Welcome to Stony Brook
On behalf of the entire Graduate School team, I am excited to welcome you to campus for the fall 2024 semester.
A new academic year always promises an opportunity to experience new things. Whether you are starting a new program or returning to continue your degree, as you move forward towards accomplishing your goals, it is important to reflect on the work you have done to bring you to this point.
I remember my own first day in my graduate program, which was characterized by a lot of excitement and an almost equal amount of imposter syndrome. Whenever you feel those first-day jitters, take a deep breath and remind yourself that you were chosen for your graduate program out of a large group of applicants. You deserve to be at Stony Brook, and we are glad you are here.
Campus Resources and Involvement
Your time at Stony Brook will be full of personal, professional and academic development. While your studies will likely be your top priority this year, please take some time to explore campus to find out everything we offer.
The fall semester is also the perfect time to put in place self-care strategies that will serve you well throughout your time in graduate school. Journaling, meditation, exercise, and time with friends can help you show up as your best self. A reminder that Stony Brook offers a host of services to keep you healthy and happy throughout the upcoming year.
The Graduate School is here to provide you with support while you are earning your graduate degree. In collaboration with your graduate program and areas across campus, we provide resources and services to help your academic and personal success.
- Graduate Student Advocate | Karishma Trejo - Assists graduate students in finding solutions to challenges and works closely with other units such as the Graduate Student Organization, the Graduate Dean and the Ombudsman.
- Graduate Writing Support - The Program in Writing and Rhetoric offers a variety of writing sessions during the semester to aid graduate students in writing. In addition, the Writing Center has tutors dedicated to graduate student writing.
- Graduate Student Organization (GSO) - The GSO offers a variety of social events throughout the year that are organized by students, for students.
- Staller Center for the Arts - The Staller Center has a packed program of events all year, with inexpensive (and sometimes free) tickets for students.
- Student Community Development - Resources for students related to off-campus housing, civic engagement, food insecurity and being a parent and a student.
- Student Health Services - Supports student preventative health and comprehensive wellness while integrating primary care with other student needs.
- Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) - Provides free and confidential mental health services to enrolled students.
- TimelyCare - Virtual 24/7 access to medical and mental health services
Professional Development Opportunities
The Graduate School’s professional development team is here to help you develop critical skills that will help you during your time at Stony Brook as you prepare for your career after graduation.
- PhD Career Ladder Program (PCLP) - Peer-led career mentoring experience that helps graduate students and postdocs explore diverse career pathways. Fall registration is now open for all master’s and PhD students.
- Courses and Workshops - Resources related to grant writing, teaching, communicating research and more.
- Fellowships Advising - Learn about the on-campus nomination process for nationally-competitive, merit-based awards.
- Research Mentor Training - Become a better mentor and mentee while developing valuable career skills.
- 3MT Thesis Competition - Annual event where graduate students present their dissertation research findings to a general audience in three minutes.
Additional events are and important dates are found on the Graduate School Calendar.
Welcome to the 2024-5 academic year! Have a great semester,
Sincerely,
Celia Marshik
Dean and Vice Provost