UWM Graduate Student Wellness Series

Group of UWM students hiking under an arch built by rocks.

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.

April

Resume, CV, Cover Letter Writing Workshop (Online)

hr audit resume applicant paper and interview with using pen

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 6-11

Extreme Couponing! (Online)

Pile of $100 bills

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! Registration required.

Game Night for Graduate Students (In-person)

Old Guard Games logo

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)

Pizza

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

Interpretive artwork

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.

The UWM Graduate School, Emile H. Mathis Art Gallery, and Department of Art History invite graduate students to present at Art Speaks: A Graduate Symposium Across Disciplines. Share how your field interprets a single work of art: Salvador Dalí’s Cerberus, the Dog of Hell (1960). No art history background required. Present a short (8–10 min) public-facing talk and join an interdisciplinary conversation across the humanities, sciences, social sciences, arts, and professional programs. Selected presenters receive a small honorarium.

Please RSVP for in-person or livestream attendance by April 1. Art Speaks Registration

Craft Night for Graduate Students (In-person)

Studio arts and craft centre sign

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. Come for 15 minutes or stay the whole time!

Crafts will include:

  • Origami
  • Felt photo frame magnets
  • and candle painting!

Parking validation will be provided to UWM parking lots. All are welcome. No registration required.

Family Bowling (In-person)

Bowling pins on alley

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)

QR Code for Bowling event

Bring the whole family for some free bowling! Connect with other student parents while knocking down some pins! Light refreshments will be provided. Parking passes to UWM parking lots will be provided to attendees. Registration required.

*Student ID/Photo ID required for free bowling shoes.* 


Coffee with the Dean of the Graduate School, Dr. Bryan Porter (In-person)

Bryan Porter who is Dean of the Graduate School

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)

Student, writing and notebook with girl in home office for research

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.

Registration required. Closer to the day of the event you will receive an email with a link to the Teams meeting.

Drag Bingo (In-person)

Ad for Drag Bingo

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)

American Bulldog with paw raised

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?