Wellness

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 as they envision and pursue their own future, in and beyond the university. All students enrolled in a UWM graduate program (on campus and online) are invited to attend these events.

Fall 2024 Wellness opportunities

September

Graduate Student Bike Ride

Tuesday, September 10, 2024 @ 4:00 pm – 5:30 pm
Presented as a part of the Graduate Student Wellness Series in conjunction with Outdoor Pursuits.

Bike crossing bridge

Are you a Graduate or PhD student looking to get involved with Outdoor Pursuits? Outdoor Pursuits has joined forces with UWM’s Graduate School to offer a bike ride exclusively for graduate students. The bike ride covers 5-10 miles (8-16km) of biking on city streets and trails. Previous biking experience is required. Bike rental, helmet, and lock are included, but you are welcome to bring your own bike or a Bublr Bike as well. The trip will start at Outdoor Pursuits in the Klotsche Center. Registration closes 1 day before the trip. Register here

Sep 10th Beach to Beach Ride: Join us as we bike north from the Klotsche Center to two local beaches, Atwater Beach and Klode Park. There will be plenty of opportunities to bike on Milwaukee city streets and trails to get to our beachside destinations.

Physical Activity Rating: EASY

Bowling & Pool Night for Graduate Students

Bowling pins image

Tuesday, September 17, 2024 @ 4:00 pm – 5:30 pm
Presented as a part of the Graduate Student Wellness Series by UWM’s Graduate School.

Graduate students – looking for a break and some fun and a chance to meet some new people? Come join us for a couple of FREE 90 minutes of bowling, a game of pool or darts, laughter and spending time with your fellow graduate students. The Graduate School has reserved the space in the Union Rec Center and invites you to join us for bowling, pool, darts and snacks!

Graduate Student Bike Ride

Bike crossing bridge

Thursday, September 19, 2024 @ 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm
Presented as a part of the Graduate Student Wellness Series in conjunction with Outdoor Pursuits.

Are you a Graduate or PhD student looking to get involved with Outdoor Pursuits? Outdoor Pursuits has joined forces with UWM’s Graduate School to offer a bike ride exclusively for graduate students. The bike ride covers 5-10 miles (8-16km) of biking on city streets and trails. Previous biking experience is required. Bike rental, helmet, and lock are included, but you are welcome to bring your own bike or a Bublr Bike as well. The trip will start at Outdoor Pursuits in the Klotsche Center. Registration closes 1 day before the trip. Register here

Sep 19th Explore the Neighborhood Ride: We’ll use the Oak Leaf Trail and Milwaukee city streets to explore the Lower East Side Neighborhood. The neighborhood offers great spots for dining, socializing, grocery shopping, and more.

Physical Activity Rating: EASY
For more information or to request accommodations, please email hmurphy@uwm.edu.

October

Graduate Student Fall Hike

Woman's boots standing on leaves

Tuesday, October 8, 2024 @ 3:30 pm – 5:30 pm
Presented as a part of the Graduate Student Wellness Series in conjunction with Outdoor Pursuits.

Calling all graduate students! Outdoor Pursuits is leaving the pavement behind and heading to local trail systems to view the vibrant Fall colors. This is a perfect opportunity to explore the beauty of our own ‘backyard’ while discovering new hiking trails. And don’t forget—bring your camera! Registration closes 1 day before the trip. Register here

Graduate Student Wellness Walk

Students walking on sidewalk

Tuesday, October 15, 2024 @ 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Presented as a part of the Graduate Student Wellness Series by UWM’s Graduate School.

Meet at the Graduate School (Mitchell Hall, room 261) for a highlighted tour of mindful and well-being spots on our campus including the Wellness Center at the Northwest Quad and the secret meditation space in our library, and much more! The tour should last about one hour. 

To sign up (first come, first served) email Erin Flynn at ecfmke@uwm.edu

Donuts for Grad Students

Free donuts for Graduate Students image

Wednesday, October 16 @ 9:00 am – 10:00 am

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 donuts! We’re happy to bring back this favorite tradition of “Donuts for Grad Students”. Grab a donut on the way to class or stick around and mingle in the hallways outside the Graduate School office room 261 in Mitchell Hall while the donuts last!

Job Searching for International Students

Tuesday, October 22 @ 5:00 pm – 6:30 pm at the Lubar Entrepreneur Center room 107.

Presented as a part of the Graduate Student Wellness Series by UWM’s Graduate School and co-sponsored by: Center for International Education, School of Information Studies, College of Engineering & Applied Science, Lubar College of Business, and SET

Come learn about when, where, and how to search for jobs and internships. Bring your laptop and questions for interactive activities. Snacks will be provided! Open to all undergraduate and graduate students.

Budgeting 101 for Grad Students

young woman checking bills, taxes, bank account balance and calculating expenses in the living room at home

Wednesday, October 23 @ 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm

Presented as a part of the Graduate Student Wellness Series with UWM’s Financial Aid Office and UWM’s Graduate School and presented by Ashley Williams, Student Financial Service Center (SFSC) Training & Onboard Mgr.

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. To join the Microsoft Teams event please click on this link: Budgeting 101

November

Graduate Student Climb Night

couple of athletes climber moving up on steep rock, climbing on artificial wall indoors. Extreme sports and bouldering concept.

Wednesday, November 6, 2024 @ 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm
Presented as a part of the Graduate Student Wellness Series in conjunction with Outdoor Pursuits.

Are you a Graduate or PhD 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 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. Registration closes 1 day before the trip. Register here: Rock Climbing

Successful Interviewing for International Students

Wednesday, November 13 @ 3:00 pm – 4:30 pm at Vogel Hall.

Presented as a part of the Graduate Student Wellness Series by UWM’s Graduate School and co-sponsored by: Center for International Education, School of Information Studies, College of Engineering & Applied Science, Lubar College of Business, and SET

Come learn about interviewing strategies and practice with your fellow peers in a safe environment. Feedback will be given by career advisors and staff from SET. Snacks will be provided! Open to all undergraduate and graduate students.

Craft Night for Graduate Students

Studio arts and craft centre sign

Thursday, November 21 @ 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm at the UWM Student Union, 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 craft night specifically for graduate students. Check back for specific information on the craft soon.

Recordings from past events

  • Mental Health: What Every Graduate Student Should Know – Presented as a part of the Graduate Student Wellness Series by UWM’s Graduate School on Tuesday, October 18, 2022 @ 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm. 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 as a part of the Graduate Student Wellness Series by UWM’s Graduate School and the UWM Career Planning and Resource Center (CPaRC) on Wednesday, November 2, 2022 @ 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm. Watch the recorded event: What can Career Services do for UWM Graduate Students?
  • Graduate Education & Repayment Options – Presented as a part of the Graduate Student Wellness Series by UWM’s Graduate School and the UWM Financial Aid Department by Ashley Williams, Financial Aid Adviser (Presenter) on Thursday, April 6, 2023 @ 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm. Watch the recorded seminar on financial aid and borrowing options for graduate students.
    Topics include:
    • Aid Eligibility as a Graduate Student
    • How to Be Responsible with Borrowing & Budgeting
    • Repayment Options
    • Different types of Income Driven Repayment Plans
    • Student Loan Forgiveness
    • Questions / Discussion
  • Supporting LGBTQ+ Students, Faculty & Staff Colleagues: Allyship and Awareness – Presented as a part of the Graduate Student Wellness Series by UWM’s Graduate School and the LGBTQ+ Resource Center at UWM. Presenter Ariana Myers (she/her) is the Director of the LGBTQ+ Resource Center at the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee, where she serves as an advocate for marginalized students and teaches for the History Department.
  • Budgeting for Graduation -Presented as a part of the Graduate Student Wellness Series with UWM’s Financial Aid Office and UWM’s Graduate School and presented by Ashley Williams willi933@uwm.edu, Student Financial Service Center (SFSC) Training & Onboard Mgr. This session is a starting point for graduate students interested in learning basics for budgeting for graduation. Topics discussed include different budgeting categories, apps to use to assist in the budgeting process, and personalized budgeting strategies based on submitted information. To watch the recorded Microsoft Teams event please click on this link: Budgeting for Graduation

Other upcoming topics and opportunities

  • Imposter syndrome/ Assertiveness / Advocating for yourself
  • Nutrition / Food insecurity
  • Sleep hygiene
  • Stress management
  • Yoga class
  • Community walks
  • Coffee meets
  • Isolation / Loneliness
  • Suicide prevention training
  • Mental health
  • Sexual assault harassment training

Don’t forget to check out our Event Calendar