Graduate Affairs
January Monthly Report
Vision Statement
The Graduate Affairs department envisions a campus where every graduate and professional student feels a sense of worth and camaraderie within the university community. We strive to foster an environment that recognizes how a diverse and inclusive student body strengthens our community while nurturing intellectual curiosity and multidisciplinary approaches. By amplifying the needs and concerns of the graduate student body to university leadership, we ensure the growth, development, and holistic well-being of all graduates.
Key Projects
GradShow
This premier academic showcase empowered over 300 graduate students to present their research, fostering professional growth through direct feedback from judges. By awarding the GSC New Graduate Award to five recipients, the event successfully highlighted and rewarded excellence within the graduate community, validating their scholarly contributions.
Graduate Student Grants Program
To actively support academic advancement, the department dispersed multiple cycles of funding for research and travel, with a third cycle opening in early 2026 to meet continued demand. These grants directly reduce financial barriers, allowing students to pursue critical scholarly opportunities and professional development that might otherwise be inaccessible.
Graduate Gowns Lending Library
Addressing the hidden costs of commencement, this active initiative involves collecting and purchasing used gowns to create a lending resource for graduating students. By removing the financial burden of purchasing regalia, this project ensures that all students can celebrate their degree completion with dignity and equity.
Student Wellness & Finals Support
Recognizing the unique stressors of graduate life, the department implemented “Wellness Wednesdays” alongside targeted finals week support, including co-working sessions and free coffee events. These community-focused initiatives provided essential mental health breaks and study spaces, directly enhancing student well-being during high-pressure academic periods.
Graduate Student Recognition & Celebration
Currently in development for May 2026, this large-scale project is designed to honor the exceptional contributions of Graduate Research and Teaching Assistants who drive the university’s academic mission. This formal celebration will elevate the visibility of student leaders and scholars, reinforcing a campus culture that values their dedication to teaching and research.
Want to dive deeper?
For more information, you can go through the Graduate Affairs Department Monthly Reports on the right. These provide in-depth information on the month’s accomplishments, current projects, future plans, a breakdown of the Director’s Timesheet, Budget Breakdown, Goals, and Sibling Branch Engagement.
Also, feel free to contact Co-Directors Vigor Lam and Cassandra Puletapuai with any questions!