The Graduate School and GSEE provide ways for graduate students from diverse perspectives and experiences 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/Graduate Student Success Calendar
Annual Excellence 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.
Excellence in Graduate Education Series
The Excellence in Graduate Education Series (EGES) (formerly Equity Focus Office Hours) are a series of events hosted by the Office of Graduate Student Success (OGSS), which includes GSEE and the Office of Graduate Student Affairs (GSA). The series features current topics that impact graduate students from diverse perspectives and experiences 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 from diverse perspectives and experiences and has culminated in an annual Excellence in Graduate Education Summit over the last five years.
Twice-Monthly Student Newsletters
New graduate students from diverse perspectives and experiences 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 Building Community in Graduate School, Navigating Academia, 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 2025 New Student Welcome.
Community Connections—Autumn Welcome
The Office of Graduate Student Equity & Excellence (GSEE) and the Office of Graduate Student Affairs (GSA) are thrilled to welcome our incoming graduate students to the University of Washington! Community Connections is an excellent opportunity for our students from diverse experiences and perspectives and first-generation grad students to build connection and community across disciplines. This signature event is hosted 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 refreshments!). Please note that you must RSVP to each day separately.
Day 1: Community Connections Student Panel (virtual) | Oct. 15, 3:30–4:45 p.m. PT | Zoom (RSVP)
Day 2: Community Connections Reception (in-person) | Oct. 16, 4:30–7:30 p.m. PT | wǝɫǝbʔaltxʷ – Intellectual House, UW Seattle (RSVP)
Thriving in Graduate School (TIGS) Series
In partnership with Graduate Student Affairs (GSA), the TIGS series is 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 from diverse perspectives and experiences 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 and career development, self-care, overcoming the imposter syndrome, countering microaggressions and negotiating salaries.
- Stay Tuned for 2025-2026 Power Hour opportunities
GSEE Prospective Student Days
Prospective Student Days (PSDs) are two-day welcome events for admitted, prospective graduate students with a focus on supporting potential graduate students from diverse perspectives and experiences. These events feature current students and GSEE staff panels. There are opportunities to gather with other prospective, admitted graduate students across disciplines.
2026 PSD events
- Virtual Student Panel
Thursday, April 2, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. PT via Zoom - In-Person Reception
Friday, April 3, 2026 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
GSEE and GSA’s Spring Soirée is a chance to relax and celebrate the end of the academic year with other graduate students from diverse perspectives and experiences from across campuses and disciplines. Spring Soirée is one of our signature events and celebrates the accomplishments of both our graduating and continuing graduate students over food, refreshments, and dancing!
2026 Spring Soirée
Stay tuned and save the date: Thursday, May 14, 2026, at the wǝɫǝbʔaltxʷ – Intellectual House at UW Seattle.
Coffee Connections
GSEE and the Center for Communication, Difference, and Equity (CCDE) co-host Coffee Connections, a space for graduate students to connect with one another outside of the classroom and talk about what is on your heart and mind. There will be opportunities to engage in creative expression through art and you are welcome to bring your creative projects to this space. Come as you are to reenergize and relax with one another!
2025-2026 Coffee Connections Dates (typically the first Wednesday of each month)
- Wednesday, October 8 | 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. PT | CMU 129
- Wednesday, November 5 | 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. PT | CMU 129
- Wednesday, December 3 | 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. PT | CMU 129
- Wednesday, January 7 | 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. PT | CMU 129
- Wednesday, February 4 | 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. PT | CMU 129
- Wednesday, March 4 | 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. PT | CMU 129
- Wednesday, April 1 | 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. PT | CMU 129
- Wednesday, May 6 | 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. PT | CMU 129
MLK Day of Service
GSEE invites you to observe and celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service. For MLK Day 2026 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.
GSEE events and programming that focuses on supporting graduate students from diverse perspectives and experiences. GSEE programing is open to all UW graduate students, faculty and staff, and those who share the goal of promoting a supportive and encouraging environment for all.