Graduate and Professional Student Appreciation Week
Join the Graduate Student Life in celebrating Graduate and Professional Student Appreciation Week! During this week, we honor the contributions of George Mason’s 12,000+ graduate and professional students.
Thank you to our partners, including the Graduate Division, University Career Services, SPARK, CLIE, CAPS, Women and Gender Studies, Mason Recreation, and University Life Mason Square for collaborating with us for our programming and events.
Below is the 2026 Appreciation Week schedule! Register for events here!
Graduate Outdoor Adventures: Raven Rocks Hike
Join Graduate Student Life and Outdoor Adventures for a hiking trip on Sunday, March 22, 9am-5pm for our first adventure of 2026! We will be hiking the Raven Rocks trail, part of the Appalachian Trail! This is a 5 mile loop that is moderate in difficulty; no experience is necessary!
Graduate Assistant & Graduate Lecturer Breakfast
Graduate Assistants and Lecturers of all kinds (Graduate Research Assistants, Graduate Teaching Assistants, and Graduate Professional Assistants) are welcome to join us for a FREE breakfast on the Fairfax campus! Invite only on Monday.
Graduate Student Career Workshop: Exploring Research Careers Outside Academia
Join Career Services, Graduate Student Life, and the Graduate Division for a virtual panel exploring how graduate research skills translate into meaningful careers beyond academia. This session will feature a panel of George Mason graduate alumni currently working in research-focused roles across these sectors. Following the panel, University Career Services will share practical strategies and resources to support your job search.
Graduate Student and Adult Learner Happy Hour at Mason Square
Join us for our Graduate Student and Adult Learner Happy Hour of the Spring 2026 semester! Student meetups/happy hour are a great way to meet other graduate students and adult learners at George Mason.
Building Community for Graduate Students: Grad Karaoke & Chill
Come join Graduate Student Life and Center for Leadership and Intercultural Engagement (CLIE) on March 25 for Grad Karaoke & Chill, a fun and relaxed social gathering designed to help graduate students connect across departments and unwind together. This event offers a welcoming space to sing, cheer, and enjoy interactive activities like Finish the Lyric, a craft corner, and photo booth fun. Whether you choose to grab the mic or simply enjoy the music, food, and mocktails, this event is all about building community, sharing laughs, and taking a well deserved break from the demands of graduate life.
Graduate Students Wellbeing Workshop: Create & Get Silly
Join Graduate Student Life and Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) for a chance to step away from the stress and give yourself permission to play. This creative, low-pressure event is designed to help you reconnect with your inner child through art, movement, and imagination. Enjoy hands-on activities while connecting with other graduate students in a relaxed, judgment-free environment.
Mason Graduate Interdisciplinary Conference
The Mason Graduate Interdisciplinary Conference, co-hosted by the Graduate and Professional Student Association (GAPSA) and Graduate Student Life, showcases graduate students scholarly, research, and creative works across disciplines through posters, oral presentations, and creative, visual, and performing arts. Students from all disciplines at George Mason University are welcome to participate as presenters, attendees, or volunteers. For more information about the conference, please visit https://gapsa.gmu.edu/conference/ or email us at gapsa@gmu.edu.