Graduate student life can mean many long hours spent alone immersed in coursework, writing and research. Graduate students who experience positive social support tend to have higher satisfaction and greater success in completing their programs, according to Tracy Balduzzi, associate director of strategic initiatives for the Graduate School.
To that end, a suggestion to organize social time for graduate students has taken root in the formation of the Grad Social Spot program. Last fall, first-year graduate student Asma Jaghman asked if the Grad School could arrange an informal social gathering as a way for graduate students to become better acquainted with their peers.
Events are now scheduled on a monthly basis. Grad Social Spot gatherings are very informal and are held on Wednesdays once a month from 3 to 4:30 p.m. in Lyman Hall. These events are designed to provide a space for relaxed conversation and community-building, promote acquaintance between graduate students across the campus and help students make connections to others in different academic programs. Students can drop in for snacks and conversation, can come and go as they please or even just stop by to pick up some refreshments, Balduzzi says.
Asma Jaghman, a second-year master’s student in the Arts Journalism and Communications program, says the idea of organizing a safe space for graduate students from diverse backgrounds to gather socially, discuss their experiences and connect with each other seemed like a great way to alleviate stress and offset what can sometimes seem like an isolating and overwhelming existence. “The support of fellow social group members, even in providing tips on where to spend weekends or places to visit around Syracuse, is something I like about going to social group meetings. Watching the group grow after a year is something I am proud of,” she says.
Aysenur Deger, a fourth-year student Political Science Ph.D. student, enjoyed a sense of renewed energy about her studies after meeting with a first-year student through the Grad Social Spot. Balduzzi recalls that Deger thought the first-year student’s enthusiasm was contagious, and it resulted in Deger’s feeling renewed excitement about her own project. “The Grad Social Spot event made me realize how much the pandemic prevented us from meeting our fellow grad students in different programs. Meeting new Ph.D. students from various departments energized me and reminded me of how big of a community we are. As a fourth year Ph.D., I felt useful when I had the opportunity to help fresh grads in navigating life in Syracuse,” says Deger.
Don’t know many people on campus yet? Want to meet people from other parts of the University community? Upcoming Grad Social Spots for graduate students and post-doctoral candidates are planned for Nov. 16 and Dec. 7. Everyone is welcome to drop by! You can view more details on the event page.