A graduate student group on campus is sponsoring a series of events next week aimed at educating students about graduate programs at NMU and providing current graduate students with educational and career-related resources.

The Graduate Students Association (GSA), an organization aimed at helping NMU graduate students transition into doctorate programs and careers, is hosting the annual Graduate Students Week. The week runs April 12 – 16 and is being put on to raise awareness about NMU graduate programs and the GSA. There will be a discussion panel for students to learn about graduate programs, and a professional development seminar for current graduate students.

“One of the biggest things GSA wants is to benefit and enrich the graduate experience for students,” said Krista Mann, president of GSA.  “We try to broaden horizons through networking and socializing.”

GSA works on behalf of graduate students at NMU, advocating for them to the administration, she said.

“We provide graduate students with a voice,” Mann said.

Some members of the GSA said that they are hoping the week of activities will encourage participation in the group.

“GSA has been sort of an (up and down) thing depending on the current students involved. More than anything we’ve been trying to revitalize the GSA into an organization that helps graduate students out, similar to ASNMU, but focused on graduate students,” said Danny LeBert, a biology graduate student and member of GSA.

The events not only work as a way to prepare graduate students for their studies ahead but also help prepare them for getting a job after they graduate, he said.

“There will be opportunities available this week to people interested,” LeBert said.

Monday, April 12, the GSA will be providing graduate students with informational handouts called “Thesis Survival Kits,” which are a good way to reach out to the graduate community at Northern, said Vanessa Thibado, vice president of GSA.

“The week’s events will benefit NMU as a whole, and graduate students in particular,” Thibado added.

On Wednesday, April 14, from 5 – 6 p.m. in Gries 167, an informational discussion panel will allow potential graduate students to ask questions and obtain information on graduate programs at NMU.

“Anyone who is thinking about graduate school should come (to the events). You will learn a lot from what we’re doing,” Thibado said.

On Friday, April 16, there will be a professional development seminar for graduate students at 1:30 p.m. in the Mead Auditorium. The seminar will cover doctorate applications, external funding sources, entering into the workforce with a Masters Degree and the benefits of curriculum vitae, or academic resumes, versus traditional resumes. There will also be a raffle.

For more information about GSA’s week of events, contact Vanessa Thibado [email protected].