Gradstravaganza 2026

Are you wondering what to expect during a doctoral program? Although specific requirements will vary by graduate program, this session will provide an overview of the key benchmarks of a doctoral program and will highlight available resources to help you make the most of your journey.

Presented by Dr. Julie Choe Kim, Director of Graduate Student Life.

See our website https://go.gmu.edu/gradstravaganza for more information about Gradstravaganza, including a full schedule of activities and registration. Contact Graduate Student Life with questions at gradlife@gmu.edu.

Wondering what to expect during your master's program? Whether you are a part-time or full-time student, come learn strategies to make the most of your master's degree experience at Mason.

Presenter: Jill V. Deering, Senior Asst. Dean for Student and Academic Affairs at the Schar School of Policy and Goverment

See our website https://go.gmu.edu/gradstravaganza for more information about Gradstravaganza, including a full schedule of activities and registration. Contact Graduate Student Life with questions at gradlife@gmu.edu.

Graduate school can feel simultaneously exciting and isolating, especially at the start. This virtual session will help new graduate and professional students explore how to find connection, build supportive relationships, and create a sense of belonging in their academic community, the general graduate community, and the university as a whole. Participants will leave with practical strategies for connecting with peers, mentors (peer, academic, and professional), and campus resources to support their success and well-being.

Presented by Austin A. Deray, Assistant Director, Graduate Student Life, University Life

See our website https://go.gmu.edu/gradstravaganza for more information about Gradstravaganza, including a full schedule of activities and registration. Contact Graduate Student Life with questions at gradlife@gmu.edu.

Discover the essential research tools, resources, and services available to George Mason graduate students in this session.

Attendees will learn how to:
- Identify, access, and search databases for scholarly articles, journals, and data relevant to their field.
- Navigate subject guides and connect with subject librarians for expert research support.
- Learn about University Dissertation & Thesis Services (UDTS).
- Take advantage of poster printing and data analysis support, as well as the Patriot Virtual Computing & Labs (PVCL), reservable study rooms, and more!

This session is designed to empower graduate students with the knowledge and skills to efficiently leverage George Mason University’s robust academic infrastructure, ensuring success throughout their research journey.

Presenter: Margaret Calkins, Physical Sciences & STEM Data Librarian, Chris Magee, Social Sciences Librarian, University Libraries

See our website https://go.gmu.edu/gradstravaganza for more information about Gradstravaganza, including a full schedule of activities and registration. Contact Graduate Student Life with questions at gradlife@gmu.edu.

As a graduate student, you are juggling multiple academic demands along with other priorities, including work, family, wellness, and more, all within a limited schedule. This session will guide you through proven productivity techniques, along with effective approaches to planning and managing academic responsibilities through intentional, goal-oriented time use.

Presenter: Vicki Dominick, MSEd, Associate Director, Learning Services.

See our website https://go.gmu.edu/gradstravaganza for more information about Gradstravaganza, including a full schedule of activities and registration. Contact Graduate Student Life with questions at gradlife@gmu.edu.

Funding is one of the greatest challenges graduate students face as they plan studies. This session will offer an overview of funding opportunities and support available to Mason grad students. The session will help graduate students learn how to identify funding opportunities from external sources, including government agencies, foundations, professional associations, and more. The session will also provide information on support and advising services available to students through the Office of Fellowships, which assists Mason students seeking external funding in support of research, training, or professional development opportunities.

Presented by Dr. Megan Bruening, Director of the Office of Fellowships.

See our website https://go.gmu.edu/gradstravaganza for more information about Gradstravaganza, including a full schedule of activities and registration. Contact Graduate Student Life with questions at gradlife@gmu.edu.

Join us for an engaging session designed to help incoming graduate students build a strong online presence through LinkedIn and personal branding. You’ll learn how to craft a compelling profile, develop a clear professional narrative, and use LinkedIn strategically to support your academic and career goals. This session is ideal for students from all disciplines who want to stand out in today’s competitive market.

Presenter: Carolyn Kleiman, Career Advisor, University Career Services.

See our website https://go.gmu.edu/gradstravaganza for more information about Gradstravaganza, including a full schedule of activities and registration. Contact Graduate Student Life with questions at gradlife@gmu.edu.

Graduate school provides an opportunity not only to build your knowledge, but also to build your network of professional contacts and colleagues. Whether you want to expand your existing network or build a new network from the ground up, we've got tips to help you maximize the connections you'll make during your time at George Mason.

Presented by Kristin Leonato, Associate Director, Programs and Outreach, University Career Services.

See our website https://graduate.gmu.edu/grad-life/events/gradstravaganza for more information about Gradstravaganza, including a full schedule of activities and registration. Contact Graduate Student Life with questions at gradlife@gmu.edu.

Although balancing the demands of graduate school and your personal life can be challenging, there are effective, evidence-based strategies for strengthening resilience. This workshop will provide you with tangible skills that you can use to manage stress and thrive both in school and in your personal life.

Presenter: Alexander Harrison, LPC, Associate Director, Clinical Services, Counseling and Psychological Services

See our website https://go.gmu.edu/gradstravaganza for more information about Gradstravaganza, including a full schedule of activities and registration. Contact Graduate Student Life with questions at gradlife@gmu.edu.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is ubiquitous and has become a major part of research and writing across all disciplines. George Mason University (GMU) students are expected to use these tools in alignment with the university's Academic Standards Code and its Guiding Principles for student AI use, which includes a critical literacy approach to AI, human agency, safety, ethics, and privacy, and academic integrity. This session offers a practical foundation for meeting those expectations, including what AI tools can and cannot reliably do, how their use is governed at the instructor and program level, and when and how to disclose them. Participants will also learn to safeguard confidential, copyrighted, and unpublished research and to select university-approved, privacy-protected generative AI tools such as PatriotAI rather than open generative AI platforms that retain user data. The session will also briefly cover other platforms (ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude) and discuss when it may be more beneficial to use them.

Presented by Trevor Watkins, Teaching and Outreach Librarian, Mason Libraries

See our website https://go.gmu.edu/gradstravaganza for more information about Gradstravaganza, including a full schedule of activities and registration. Contact Graduate Student Life with questions at gradlife@gmu.edu.

A successful graduate school experience begins with a clear understanding of expectations and strong mentoring relationships. This interactive workshop introduces the fundamentals of graduate student success, including departmental norms, academic and professional responsibilities, and the key elements of an effective advisor–advisee relationship. Participants will explore the roles and expectations of both graduate students and advisors, learn strategies for effective communication and goal setting, and gain practical tools for navigating mentoring relationships with confidence. Whether you are beginning your first semester or seeking a clearer understanding of graduate school culture, this session will help you start your graduate journey with the knowledge, confidence, and resources needed to thrive.

Presented by Dr. Stephanie Bluth, Director for Graduate Professional & Career Development, The Graduate Division.

See our website https://go.gmu.edu/gradstravaganza for more information about Gradstravaganza, including a full schedule of activities and registration. Contact Graduate Student Life with questions at gradlife@gmu.edu.

When you faced with large writing projects (such as a paper, thesis, or dissertation), but have trouble making progress? Join us to discuss frequent barriers to writing and strategies for overcoming them to achieve your writing goals. This session is a great workshop for new graduate students who want to make sure they are prepared for the writing in their future course work and academic projects.

Presenter: Janalyn A. Miklas, Graduate Writing Coordinator, Writing Center; PhD Candidate, Linguistics

See our website https://graduate.gmu.edu/grad-life/events/gradstravaganza for more information about Gradstravaganza, including a full schedule of activities and registration. Contact Graduate Student Life with questions at gradlife@gmu.edu.

Finding an on-campus job can be both time-consuming and overwhelming. Join us for an informative session where University Career Services will be reviewing:

- Different types of on-campus employment opportunities and where to find them (Graduate Assistantships, Student Wage, ect.)
- Job application best practices (resumes, cover letters, interviewing)
- Handshake
- How to determine if you are a good fit for a position.

Whether you are seeking financial support, professional growth, or a chance to become more involved in the George Mason community, this webinar will give you the knowledge to determine the next steps of your on-campus job search.

Presented by Safia Abulaila, Higher Education Advisor, University Career Services.

See our website https://go.gmu.edu/gradstravaganza for more information about Gradstravaganza, including a full schedule of activities and registration. Contact Graduate Student Life with questions at gradlife@gmu.edu.

All new and continuing George Mason graduate students are invited to Gradstravaganza, George Mason's annual graduate student welcome event! The Gradstravaganza Picnic will be held on Saturday, August 29, 12-3pm on Wilkins Plaza on the Fairfax Campus. Brought to you by Graduate Student Life, the Graduate Division, the Graduate and Professional Student Association (GAPSA), Mason Recreation, Office of International Programs and Services, UL Regional Campuses ( Mason Square and SciTech), Student Involvement and University Life.

Featuring FREE food, t-shirts, games, crafts, giveaways, and plenty of activities to enjoy! You will also have opportunities to connect with academic units, campus resources, and graduate student organizations. Families are welcome!

NOTE: All food, giveaways, and this year's graduate student t-shirts are available on a first-come, first-served basis, as quantities are limited. While the food, activities, and general giveaways are open to all Picnic guests, the t-shirts are for Mason graduate and professional students only.

See our website https://go.gmu.edu/gradstravaganza for more information, including a full schedule of activities, registration, and event updates. Contact Graduate Student Life with questions at gradlife@gmu.edu.