Office of Graduate Student Success
Your success starts here with support for your academic journey, financial assistance and a welcoming space to recharge—complete with free coffee, snacks and more.
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Empowering your graduate journey
We’re here to support you on your graduate journey! The Graduate Student Success Office (GSS) serves as a central hub for graduate admissions and student support, catering to prospective students, current graduate students and faculty who work with graduate students. We advocate for graduate students and strategically connect them with the resources they need to thrive. Our mission is to empower students to progress toward timely degree completion by providing academic, professional and social support. At GSS, we’re dedicated to fostering a strong, connected community among our graduate students.
Tips for Success in Graduate School
- Take charge of your graduate school experience and set clear goals.
- Transition from being directed to making your own decisions.
- Initiate relationships with faculty and engage actively.
- Collaborate with faculty and peers; avoid isolation.
- Attend seminars, lectures and conferences.
- Present your work and view yourself as part of your profession.
- For master’s students: coursework, exams, thesis or project and defense.
- For doctoral students: coursework, committee meetings, proposal, exams and dissertation.
- Track your progress, schedule meetings and stay organized.
- Aim for publications, presentations and apply for funding.
- Develop a plan for your professional future.
- Schedule regular meetings with your advisor and committee.
- Communicate clearly and follow up on discussions.
- Act as a proactive, engaged “junior colleague.”
- Develop skills like organization, preparedness and collegiality.
- Participate in workshops, write grant proposals and learn research ethics.
- Connect with friends and family outside of graduate school.
- Utilize campus resources and join support groups.
- Take care of your health with sleep, exercise and proper nutrition.
