Communication, Difference, and Equity (CCDE) co-host Real Talk Tuesdays, a safe space to engage in real talk about issues that impact graduate students impacted by racism and its intersections. Topics rotate and students are encouraged to bring up issues of concern to them.
Autumn 2024 Real Talk Tuesdays (stay tuned for RSVP information)
- October 22, 2024 | Communications Building (CMU) 126/129
- November 12, 2024 | Communications Building (CMU) 126/129
- December 3, 2024 | Communications Building (CMU) 126/129
Winter 2025 Real Talk Tuesdays (stay tuned for RSVP information)
- January 14, 2025| Communications Building (CMU) 126/129
- February 11, 2025 | Communications Building (CMU) 126/129
- March 4, 2025 | Communications Building (CMU) 126/129
Spring 2025 Real Talk Tuesdays (stay tuned for RSVP information)
- April 22, 2025 | Communications Building (CMU) 126/129
- May 13, 2025 | Communications Building (CMU) 126/129
MLK Day of Service
GSEE invites you to observe and celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service. For MLK Day 2025 we will be sharing a few community events that aim to provide us with an opportunity to reflect on and rededicate ourselves to our shared commitment to creating a just and equitable future for all. *Note: These events are not sponsored or hosted by GSEE.
Thriving in Graduate School Series (TIGS)
GSEE partners with Graduate Student Affairs and the UW Counseling Center for the Thriving in Graduate School Series (TIGS). This series gives graduate students the opportunity to learn from experienced alumni impacted by racism and its intersections. Guest speakers/facilitators will share their wisdom and strategies for surviving and thriving-within and outside of graduate school. Stay tuned for more information regarding 2024-25 TIGS.
*Intersections include sexism, homophobia, ableism, Islamaphobia, antisemitism and other forms of discrimination.
While GSEE events and programming are geared towards graduate students impacted by racism and its intersections*, they are open to all UW graduate students, faculty and staff, and those interested in and committed to supporting and increasing a racially diverse graduate student population.