Fall of 2020 proved to be a big challenge for the entire graduate student body. Hours upon hours of screen time through Zoom or other platforms gave rise to a feeling of exhaustion and isolation. But fear not, for the Graduate Student Resource Center (GSRC) is continuing our regular wellness programming in an online world. Let us look at what events we held this year, as well as what fun events we have coming up in the Winter Quarter!

[Image Description: A woman drawn anime style is resting her head in her arms upon her office desk. In front of her is a flickering computer monitor showing various work program windows.]

Pictured: The flickering void that is our new reality

The GSRC had a difficult task this year as we wanted to facilitate wellness and socialization while being bereft of our regular tools to accomplish them. Food, coffee, and a relaxing physical space had been our regular trifecta for a successful event – no more.

 

[Image Description: Two large coffee pots are sitting on a table in the Graduate Student Lounge in the HUB. Cups and coffee accessories are placed around them. ]

Pictured: Wistful memories of the days of yore

Luckily, the 2019-2020 and Summer GSRC teams rose to the challenge. They spun our programming into an online state. Virtual Coffee Socials, Game Nights, Movie Nights, Art Nights, and social media contests became our new tools for sticking together while apart.

[Image Description: Jessica Day, from New Girl, sits in front of her laptop pumping her hands in the air excitedly.]

Pictured: You, attending one of our wellness events

This new format for events was continued by the 2020-2021 GSRC team starting in Fall of 2020. We continued to hold weekly Coffee Socials every Wednesday, 3-4pm, as well as hosted two Game Nights, two Movie Nights, and an Art Night. In addition, we held a Halloween photo contest.

We also learned some lessons this Fall. We looked at how our Coffee Socials were organized and have done our best to reemphasize them as a place to share and care. The sponsorship segment is greatly reduced and will only happen every other week going forward. We also looked at when our Coffee Socials were being held and saw that they might now fit everyone’s schedule – particularly for those in other time zones.

Winter Quarter Will Look Like This

The Virtual Coffee Social will continue to be held every Wednesday, 3-4pm. However, we are also trying a new Virtual Coffee Social in the mornings. Join us now every Thursday, 9-10am. This will be in a similar format and will hopefully be a good opportunity for the early birds (or birds in other time zones) to share and care.

We will also continue to hold two Game Nights on January 26th and February 25th, respectively. The Game Nights are a fun and casual environment where we play games with each other online. We usually play one game at a time, starting with a Kahoot quiz followed by two other games (Scattergories, Drawful, or Skribbl depending on the mood). This is a great way to hear from other graduate students while practicing some other skills like drawing, trivia knowledge, or tactical psychology.

[Image Description: Nini from High School Musical: The Series looks into the camera and says, “Oh it’s on,” while the camera zooms in dramatically.]

Pictured: You, after you nail the third Kahoot question

Art Night with Cara Rae Joven is also coming back on February 2nd. This event has been very popular the previous times we hosted it. Joven is a UCR alum and takes the attendees through the meditative practice of slow looking and drawing. Her approach is soothing and a perfect way to unwind after a long day!

 

[Image Description: A dolphin is holding a brush in its mouth and applying paint to a piece of paper taped in front of it. The caption reads: “I am artiste”.]

Pictured: We are all artiste at Art Night

In addition, we will also be hosting Movie Nights along with the UCR Library. We will screen a variety of documentaries on different interesting subjects with the chance to talk about them afterwards. Dates and movies are forthcoming.

 

[Image Description: A gazelle is chewing while looking towards the camera. A pixelated bucket of popcorn has been added in front of it.]

Pictured: You, watching and learning at the same time

Winter Quarter will continue to be online, but there are still opportunities to meet others and expand your social bubble. Check out the GSRC Community webpage and social media accounts for the latest updates on our wellness and professionalization programming.

We hope to see you next year!