UWM Graduate Student Wellness Series
The UWM Graduate School organizes events, activities and seminars to help graduate students with a holistic approach to physical, mental, educational and financial wellness as they move successfully through degree milestones, acquire a variety of skills, and advance their opportunities.
Faculty and staff from units across campus contribute to this ongoing series, supporting graduate student wellness. All students enrolled in a UWM graduate program (on campus, extended campus and online) are invited to attend these events.
Have adult-sized clothing you no longer wear—or winter gear that doesn’t fit or isn’t getting used? The Graduate School and the Center for International Education are hosting a Clothing Swap, and we’re collecting items now. Donate new or gently worn apparel between now and February 18. Drop off donations at the Graduate School office (Mitchell Hall, Room 261), or bring them to the swap event on February 19 from 12–2 p.m. (Event will be held in Garland Hall, Room 168). Share the warmth and help support fellow graduate students this winter.
Please see event listing for February 19 below.
February
Meet-up Ice Skating!
Thursday, February 12th from 3-5:30pm at Red Arrow Park
Presented as a part of the Graduate Student Wellness Series by the Graduate School and the Outdoor Pursuits
Join us for some winter ice skating in downtown Milwaukee! A great way to get out of the house in the winter; skating is free, and the Graduate School will cover the ice skate rental cost ($11 value). Plus, take a break from the ice to chat with other students in the warm Biggby Coffee cafe and purchase a warm beverage. Transportation and skate rental included. Previous experience is not required, but helpful. Registration closes 1 day before the trip.
For more information or to request accommodations, please email hmurphy@uwm.edu. Register here: Graduate School Outdoor Ice Skating – UWM Recreation
(*Please note the change – transportation is provided. Meet at Outdoor Pursuits. Klotsche Center 131a.)
Graduate School Clothing Swap – Winter Wear
Thursday, February 19, from 12–2 p.m. in Garland Hall, Conference Room 168
Presented as a part of the Graduate Student Wellness Series by the Graduate School and Center for International Education.
Join us for our new winter clothing swap on Thursday, February 19, from 12–2 p.m. in Garland Hall, Conference Room 168. All graduate students are invited to browse, take, and/or donate new or gently used clothing. Bring a friend and stop by! Donations are appreciated but not required to participate.
How to Utilize the Library for Graduate Research (In-person)
Tuesday, February 24th from 3-4 p.m. Meet at 3 p.m. by the Library Welcome Desk, Learning Commons
Presented as a part of the Graduate Student Wellness Series by the Graduate School and the UWM Libraries
It’s not always easy navigating online databases for your graduate research. Come visit the Golda Meir library for an introduction on how to understand and utilize the library’s research databases and catalog. Your future self will thank you! Please meet in front of the Welcome Desk by the Learning Commons in Golda Meir Library. Register now with Erin Flynn at ecfmke@uwm.edu
Coffee with the Dean of the Graduate School, Dr. Bryan Porter and Show your Pets (Online)
Wednesday, February 25th from 5-6 p.m.
Presented as a part of the Graduate Student Wellness Series by UWM’s Graduate School.
Join us for a virtual visit with the Dean of the Graduate School, Dr. Bryan Porter — and show us your pets! Share your thoughts, ask questions, and discuss your graduate experience—from academics and research to life balance and support. Whether you have ideas, concerns, or just want to talk, this is a great opportunity to engage in open conversation and build community. All graduate students are welcome! And boy, do we love pets! No registration required. Join the meeting
March
Experiences from the Academic Job Search (In-person)
Tuesday, March 3rd from 5:30-7 p.m. in the Lubar Entrepreneurship Center (LEC), Room #107
Presented as a part of the Graduate Student Wellness Series by UWM’s Graduate School
Are you interested in working in academia after graduating, but don’t know where to start? Join us to hear from three faculty members about their experiences with looking for jobs in academia, what to expect, and more. Each faculty is from a different college, so you will get to hear different perspectives. There will also be time for Q&A with the presenters.
Faculty presenters include Dr. Kay Wells Kay Wells, Dr. Kristian O’Connor Kristian O’Connor, PhD, and Sarah Vigeland, PhD.
Light refreshments will be provided. Parking passes to UWM parking lots will be provided to attendees. No registration required. All are welcome!
Wag More Wednesday for Graduate Students (In-person)
Wednesday, March 11th at 11 a.m. located at the Welcome Desk of the Golda Meir Library (also known as the Daniel M. Soref Learning Commons on the first floor First floor map)
Presented as a part of the Graduate Student Wellness Series by the Graduate School and the UWM Libraries
Wag More Wednesdays – UWM Libraries
This is an excellent opportunity for graduate students to de-stress and snuggle with furry friends. Each visit is about one hour. Our volunteers come from The Alliance of Therapy Dogs and Pet Partners. No registration required.
International Graduate Student Alumni Panel & Networking (In-person)
Wednesday, March 11th from 5-6:30 p.m. at the Lubar Entrepreneur Center, Innovation Commons (main room 1st floor)
Presented as a part of the Graduate Student Wellness Series in conjunction with the UWM Center for Student Experience and Talent (SET) and the Center for International Education (CIE).
Join us to hear helpful insights and lessons learned from international student alumni as they navigated their journey from college to the workforce including CPT/OPT considerations, job search strategies, and adjusting to life after college. The first hour will be spent on a panel discussion and the last 30 minutes will be for networking. Session will be held in-person at the Lubar Entrepreneurship Center & UWM Welcome Center (LECWC) in the first floor classroom located at 2100 E. Kenwood Blvd. Light refreshments will be provided. Parking passes to UWM parking lots will be provided to attendees. Registration through Handshake.
Coffee with the Dean of the Graduate School, Dr. Bryan Porter (In-person)
Thursday, March 12th from 9-10 a.m. in the Mitchell Hall conference room 245
Presented as a part of the Graduate Student Wellness Series by UWM’s Graduate School.
Join us for Coffee with the Dean, Dr. Bryan Porter — a relaxed and welcoming gathering for graduate students to connect with the Dean of the Graduate School. Enjoy a cup of coffee, share your thoughts, ask questions, and discuss your graduate experience—from academics and research to life balance and support. Whether you have ideas, concerns, or just want to talk, this is a great opportunity to engage in open conversation and build community. All graduate students are welcome! Coffee will be provided. Parking passes to UWM parking lots will be provided to attendees. No registration required.
Climb Night for Graduate Students (In-person)
Monday, March 16th from 6:30-9 p.m. at Adventure Rock (2220 N. Commerce St., Milwaukee)
Presented as a part of the Graduate Student Wellness Series in conjunction with Outdoor Pursuits
Are you a graduate student looking to try rock climbing for the first or second time? Outdoor Pursuits has joined forces with UWM’s Graduate School to offer a free night of indoor rock climbing at Adventure Rock climbing gym across the street from Riverview Hall! All equipment and instruction will be provided. Transportation is NOT provided, but Adventure Rock can be accessed by taking the Prowl Line to Cambridge Hall or Riverview Hall and walking the short distance to Adventure Rock from there. Here also is the Milwaukee Public Transit System: www.ridemcts.com/trip-planner). Details on your UPASS bus pass can be found here: U-PASS – UWM Transportation Services
Registration opens two weeks before event and closes 1 day before the trip. Registration information to come, check back soon.
April
Resume, CV, Cover Letter Writing Workshop (Online)
Thursday, April 2nd from 5-6:30 p.m.
Presented as a part of the Graduate Student Wellness Series in conjunction with the UWM Center for Student Experience and Talent (SET)
Join us online for a special graduate student session on Resume/CV and cover letter writing. Whether you’re preparing for internships, job applications, or graduate programs, learning the art of resume and CV-writing is essential for standing out in a competitive landscape. Explore the strategies and best practices to confidently present your unique qualifications and make a lasting impression on potential employers. Join the meeting
Graduate Student Appreciation Week – April 6-10
Extreme Couponing! (Online)
Monday, April 6th from 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Presented as a part of the Graduate Student Wellness Series by UWM’s Graduate School
Have you ever watched Extreme Couponing and wondered how those shoppers pull it off? This presentation is for you! We’ll cover the basics of using electronic coupons to score toiletries, laundry items, and certain food products at a discount—or even for free. Best of all, all you need is a smartphone! Join the meeting
Game Night for Graduate Students (In-person)
Tuesday, April 7th from 6-9 p.m. at the Old Guard Games (across from Mitchell Hall, 3132 N. Downer Ave, Milwaukee)
Presented as a part of the Graduate Student Wellness Series by UWM’s Graduate School
Join fellow grad students for a night of friendly fun from 6pm to 9pm. Bring your own game or play one of the many boardgames the store has available. Don’t like competitive play? Choose a cooperative game where everyone can win together. It’s up to you! Arrive at 6 p.m. and plan to stay until 9 p.m. for full games. We have 20 spots available, so sign up now by emailing Erin Flynn at ecfmke@uwm.edu
Feel free to bring a guest – but you must register them, too!
And don’t forget to vote today! Find My Polling Place
Pizza for Graduate Students (In-person)
Wednesday, April 8th from 4:30-6 p.m. in the Mitchell Hall hallways, 2nd floor outside of the Graduate School
Presented as a part of the Graduate Student Wellness Series by UWM’s Graduate School
Join the Grad School staff and your fellow graduate students for free pizza! We’re happy to bring back this favorite tradition of “Pizza for Grad Students”. Grab a slice on the way to class or stick around and mingle in the hallways of Mitchell on the 2nd floor near room 261 while the pizza lasts! No registration required.
Art Speaks
Wednesday, April 8th from 6:30-8:00 p.m. in Mitchell Hall, Room 191
Presented as a part of the Graduate Student Wellness Series by UWM’s Graduate School and the Art History department.
Feel free to bring a guest!
More info to come.
Craft Night for Graduate Students (In-person)
Thursday, April 9th from 4-6 p.m. at the UWM Studio Arts & Craft Centre on the ground floor of the Union, Room EG30
Presented as a part of the Graduate Student Wellness Series in conjunction with UWM’s Studio Arts & Craft Centre
Join us at the Studio Arts & Craft Centre for a free craft night specifically for graduate students. Check back for specific information on the craft soon. Parking validation will be provided to UWM parking lots. All are welcome. No registration required.
Family Bowling (In-person)
Saturday, April 11th from 1:00-2:30 p.m. in the UWM Union Rec Center (located in the basement of the UWM union, 2200 E. Kenwood Blvd)
Presented as a part of the Graduate Student Wellness Series in conjunction with The Student Parent Success Program (SPSP) and the Women’s Resource Center (WRC)
Bring the whole family for some free bowling! Connect with out student parents while knocking down some pins! Light refreshments will be provided. Parking passes to UWM parking lots will be provided to attendees. Registration information to come, check back soon.
*Student ID/Photo ID required for free bowling shoes.*
Coffee with the Dean of the Graduate School, Dr. Bryan Porter (In-person)
Wednesday, April 22nd from 3:30-4:30 p.m. in the Mitchell Hall conference room 245
Presented as a part of the Graduate Student Wellness Series by UWM’s Graduate School.
Join us for Coffee with the Dean, Dr. Bryan Porter — a relaxed and welcoming gathering for graduate students to connect with the Dean of the Graduate School. Enjoy a cup of coffee, share your thoughts, ask questions, and discuss your graduate experience—from academics and research to life balance and support. Whether you have ideas, concerns, or just want to talk, this is a great opportunity to engage in open conversation and build community. All graduate students are welcome! Coffee will be provided. Parking passes to UWM parking lots will be provided to attendees. No registration required.
Thesis and Dissertation Formatting Workshop (Online)
Wednesday, April 29th from 12-1 p.m.
Presented as a part of the Graduate Student Wellness Series by UWM’s Graduate School.
Join our Thesis and Dissertation Formatting Workshop to learn essential guidelines for preparing your formatting for your thesis or dissertation. This session will cover formatting requirements, where to find UWM’s guidelines, and common mistakes to avoid, ensuring your document meets university standards. You’ll gain practical strategies for the preliminary pages, main body pages, and overall structure. Whether you’re just starting or finalizing your manuscript, this workshop will help streamline the process and give you confidence in submitting a polished, professional thesis or dissertation.
Register information to come, check back soon. Closer to the day of the event you will receive an email with a link to the Teams meeting.
Drag Bingo (In-person)
Thursday, April 30th at 7 p.m. at Pop, located at 124 W. National Ave.
Presented as a part of the Graduate Student Wellness Series by UWM’s Graduate School
Meet us at POP in Walkers Point for a night of drag bingo hosted by Dear Ruthie! Bingo is free to play, with the chance to win prizes. Any cash donations collected during the event will be directed to the UWM Food Pantry. This is a community event – play bingo and socialize with your fellow graduate students and folks from all over the city! Here is the Milwaukee Public Transit System: www.ridemcts.com/trip-planner). Details on your UPASS bus pass can be found here: U-PASS – UWM Transportation Services
All in attendance must be at least 21 years of age. Feel free to bring a guest!
Dogs & Drinks Meet-up (In-person)
Tuesday, May 19th from 4-6 p.m. Meet at Estabrook Park Beer Garden (4600 Estabrook Parkway, Milwaukee) Estabrook Beer Garden
Presented as a part of the Graduate Student Wellness Series by UWM’s Graduate School.
Take a break from finals week to meet up with fellow graduate student dog lovers and owners for this fun, social gathering at Estabrook Park Beer Garden! Enjoy a drink or two, appreciate the spring weather, and celebrate another school year coming to close. Beer, wine, soft drinks and food are available for purchase at the Beer Garden. You don’t need to be a dog owner to join the event – all are welcome!
Here is the Milwaukee Public Transit System: www.ridemcts.com/trip-planner). Details on your UPASS bus pass can be found here: U-PASS – UWM Transportation Services
Please note that this should be a safe environment for all dogs and dog owners! Make sure you follow the City of Milwaukee guidelines for leashing your dog, cleaning up after your dog, and respecting the boundaries of other pet owners! Feel free to bring a guest!
Recordings from past events
- Budgeting and Finances -Presented as a part of the Graduate Student Wellness Series by UWM’s Graduate School, Student Financial Services, Bursar’s Office, and UW Credit Union. This session is a starting point for graduate students interested in learning basics for budgeting. We will discuss different budgeting categories, apps to use to assist in the budgeting process, and personalized budgeting strategies based on submitted information. Budgeting and Finances.
- Mental Health: What Every Graduate Student Should Know – Presented on Tuesday, October 18, 2022. Watch the presentation from the Student Health and Wellness Center on Mental Health: What Every Graduate Student Should Know
- What can Career Services do for UWM Graduate Students? – Presented by UWM’s Graduate School and the UWM Career Planning and Resource Center (CPaRC) on November 2, 2022. Watch the recorded event: What can Career Services do for UWM Graduate Students?