The Graduate Peer Support Network (GPSN) serves to connect graduate students to campus resources and to each other. GPSN has created a catalogue of 60–90-minute workshops that can be delivered in person or virtually and can be customized to suit your graduate student organization’s need.
What is GPSN?
Grad school can feel like a lot—endless due dates, late-night stress, and wondering if everyone else has it figured out. The Graduate Peer Support Network (GPSN) is here so that you don’t have to navigate it alone. Sponsored by the Graduate School and led by graduate students from schools and colleges across campus, GPSN offers informal, peer-led support sessions where we talk about common struggles like procrastination, imposter feelings, burnout, and more.
How GPSN Works
Our sessions aren’t lectures – they’re honest, small-group conversations about the ups and downs of grad school. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or just want to hear what’s working for others, GPSN offers a space for connection, support, and practical takeaways. Sessions are open to all UGA grad students, and we meet both in person (on UGA’s Athens campus) and online via Zoom – whatever is easiest for you.
Addressing Burnout
Feeling drained, scattered, or checked out? We’ll talk about ways to recognize the signs of burnout and share practical stress management tips.
Collaboration & Connection
Grad school can feel isolating, but it doesn’t have to be. We’ll explore how working with peers and building supportive relationships can make your grad school experience more fulfilling.
Confronting Imposter Syndrome
Ever feel like everyone else knows what they’re doing and you’re just faking it? You’re not the only one! We’ll discuss why imposter feelings happen and share ways to build confidence in yourself and your work.
Cultivating a Social Life in Grad School
Building friendships in grad school isn’t always easy. We’ll talk about why it can be challenging and share practical tips for creating community, even with a packed schedule.
Finding Your Voice: Navigating Public Speaking Anxiety
As academics, we are public speakers, whether we want to be or not. Lectures, research presentations, interviews, and more are fundamental aspects of academic life, but most of us have limited training in these arenas. In this series, we will explore various strategies for navigating challenging situations, including speech construction and preparation, anxiety management, Q&A sessions, and improvisation techniques for when plans don’t quite work out as planned. The series can be modified for field-specific needs.
In collaboration with the Department of Communication Studies
Moving from Self-Criticism to Self-Compassion
Are you your own harshest critic? Join us to learn how to challenge negative self-talk and build a kinder, more compassionate mindset that helps you embrace personal growth.
Setting Boundaries
Grad school can leave us feeling overcommitted and overwhelmed. We’ll talk about how to set healthy boundaries that protect your time, energy, and mental health–without guilt.
Sleep Hygiene
If sleeping is on your list of things you’ll do after graduation, this presentation is for you! Learn how to incorporate sleep hygiene into your daily routine so that you can get a more restful sleep now.
Working Through Procrastination (Includes Time Management Tips)
Can’t stop doom-scrolling or putting things off? Learn what’s behind your procrastination and leave with practical tips and time management strategies to break the cycle and get focused.
