Office of Graduate Affairs

Graduate Student Appreciation Week 2026

Brandeis University

Daily Gift Card Giveaways

The OGA will give away five electronic $25 gift certificates every day of the week! No entry is required – all enrolled graduate students will be automatically entered!

Winners may choose an e-gift card from the following options: 

Amazon / Dunkin / Einstein Bros. Bagels / Hannaford Supermarket / Kung Fu Tea / Lyft / Margaritas Mexican Restaurant / More Than Words Bookstore - Waltham / Starbucks / Uber 

Virtual Appreciation Wall

We’re gathering messages of thanks and appreciation for graduate students from staff and faculty in the weeks before Graduate Student Appreciation Week. Submissions will be posted to OGA’s Instagram account during Graduate Student Appreciation Week.

Check out the @brandeisgradaffairs throughout the week to see if you get a special shout out! 

Other Events

massage
Relax & Rejuvenate with a FREE Chair Massage!
March 23, 12:00-4:00pm, @ Graduate Student Center Gzang 127
  • Treat yourself to a 15-minute stress-relief massage for your neck, shoulders, arms, and back.
  • Experience deep relaxation and let go of tension from schoolwork.
  • Limited spots available – register in advance to secure your session!
  • Limited one massage per student.

Register Here

Sponsored by the Office of Graduate Affairs 

photo contest
Professional Headshots Event
March 23,  March 23, 2:00-5:00pm, @ Graduate Student Center Gzang 127
  • Get a FREE professional headshots to make your LinkedIn stand out.
  • Enjoy coffee and tea and light snacks as you upgrade your online presence! (Business casual attire recommended for headshots.)
  • Register in advance to secure your spot, and be sure to arrive on time! 

Register Here

Sponsored by the Office of Graduate Affairs

LinkedIn
Taco Talks: Your Voice, Your GSA
Tuesday, March 24,  12:30-2:00 PM @ Graduate Student Center Gzang 127
  • Join your direct line to student leadership and a chance to weigh in on the issues that matter most to our graduate community. 
  • Share your feedback, hear updates on campus initiatives, and connect with peers.
  • Build-your-own tacos form Ana's Taqueria to keep the conversation fueled! Vegetarian/vegan options available.

Sponsored by Graduate Student Association

workshop
Hot Breakfast: Fuel Your Morning & Your Network

Wednesday, March 25,  8:30 - 10:30am @ Graduate Student Center Gzang 127

  • Kick off your day with a hot breakfast, a steaming cup of coffee or tea and a selection of delicious treats. 
  • Meet fellow graduate students, build new friendships, and network in a casual setting.
  • Come grab some fresh fruit or light snacks as you settle into a productive day.

Sponsored by the Office of Graduate Affairs

painting
Painting & Cocktails – Unleash Your Creativity Over Drinks!
Wednesday, March 25, 11:00am-2:30pm @ World Court, School of Business and Economics
  • Express yourself with a mini canvas & paint kit – we provide everything you need!
  • Sip on delicious non-alcoholic mocktails while channeling your inner artist.
  • Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced painter, come have fun and relax!

Register Here

Sponsored by School of Business and Economics

hot coco in a cup
HOT COCOA BAR: SNACK. SIP. STUDY. REPEAT.

Tuesday, March 26, 5:00-8:00pm @ @ Graduate Student Center Gzang 127

The "afternoon slump" doesn't stand a chance. Stop by the Graduate Center for:

  • A Custom Cocoa Bar: Sweet cocoa with all the fixings.
  • Healthy Bites: The perfect fuel to get you through the day.
  • Free Swag: Pick up a FREE insulated travel mug (available while supplies last!).

Sponsored by The Graduate Student Association

mindful
Three Minute Thesis Competition

Friday, March 27, 4:00pm-5:30pm @ Spingold Theater, Main Stage

Ever wonder what the next generation of world-changers is up to? Join us for an evening of high-stakes storytelling at the Brandeis Graduate Student Three Minute Thesis (3MT) Competition. 

We’ve challenged our graduate students to distill years of complex research into a single, compelling presentation. The catch? They only have 180 seconds and one slide to win over the judges. Come cheer on this year’s amazing finalists! 

Reception. 5:45 PM - 7:30 PM

Brewer’s Tap & Table

Sponsored by Office of Graduate Affairs