Vanderbilt University will recognize the many contributions and significant impact of its graduate and professional students with a series of Instagram posts and prize giveaways during Graduate and Professional Student Appreciation Week April 5–9. The National Association of Graduate-Professional Students first established the week in 1993.
“I am honored to be part of such a diverse and intellectually robust community of graduate and professional students,” said André Christie-Mizell, vice provost for graduate education and dean of the Graduate School. “This community makes it possible for Vanderbilt to remain at the cutting edge of innovation and scholarship. I look forward to making sure that all students know and understand how valued and appreciated they are.”
The Graduate School, Provost’s Office for Inclusive Excellence and the Career Center are partnering on a social media campaign to celebrate the impact graduate students make in their respective colleges, departments, labs, classrooms and offices across campus.
“I appreciate that my graduate students entrusted me with the opportunity to serve as their adviser and mentor,” said William H. Robinson, vice provost for academic advancement and executive director of the Provost’s Office for Inclusive Excellence. “I enjoy our discussions on research and career plans, and I am immensely proud of their accomplishments during their graduate school careers and beyond.”
Faculty, postdoctoral scholars and staff can show their appreciation for graduate and professional students at Vanderbilt by participating in the social media campaign, which will feature prize giveaways for graduate and professional students throughout the week.
In addition, on Friday, April 9, graduate and professional students are invited to stop by the Margaret Cuninggim Women’s Center for free kolaches and quiches from Yeast Nashville, and the Office of LGBTQI Life for free mugs and cookies from Baked on 8th, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Gluten-free options will be available at both locations.
How to show your appreciation
Respond to any of the prompts below with a brief quote or comments and email your response to officeforinclusiveexcellence@vanderbilt.edu by end of day on Sunday, April 4. Throughout the week of April 5–9, the comments as well as previously collected videos will be shared on the social media accounts for the Graduate School (@VUGradSchool ), the Provost’s Office for Inclusive Excellence (@Inclusive_Vandy) and the Career Center (@vanderbilt_careercenter).
- What do you find inspiring about VU’s graduate/professional students?
- What is something you’ve learned from VU’s graduate/professional students?
- What’s special about VU’s graduate/professional students?
- What do you appreciate most about working with VU’s graduate/professional students?
- What words of encouragement can you share with VU’s graduate/professional students?
Please be sure to encourage the graduate or professional students you know to follow the accounts—@Inclusive_Vandy, @VUGradSchool and @vanderbilt_careercenter on Instagram—so they can see how valued they are by the Vanderbilt community.