2026 Graduate Student Appreciation Week

News item published on: 2026-03-25 11:51:00

Banner with dark gray background and text, in white, The University of Southern Mississippi, in gold, 2026 Graduate Student, and in white script, Appreciation Week

Monday, April 6

THIS WORKSHOP HAS BEEN CANCELED

Citation Management Tools Workshop
12:30 to 1:30 p.m. | Cook Library LIB 110 / Virtual
Presented by Hannah Madonna

Participants will learn how to create an account, export citations from the most widely used scholarly databases, organize citations, and automatically generate bibliographies and in-text citations using the tool.


Cook Library Game Time
2 – 6 p.m. | Cook Library Room 209A
Hosted by Courtney Kruzan, Dale Autry, and Tisha Zelner

Enjoy a break from your studies with some friendly game play with your fellow graduate students. A variety of tabletop games will be available, along with a Nintendo Switch. Snacks will be provided.

Registration (not required to attend)


Tuesday, April 7

Book Discussion of Tranquility by Tuesday: 9 Ways to Calm the Chaos and Make Time for What Matters
11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. | Cook Library Room 110
Hosted by Tracy Englert

We will discuss strategies and practice advice found in the book Tranquility by Tuesday: 9 Ways to Calm the Chaos and Make Time for What Matters. Reading the book in advance is not required. Print and electronic copies are available in the library for those interested.


Library Treasure Hunt
2 – 3 p.m. | Cook Library Room 110
Hosted by Michele Frasier-Robinson and Tisha Zelner

Join your fellow graduate students for a friendly treasure hunt competition in Cook Library! Participants can play individually or in teams. Prizes will be awarded for the first and second place finishers.

Registration (not required to attend)


Wednesday, April 8

Graduate Student Appreciation Week Breakfast
9 – 10 a.m. | Cook Library Room 209A
Hosted by Michele Frasier-Robinson and Nadine Phillips

Join University Libraries in celebrating Graduate Student Appreciation Week with a special breakfast in your honor. Take a well-deserved break, enjoy light refreshments, and connect with fellow graduate students and library staff. We appreciate all that you do and look forward to celebrating you!


Hall of Fame Ceremony
12 – 1 p.m.| Joe Paul Student Theater
Presented by the Graduate School

The Graduate School will hold the 2026 Hall of Fame Portrait Unveiling Ceremony on Wednesday, April 8, at 12:00 PM in the Joe Paul Theater. This event celebrates exceptional graduate students nominated by the deans of the four academic colleges. The ceremony will begin with a welcome from President Joe Paul, followed by recognition of 12 students and the unveiling of their portraits captured in their research or creative environments. The program typically lasts under an hour and will be immediately followed by a reception.

RSVP


Online Treasure Hunt Hunt
2 p.m. | Microsoft Teams
Hosted by Grace Schmitt and Dale Autry

Join us for an exciting Online Library Treasure Hunt, where curiosity meets adventure! Participants will follow a series of clues designed to guide them through the library’s digital resources, including databases, catalogs, and hidden corners of the website. Along the way, you’ll sharpen your research skills, discover helpful tools, and uncover valuable information that can support your academic success. Complete the hunt for a chance to win prizes—and gain confidence navigating the library like a pro!

Registration (not required to attend)


Gulf Coast Research Laboratory Ice Cream Social
3 p.m. | Field Studies Building
Hosted by Gunter Library and the Division of Coastal Sciences

Graduate students at GCRL are invited to stop by for an ice cream social featuring a variety of ice cream bars and frozen treats, along with freshly baked cookies and refreshing lemonade. Take a moment to relax, connect with fellow graduate students, and enjoy a well-deserved treat.


Thursday, April 9

Grad Games and Cues
11 a.m. to 1 p.m. | Cook Union Game Room
Hosted by the Graduate School

Located on the first floor of the Cook University Union, the Southern Miss Gaming Space provides students with a fun and welcoming environment to unwind, connect with friends, and recharge between classes. The space includes billiards, foosball, table tennis, and a variety of gaming consoles. Stop by to enjoy pizza, refreshments, and drinks while you play!

Registration


Gulf Coast Library Game Time
2 – 6 p.m. | Gulf Coast Library First Floor
Hosted by Cameron Faulk

Enjoy a break from your studies with some friendly game play with your fellow graduate students. A variety of tabletop games will be available, along with a Nintendo Switch. Snacks will be provided.

Registration (not required to attend)


Friday, April 10

Sundaes for Scholars
12 – 1 p.m. | JB George Room 142
Hosted by the Graduate School

Take a break with the Graduate School this spring! As we wrap up Graduate Student Appreciation Week, we want to treat our dedicated students. We’ll have all the ingredients ready for you to build your own ice cream sundae, complete with plenty of toppings.

Registration