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CECS Graduate and Professional Student Appreciation Week

National Graduate and Professional Student Appreciation Week was started in 1993 by the  as a way to support and appreciate graduate and professional students. The goal of the week is to highlight the contributions, impact, and value of graduate and professional students throughout our community. This is a national week that is celebrate every year and is always the first full week of April. On this page you will find a list of events and opportunities for our graduate students during the Graduate Student Appreciation weeks. 

More information coming soon for GSAW 2026. Questions about any events please email : [email protected]

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Events of the Week

Attendees discussing academic posters at a University of Michigan conference.

Doctoral Research Showcase Poster Event

At this event, you will be able to present your dissertation research in poster format to a panel of judges and others. 

Three individuals standing in front of a University of Michigan backdrop. The person on the right is holding a certificate.

Doctoral Pinning & Recognition Ceremony

Doctoral candidates are recognized for their advancement with an annual ceremony alongside students and/or organizations who have achieved distinction for their efforts.

Group of individuals standing outdoors near a river, with trees and a clear sky in the background. A picnic table is visible in the foreground.

Appreciation Events

Get to know the staff at the CECS Graduate Education Office, whether it is on a nature walk, or for coffee - there will be events to attend all week. 

Photo Gallery

2023 PhD Research Showcase Poster Event
Hot Cocoa 2024
Three individuals at a science fair stand in front of a poster presentation, discussing the content. The person in the center is smiling and engaging with a visitor, while another stands beside them observing the interaction. The setting includes a professional environment with informational displays.
Hot Cocoa 2024 2
Person standing behind a table with promotional mugs at a University of Michigan College of Engineering event during Graduate & Professional Student Appreciation Week.
2023 PhD Research Showcase Poster Event
PhD Pinning and Recognition Ceremony 2023
PhD Pinning and Recognition Ceremony 2023
Person standing next to a poster presentation titled "PANORAMIX: Mining Performance Related Concerns at Scale" at a University of Michigan event.
Welcome sign, featuring the logo and text 'Welcome to the 2026 Global re:Invent - EC2 Central Region!' displayed in a modern building with glass walls and metal beams.