Whether you're a new graduate student looking forward to building a supportive community or a current graduate student wanting a break from summer research, we’ve got you covered! We are excited to continue our in-person and virtual events this summer at GradSuccess. We have weekly in-person Coffee Socials, a virtual Art Night, and an in-person Stress Relief Fair planned this summer. Read on for more info about these free events that are open to all UCR graduate students!

Coffee Socials

[Image Description: A mug of hot coffee with steam slowing coming out]

Pictured: GradSuccess is here to keep you caffeinated all year round.

We'll be hosting a weekly Coffee Social on Wednesdays, 3-4 pm from July 13th to August 31st in the breezy shade of Spieth Courtyard. We provide free snacks and coffee/tea (and sometimes hot chocolate).

Every week, a campus resource unit joins us to give a brief introduction to their services for graduate students, so it’s a great way for new (or new-to-campus) students to learn about what’s coming up this year. It’s also a great opportunity for you to meet the GradSuccess team and fellow graduate students from various programs!

Virtual Art Night

[Image Description: An animated dinosaur with a fancy hat is painting a loaf of bread on a canvas]

Pictured: Summer is the perfect time to tap into your artistic creativity! 

Draw your (he)art out with an instructor-led drawing session! We are teaming with artist and UCR MFA Cara Rae Joven to teach you some amazing artistic tricks. You don't need to be a professional artist or have specialty art materials; just bring some paper, pencils, and whatever other coloring devices you have laying around (e.g., color pencils, pens, crayons) and get in on this action. Art Night is held from 6-8pm over Zoom, and families are welcome (as are date nights and bestie meetups!).

Cara was born in Manila, Philippines and currently lives and works in Los Angeles. Her practice comprises sculpture, video performance, and writing. The work engages questions about her hybrid cultural identity, feminism, and her connection with the landscape. She received a BA in Art History from UCLA, a BFA from Art Center College of Design, and is a 2020 graduate of UCR’s MFA Visual Art program. You can visit Cara's website to learn more.

Date/Time: Tuesday, August 16th, 6–8 pm
Location: Zoom (Registration is required; registration will close two hours before the event).

Stress Relief Fair

[Image Description: Actor Mark Whalberg says: “Dude, just chill out and relax” to the camera ]

Pictured: We all get a little stressed sometimes—even during summer!

Are you a fan of free tacos, therapy dogs, art projects, board games, and some afternoon chill time with your friends? Is anyone NOT a fan of these things?!?

In partnership with The Well, we encourage all grad students to join us for an afternoon/evening of fun, free food, and relaxation!

Date/time: Tuesday, August 2nd, 4:30–6:30pm

Location: Spieth Courtyard (No RSVP needed, but food is limited and will be available on a first come, first served basis)

To make sure you don't miss these and other events, check out the GradSuccess events calendar, visit the GradSuccess Community page, follow us on social media (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter), and read the R'Grad Weekly newsletter sent out every Monday morning during the academic year and on the first (non-holiday) Monday of each month during the summer. We’re looking forward to meeting you and getting connected!