UNC-Chapel Hill Graduate School

09/10/2026

🔭 How do you help a global telescope network catch some of the universe’s fastest-fading events? For doctoral student Ruide Fu, it starts with eight weeks at a remote radio observatory where cell service, Wi-Fi and other wireless signals are banned.

With support from the Poulton Family Summer Research Fellowship, Fu traveled to Green Bank, West Virginia, to help connect a 20-meter radio telescope to Skynet 2.0, UNC’s growing network of robotic telescopes. His work could help astronomers and students around the world observe fleeting celestial events before they disappear.

Learn how Fu is bringing Skynet 2.0 one step closer to hearing the universe:

Physics and astronomy doctoral student Ruide Fu spent his summer at a remote radio observatory in West Virginia, building the software that will let Skynet, UNC's global telescope network, catch the universe’s fastest-fading events before they disappear.

09/09/2026

⭐️ The Graduate Student Experience Initiative (GSEI) is turning collaboration into meaningful action across Carolina.

The GSEI opened its fourth year by launching two new University best practices focused on individual development plans and mentoring agreements, as well as preparation for teaching assistants.

More than 120 faculty, staff and students gathered at the annual kickoff to celebrate this progress and begin shaping the initiative’s next priorities.

With new work ahead in student wellness, mentoring, working conditions and career readiness, the GSEI continues to strengthen the graduate and professional student experience at UNC-Chapel Hill.

Read more about the initiative’s progress and plans for the year ahead:

New guidance on graduate student mentoring and teaching assistant preparation expands the initiative’s best practices as GSEI sets priorities for the year ahead.

09/08/2026

🎭 FREE theatre tickets!

UNC graduate students can claim free tickets to the first three performances of PlayMakers’ Oedipus: King/Colonus—a mystical world premiere, combining Sophocles' three epic plays into one.

👉 Reserve up to two tickets with the code UNCGRAD at checkout.

Can’t make these dates? Student tickets are always $10 all season long.

Learn more:

Sept 9-27, 2026Experience Sophocles’ epic trilogy brought to life in a sweeping tale of fate, prophecy, and reckoning. This fresh adaptation breathes life into the ancient tale of a king’s search for truth—and the devastating consequences of what he finds.

09/08/2026

👋 Meet the newest members of the Royster Society of Fellows!

Six exceptional doctoral students have arrived at Carolina, bringing research interests that span emerging technology, Caribbean religion, classical archaeology, infectious disease, speech science and Southern foodways.

As Royster Fellows, they are joining an interdisciplinary community built on collaboration, curiosity and connection. We can’t wait to see where their work takes them!

👉 Get to know Kelsey Campbell, JoDeanne Francis, Aimee Koestler, Gus Greene, Jeannene Matthews and Patrice McGloin: https://ow.ly/iaXz50ZJyFx

09/04/2026

📷 That incredible travel photo hiding in your camera roll deserves its moment.

Graduate students are invited to submit up to three photos capturing global experiences, connections and perspectives to the Carolina Global Photography Competition.

Finalists will be featured in an exhibition at the FedEx Global Education Center and in a virtual gallery, and the top three entries will receive prizes.

Find your best shots and submit them by Tuesday, Sept. 15.

Learn more and enter the competition: https://ow.ly/p7FY50ZJuzF

Photo by: Raymond Tu, 2021, Environmental Health Sciences
IG: .ndtu

09/03/2026

⏱️ Three minutes. One slide. Your research, made compelling!

Curious about UNC-Chapel Hill’s Three Minute Thesis (3MT) competition? Join our virtual information session to learn what makes an effective 3MT presentation, explore the judging criteria and begin developing ideas for communicating your research with clarity, impact and authenticity.

New to public speaking? You’re welcome here! Attending the info session does not obligate you to compete, and master’s and doctoral students from all disciplines are invited.

📅 Tuesday, Sept. 8
🕛 Noon to 1 p.m.
💻 Virtual

Register: https://ow.ly/WC1s50ZIPSL

09/02/2026

🏠 Have questions about establishing North Carolina residency for tuition purposes?

Join representatives from The Graduate School for a virtual information session covering the Residency Determination Service (RDS), including requirements, timing, policies and the determination process. You’ll also have an opportunity to ask questions.

Choose from three sessions:

🗓️ Sept. 9 | 1-2 p.m.
🗓️ Sept. 14 | 10-11 a.m.
🗓️ Sept. 16 | 2-3 p.m.

These workshops are open to graduate students. Please register for one session only. Slides and a recording will be shared with registrants following the session.

🔗 Register: https://ow.ly/LglF50ZIpMh
🔗 Learn more: https://ow.ly/FqBZ50ZIpMj

09/01/2026

🥯 Nearly 500 bagels, plenty of coffee and one great Grad Café!

Thank you to all the graduate students who stopped by today to grab a bite, take a break and connect with fellow students.

A special thank you to Grad Student Success and UNC Writing & Learning Center for joining us and sharing helpful resources.

We loved spending the morning with you!

08/28/2026

Check these out! 👇

08/28/2026

Carolina’s newest teaching assistants are ready for the classroom! 🍎

Earlier this month, graduate students gathered for New Teaching Assistant Orientation, hosted by CareerWell, The Graduate School’s professional development team.

Through interactive sessions and conversations with experienced TAs, participants explored effective teaching strategies, supporting students through challenges, grading and assessment, generative AI, classroom technology and more.

Thank you to our speakers, campus partners, current TAs and Orientation Ambassadors for sharing their knowledge and helping our new instructors begin the semester with greater confidence, practical skills and a supportive community behind them!

Here’s to a great year of teaching, learning and making a difference for Carolina students!