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 Office Hours
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 three 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.
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.
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.
Day 1: GSEE’s Getting Connected Student Panel (virtual) | Oct. 17, 3:30–5:00 p.m. PT
Day 2: GSEE’s Getting Connected Reception (in-person) | Oct. 18, 6:30–9:00 p.m. PT
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.
- Spring 2024 Power Hour
- GSEE is promoting attendance of the Equity in Graduate Education Summit for our Spring Power Hour programming (hosted by the Gradyate School’s Office of Equity & Justice (OEJ), Graduate Student Equity & Excellence (GSEE), and Graduate Student Affairs (GSA)). This annual summit guides faculty, staff, graduate students, and campus leadership to reflect and actively engage in the work to promote equity in Graduate Education. We encourage interested graduate students to RSVP for the Summit.
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.
2024 PSD events
- Virtual Student Panel
Thursday, March 28, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. PT via Zoom (RSVP) - In-Person Reception
Friday, March 29, 2024 from 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. PT at the Peterson Room, Allen Library, UW Seattle (RSVP)
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.
2024 Spring Soirée
Stay tuned and save the date: Wednesday, May 22, 2024, at wǝɫǝbʔaltxʷ – Intellectual House 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 2023–2024 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.
Spring Real Talk Tuesdays (RSVP)
MLK Day of Service
GSEE invites you to observe and celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service. For MLK Day 2024 we are 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.
Some 2024 MLK Day Community Activities include:
- Youth events, workshops, and an opportunity fair, hosted by the Seattle MLK Jr. Coalition
- A day full of music, movies, motivational speakers, and activities for the whole family at King Day 2024 at the Northwest African American Museum. They will also debut a new exhibit entitled Interrupting Privilege hosted by The Center for Communication, Difference, and Equity (CCDE). This interactive exhibit will be an immersive mixed-media experience where attendees learn the history and methodology of Interrupting Privilege and have the unique opportunity to listen to recorded dialogues as we honor the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. together.
- An annual lobby day on MLK Day organized by the Statewide Poverty Action Network
- MLK Day of Service at United Way King County, which allows volunteers to get to know community issues, build relationships, and work towards an equitable future for everyone
- Theater performances at the Washington State History Museum that commemorate MLK by bringing to life his legacy
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.
*Intersections include sexism, homophobia, ableism, Islamaphobia, antisemitism and other forms of discrimination.