Hi there! My name is Shelby Speer, and I am the Graduate Student Services Coordinator in the Office of Student Services at Shady Grove. My job is to improve and enhance the experiences of graduate and professional students via events, programs, and services.

It is true that graduate and professional students are not often in the spotlight on college campuses, but at USG we want to make sure that they feel welcome and appreciated. If you are a graduate student who is reading this blog post, perhaps you have had a Student and Academic Services representative from one of our centers swing by one of your classes and deliver goody bags? Maybe you have relayed your suggestions to a member of our Graduate Student Advisory Committee? Or you have attended an event run by a graduate student organization? These are just a few of the ways that we recognize and value graduate students on the USG campus.

I am very excited about our upcoming inaugural Graduate and Professional Student Appreciation Week, which is April 3-8 in multiple locations and at various times across campus. The week will feature mini-workshops on a variety of topics, multiple opportunities for free food and beverages, and even “swag bags” just for graduate students! Get the complete event schedule on our website, and/or swing by one of our information tables this week (located in the lobbies of all three buildings).

If you are a graduate or professional student who is looking for ways to get more involved in our campus community, please contact me and I would be glad to discuss options with you. I’d also be happy to hear any suggestions for improving your experience here. Finally, please be sure to check out our Graduate Student Resources webpage, which is frequently updated with events and announcements just for you.

Let’s work together to make this place even more vibrant and welcoming for graduate students. See you at Appreciation Week! And for those of you who are graduating this academic year, I look forward to celebrating with you at our inaugural graduate and professional student Graduation Gala  on May 12th as well!