Graduate Student Appreciation Week (GSAW) 2026
Graduate Student Appreciation Week (GSAW) 2026 is a nationally recognized celebration that will take place from Monday, April 6 – Friday, April 10, 2026 (with bonus events on Saturday, April 10). It is a terrific opportunity to celebrate and recognize PhD and master's students in The Graduate School (TGS)!
Below is a comprehensive list of GSAW events and giveaways that are free and open to all TGS students (unless otherwise specified).
We will open all the registration links and resend the GSAW 2026 calendar via email on Monday, March 30 at 12:00 PM. Be sure to register in advance as space is limited for many of these activities.
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Note: Certain events are only accessible with a Daily GSAW Access Pass. All eligible TGS graduate students will receive a new Pass in their Northwestern email every morning of GSAW with that day's programming. |
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To help plan out your week of festivities, events that offer food or refreshments will be indicated by the Food and Drink icon. |
GSAW 2026 is sponsored by The Graduate School, Graduate Student Association (GSA), and Chicago Graduation Student Association (CGSA), and the following campus partners:
Center for Civic Engagement (CCE), Center for Leadership, Graduate Writing Place, Luna's Pub, Norris Mini Courses, Northwestern Career Advancement (NCA), Northwestern IT Research Computing and Data Services, NU Recreation, Office of International Student and Scholar Services (OISS), Office of the Ombudsperson, Searle Center for Advancing Learning and Teaching, and the TGS Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Success (GPS).
Featured Programming
Presented by The Graduate School (TGS) and the Graduate Student Association (GSA)
Monday, April 6 from 6:00–8:00 PM
TGS Commons (2122 Sheridan Rd.), Evanston
Bring your smartest friends to compete in a GSAW Trivia Night! Sign up with a premade team or a random team for a chance to make new friends. Food will be served, and the winning teams will receive prizes! The Monday GSAW Access Pass (sent via email on Monday morning) is required.
Sign up by Sunday, April 5.
Presented by The Graduate School (TGS) and the Graduate Student Association (GSA)
Friday, April 10 from 12:00–2:00 PM
Silverman Courtyard (2170 Campus Dr.), Evanston
Celebrate GSAW with a delicious food truck event featuring bites from Soul & Smoke, La Cocinita, and Rainbow Cone Catering! Enjoy a variety of savory eats and sweet treats while connecting with fellow grad students. Food tickets will be available on a first-come, first-served basis, while supplies last. The Friday GSAW Access Pass (sent via email on Friday) is required to receive a ticket.
Presented by The Graduate School (TGS)
Saturday, April 11 from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Puttery (932 W. Randolph St.), Chicago *Please note this is an off-campus location.
Join us for indoor miniature golf at Puttery Chicago! Close out GSAW with some friendly competition! Enjoy unlimited play of the mini golf course, savory bites, and a lively social atmosphere. Open to all TGS students. Space is limited, first come first served. If registration reaches capacity, students will have the opportunity to sign up for the waitlist.
Virtual Offerings
Chicago Programming
Programming listed here will take place either on the Northwestern Chicago campus or within the city of Chicago.
TGS Donut Drop
Presented by The Graduate School (TGS) and the Center for Leadership
Tuesday, April 7 from 9:00–11:00 AM
Potocsnak Atrium in the Simpson Querrey Biomedical Research Center (303 E. Superior)
The Graduate School (TGS) and the Center for Leadership will pass out free coffee and donuts from Stan's Donuts to Chicago-based TGS students while supplies last. Vegan and gluten-free options are available. The Tuesday GSAW Access Pass is required (sent via email on Tuesday morning).
CGSA Pottery Painting
Presented by the Chicago Graduate Student Association (CGSA)
Tuesday, April 7 from 6:00–8:45 PM
Freestyle Ceramics and Tufting Andersonville (5127 N. Clark St.) *Please note this is an off-campus location.
Bring out your creative side with ceramic painting this GSAW! 20 students will be able to paint a ceramic of their choosing in a private room with light snacks!
NCA Headshots and Résumé Drop-In Clinic + CGSA Breakfast
Presented by Northwestern Career Advancement (NCA) and the Chicago Graduate Student Association (CGSA)
Thursday, April 9 from 9:00–11:00 AM
Method Atrium in the Searle Medical Research Building (320 E. Superior St.)
NCA is excited to partner with the Chicago Graduate Student Association (CGSA) to offer complimentary headshots and a résumé drop-in clinic to TGS students for GSAW! Come for breakfast from Cozy Corner and stay for a free headshot and résumé review. Hope to see our Chicago-based PhD students there! The Thursday GSAW Access Pass (sent via email on Thursday morning) is required.
CGSA Replay Happy Hour
Presented by the Chicago Graduate Student Association (CGSA)
Thursday, April 9 from 5:00–7:00 PM
Replay Lincoln Park (2833 N. Sheffield Ave.) *Please note this is an off-campus location.
Join CGSA for a fun night at Replay Lincoln Park! The first 50 graduate students will receive a free drink, and we will have pizza available! Bring a friend and enjoy mingling and unlimited free pinball! The Thursday GSAW Access Pass is required (sent via email on Thursday morning).
REGISTER FOR THE CGSA REPLAY HAPPY HOUR
Uncontrolled Variables Show: Science-Themed Comedy
Presented by the Chicago Graduate Student Association (CGSA)
Thursday, April 9 from 7:00–8:30 PM
The Den Theatre (1331 N. Milwaukee Ave.) *Please note this is an off-campus location.
Join us for a night of science and comedy at the five-year anniversary edition of Uncontrolled Variables, hosted at the Den Theater in Wicker Park! Comedians will attempt to present scientific data, then the scientists who conducted the research will share what the data actually means. CGSA will provide 10 free tickets to the first students who sign up; after which students may be added to the waitlist. Additional tickets may be purchased here.
CGSA Dollop Coffee Giveaway
Presented by the Chicago Graduate Student Association (CGSA)
Friday, April 10 from 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM (while supplies last)
Dollop Coffee (345 E. Ohio St.) *Please note this is an off-campus location.
The first 100 TGS students will receive a free coffee (value of $5) at Dollop Coffee. Enjoy a sweet treat on CGSA! Be sure to show the barista your Friday GSAW Access Pass (sent via email on Friday morning). This offer will continue into the next day if the first 100 coffees are not claimed.
CGSA Aerial Yoga Class
Presented by the Chicago Graduate Student Association (CGSA)
Friday, April 10 from 8:00–9:00 AM
AIR Aerial Fitness - Lincoln Park (2217 N. Clybourn Ave.) *Please note this is an off-campus location.
Join your fellow NU students for a relaxing aerial yoga class that links yoga poses and breathwork with aerial hammock movement, allowing for a full body stretch and mental reset. No prior experience is required, and we will have breakfast available for attendees! Space is limited.
TGS @ Puttery Chicago
Presented by The Graduate School (TGS)
Saturday, April 11 from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Puttery (932 W. Randolph St.), Chicago *Please note this is an off-campus location.
Join us for indoor miniature golf at Puttery Chicago! Close out GSAW with some friendly competition! Enjoy unlimited play of the mini golf course, savory bites, and a lively social atmosphere. Open to all TGS students. Space is limited, first come first served. If registration reaches capacity, students will have the opportunity to sign up for the waitlist.
Evanston Programming
Programming listed here will take place either on the Northwestern Evanston campus or within neighboring suburbs.
Daily Grad Student Happy Hour at Luna's Pub
Presented by Luna's Pub
Monday, April 6 – Friday, April 10 from 4:00–6:00 PM
Luna's Pub at Norris University Center (1999 Campus Dr.)
Celebrate Graduate Student Appreciation Week at Luna’s Pub from April 6–10 with a daily Grad Student Happy Hour from 4:00–6:00 PM. Simply show your Wildcard to enjoy $6 draft beer, $6 house wine, $7 Luna signature cocktails, and $5 mocktails. In addition, Luna's will also offer the following food specials on Friday night at a $6 price point for graduate students: Buffalo Cauliflower with cilantro ranch, Mini Luna's Nachos, and 7oz. Bavarian Pretzel with beer cheese. Join us to relax, connect, and celebrate!
NCA Headshots and Résumé Drop-In Clinic + GSA Bagel Breakfast
Presented by Northwestern Career Advancement (NCA) and the Graduate Student Association (GSA)
Monday, April 6 from 9:00–11:00 AM
TGS Commons (2122 Sheridan Rd.)
NCA is excited to partner with the Graduate Student Association (GSA) to offer complimentary headshots and a résumé drop-in clinic to TGS students for Graduate Student Appreciation Week! Come for breakfast items from Einstein’s Bagels and stay for a free headshot and résumé review. Hope to see our Evanston-based PhD students there! The Monday GSAW Access Pass (sent via email on Monday morning) is required.
BODYPUMP™
Presented by NU Recreation
Monday, April 6 from 12:00–1:00 PM
Studio 1AB in the Henry Crown Sports Pavillion (2311 Sheridan Rd.)
Come experience a barbell workout for anyone looking to get lean, toned, and fit! Using light-to-moderate weights with lots of repetition, this is a total body workout. Instructors will coach you through scientifically proven movements and techniques while pumping out encouragement, motivation, and great music!
Class is first come, first served. No registration is required.
Trivia Night
Presented by The Graduate School (TGS) and the Graduate Student Association (GSA)
Monday, April 6 from 6:00–8:00 PM
TGS Commons (2122 Sheridan Rd.), Evanston
Bring your smartest friends to compete in a GSAW Trivia Night! Sign up with a premade team or a random team for a chance to make new friends. Food will be served, and the winning teams will receive prizes! The Monday GSAW Access Pass (sent via email on Monday morning) is required.
Sign up by Sunday, April 5.
Data Science Careers Panel and Networking
Presented by Northwestern IT Research Computing and Data Services
Tuesday, April 7 from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
TGS Commons (2122 Sheridan Rd.)
As part of the Graduate Student Appreciation Week, the Research Computing and Data Services team of Northwestern IT is hosting a panel of AI, data science, and statistics professionals to discuss careers within and outside academia. An informal networking event will follow the panel discussion, and light refreshments will be served. No registration is required.
GSA Happy Hour
Presented by the Graduate Student Association (GSA)
Tuesday, April 7 from 6:30–8:30 PM
Five & Dime Evanston (1026 Davis St.) *Please note this is an off-campus location.
Celebrate GSAW with friends upstairs at Five & Dime for a happy hour with drinks and light bites for the first 100 attendees. First come, first served. A government-issued ID and the Tuesday GSAW Access Pass (sent via email on Tuesday morning) are required for entry.
Norris Mini Courses: Bisque Pottery Painting
Presented by The Graduate School (TGS) and Norris Mini Courses
Tuesday, April 7 from 7:00–9:00 PM
Dittmar Gallery in Norris University Center (1999 Campus Drive)
Join us at Norris for an evening of ceramic creativity! Unleash your inner artist and come paint your own bisque pottery. Choose one of two pre-selected pottery pieces to paint and decorate. All supplies and services included: pottery, paint, tools, glazing, and firing. Come back to pick up your finished pottery two weeks after the workshop!
Spots are limited. Please register in advance.
GSA Snack & Swag Giveaway
Presented by the Graduate Student Association (GSA)
Wednesday, April 8 at 10:00 AM (while supplies last)
Technological Institute Lobby (2145 Sheridan Rd.)
Join Northwestern's Graduate Student Association for brown bags full of snacks and GSA-branded swag! No registration is required; however, the Wednesday GSAW Access Pass will be required (sent via email on Wednesday morning). While supplies last.
Chai and Chat with OISS
Presented by the Office of International Student and Scholar Services (OISS)
Wednesday, April 8 from 1:30–3:00 PM
Office of International Student and Scholar Services (630 Dartmouth Pl.)
Join OISS for casual conversation, cookies, and delicious homemade chai at the Office of International Student and Scholar Services on the Evanston campus. Meet new friends, relax, and enjoy great conversation. Please RSVP so we can make sure to have enough snacks available.
Sky Zone with GSA
Presented by the Graduate Student Association (GSA)
Wednesday, April 8 from 5:00–7:00 PM
Sky Zone Trampoline Park (1711 Maple Ave.) *Please note this is an off-campus location.
GSA is excited to invite graduate students to a fun evening at Sky Zone as part of Graduate Student Appreciation Week! Join us for an opportunity to unwind, jump around, and connect with fellow graduate students. Take a break from your work, enjoy some high-energy fun, and celebrate GSAW with the GSA community. Space is limited.
Sunrise Yoga
Presented by NU Recreation
Thursday, April 9 from 7:00–8:00 AM
Studio 2 in the Henry Crown Sports Pavillion (2311 Sheridan Rd.)
This class begins with quiet reflection and a thorough warm-up that energizes and awakens the body through a variety of yoga postures, combined with breathing, balance, and mobility techniques. It is the perfect way to start your day feeling grounded, focused, and clear.
Class is first come, first served. No registration is required.
TGS Donut Drop
Presented by The Graduate School (TGS), the Center for Leadership, and the Office of the Ombudsperson
Thursday, April 9 from 9:00–11:00 AM
TGS Commons (2122 Sheridan Rd.)
The Graduate School (TGS), the Center for Leadership, and the Office of the Ombudsperson will pass out free coffee and donuts from Stan's Donuts to Evanston-based TGS students while supplies last. Vegan and gluten-free options are available. The Thursday GSAW Access Pass is required (sent via email on Thursday morning).
GSA Café Coralie Giveaway
Presented by the Graduate Student Association (GSA)
Thursday, April 9 at 9:00 AM (while supplies last)
Café Coralie in Silverman Hall (2170 Campus Dr. – Second Floor)
The first 200 TGS students who stop by the Café Coralie in Silverman Hall will enjoy a black coffee courtesy of GSA! While supplies last. The Thursday GSAW Access Pass is required (sent via email on Thursday morning).
Spring Mingle
Presented by the Searle Center for Advancing Learning and Teaching
Thursday, April 9 from 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Searle Center (627 Dartmouth Pl.)
Celebrate Graduate Student Appreciation Week with a lively gathering at the Searle Center! Enjoy festive seasonal snacks, games, and conversation- starter decks designed to spark energizing discussions about learning and teaching. This drop‑in event is an opportunity to meet Searle’s educational developer, connect with fellow graduate students, and enjoy a cheerful kickoff to the Spring Quarter.
You will also have the chance to:
- Explore professional development opportunities that support your pedagogical growth.
- Receive feedback on your teaching materials through a one-on-one consultation.
- Enter a raffle to win one of our favorite books on learning and teaching.
Come enjoy good food, good conversation, and a vibrant spring celebration with the Searle Center community!
REGISTER FOR THE SPRING MINGLE
GSA Party in the Sauna Club
Presented by the Graduate Student Association (GSA)
Thursday, April 9 from 6:00–8:00 PM
South Arrington Lagoon at Dawes Park (1647 Sheridan Rd.) *
*Please note this is an off-campus location.
It is time to sweat off your stress! Join GSA for a mega sauna party at the Evanston Sauna Club pop-up location on the beach (South Arrington Lagoon at Dawes Park, Evanston, IL 60201). Transportation is not provided, but it is near the Evanston campus.
Please note, your RSVP does not guarantee a ticket; participants will receive their ticket confirmation by Tuesday, April 7. The email address provided will be the email address used for communication about this event.
Food Trucks
Presented by The Graduate School (TGS) and the Graduate Student Association (GSA)
Friday, April 10 from 12:00–2:00 PM
Silverman Courtyard (2170 Campus Dr.), Evanston
Celebrate GSAW with a delicious food truck event featuring bites from Soul & Smoke, La Cocinita, and Rainbow Cone Catering! Enjoy a variety of savory eats and sweet treats while connecting with fellow grad students. Food tickets will be available on a first-come, first-served basis, while supplies last. The Friday GSAW Access Pass (sent via email on Friday) is required to receive a ticket.
Mindful Yoga
Presented by NU Recreation
Friday, April 10 from 5:30–6:30 PM
Studio 2 in the Henry Crown Sports Pavillion (2311 Sheridan Rd.)
The pace of this class is moderate with poses ascending in complexity. A meditative, mindful approach is emphasized in all postures to develop greater internal awareness. Well-suited for those with a yoga foundation.
Class is first come, first served. No registration is required.
Graduate Food Specials at Luna's Pub
Presented by Luna's Pub
Friday, April 10 from 4:00–6:00 PM
Luna's Pub at Norris University Center (1999 Campus Dr.)
In addition to our GSAW happy hour drink specials from 4:00–6:00 PM Monday–Friday, Luna’s Pub will also offer the following food specials on Friday night at a $6 price point for graduate students: Buffalo Cauliflower with cilantro ranch, Mini Luna's Nachos, and 7oz. Bavarian Pretzel with beer cheese. Simply show your Wildcard to enjoy these discounted treats in addition to our happy hour drink specials: $6 draft beer, $6 house wine, $7 Luna signature cocktails, and $5 mocktails. Join us to relax, connect, and celebrate!