At Graduate Student Life, we strive to build community among GradTerps, provide effective communications to resources and people, and advocate for GradTerps throughout the University of Maryland.
GradTerp Events
Free Coffee Tuesdays
Come by the Grad Lounge between 9 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. for free coffee every Tuesday during the Fall and Spring semester. Enjoy a fresh cup of coffee and good conversation with your fellow students.
Monthly Events
Grad Terp Breakfast
Start the day off right! Enjoy FREE breakfast and coffee with your fellow GradTerps, every first Tuesday of the Month. Come meetup with friends and engage in meaningful conversations.
Location: The Atrium 1107, STAMP Student Union
Time: 9–11 a.m.
While supplies last
GSL’s Grad Kick-Back Series
GSL is happy to introduce the Grad Kick-Back Event Series this Fall! The Grad Kick-Back is a monthly
event series aimed to provide an environment of fun for Graduate Students.
Annual Events
Grad Student Kickoff
Graduate Student Kickoff is a FREE, fun-filled welcome event held at the start of fall semester for both new and returning Grad Students! Hosted by Graduate Student Life, Kickoff features a wide array of activities held throughout the Stamp Student Union, including games, craft activities, bowling, billiards, giveaways and information on UMD resources! You won't want to miss it.
GradTerp Study Breaks
Scheduled at the end of each semester, our study breaks are designed to encourage grad students to take time off from the hectic demands of finals time. GSL plans a full day of events, including free food, snacks, giveaways, crafts, and more!
Grad Student Appreciation Week
Graduate Student Appreciation Week is a week-long series of events and free offerings held each spring designed to recognize the contributions of graduate students. This week allows us to offer free giveaways, food, and evening events to give a special thanks to the 10,000 plus graduate students at the University of Maryland for all of the hard work that they do!
How To Get Involved
The following organizations and committees provide ways for graduate students to meet other grads, share ideas, have some fun, and even make a tangible impact on university policy. Not seeing one you're interested in? Check out TerpLink and try searching "grad." Still not finding anything? Head to the Student Involvement Suite in the Stamp or visit the SORC page.
Graduate Student Government (GSG)
Graduate Student Government is the graduate student governmental body charged with serving and representing all graduate students at the University of Maryland. You can run for an executive office, serve as a representative from your department, sit on a number of GSG committees, or simply attend monthly GSG Assembly meetings.
Graduate Student Organizations
There are over 800 registered student organizations at UMD, including some graduate student-specific groups - and you can find them all on TerpLink, your online portal for campus happenings. From finding a student organization to join, to registering a new student organization and providing assistance and support to existing student organizations, SORC is here to help you make the most of your time here at the University of Maryland.
University Senate
The University Senate is the principal governing body for the University of Maryland. While similar to faculty senates at some colleges, the University Senate includes faculty, students and staff members. There are 9 voting graduate members. Please contact Graduate Student Government's Vice President of Community Affairs at gsg-vpca@umd.edu to express your interest.
Student Honor Council
The Honor Council deals with issues of academic integrity on campus. It is critical that graduate students be on the Council to hear cases, especially when they involve graduate students. Contact HonorCouncil@umd.edu.
University Student Judiciary (USJ)
Members of the Central Judicial Board hear the University's most serious non-academic conduct cases which may result in a suspension or expulsion from the University. It's important for graduate students to serve on the Judiciary, especially when cases involve graduate student conduct.
Leadership and Community Service Learning (LCLS)
A great resource for volunteering your time both on and off of campus.
Announcements
The Graduate Student Lounge
The Graduate Student Lounge is a space just for graduate students, located conveniently in the Stamp (Room 0121)! The Lounge features:
- The Graduate Student Life Office and Graduate Student Government Office
- Soft seating, work desks, round tables and chairs
- Fridge for short-term storage
- Filtered water/ice dispenser
- Microwave
- Sink with instant hot water faucet
- Board games, coloring pages, Play-Doh, & Legos- because grads need breaks too!
FAQs
What is a GradTerp?
A GradTerp is a graduate student at the University of Maryland. You can be part-time or full time, a Masters or a doctoral student.
Where can I find more information about resources available to GradTerps?
You should start with the Graduate Handbook, and also follow us on our social media outlets below. If you have more specific questions, feel free to reach out to any GSL staff member and we’ll try to answer your questions or direct you to someone else who can be most helpful.
What are the Lounge hours?
Summer 2026 Lounge Hours
- Monday through Friday: 9 a.m. to 4:50 p.m.
- Saturday & Sunday: Closed
Fall 2026 Lounge Hours
- Monday through Friday: 8:30 a.m. to 4:50 p.m.
- Saturday & Sunday: Closed
Can I store my food in the GSL Lounge refrigerator?
Storage in the GSL refrigerator is for short-term, daily use only. GSL staff reserves the right to throw away any items left in the refrigerator on the Friday of every week. Anyone leaving an item in the fridge must clearly label it with your name and date.
I would like to promote something my organization or department is doing. Can I bring materials to display at the Lounge or put onto your bulletin board?
Absolutely! Only UMD-sponsored or student-sponsored events and resources may be promoted within the Lounge. Please contact us at gradstudentlife@umd.edu before you bring materials or other promotional items. We are happy to post a flyer for you.
We do not allow external organizations to promote their products or services within the Lounge or through any GSL social media or communications initiatives without the prior consent of our development representatives.
Can I host an event in the Lounge?
The Lounge is intended to be an open and public space; therefore, it is not available for exclusive reservation.
Connect With Us
- Location: 0121 Stamp Student Union
- Phone: 301-314-9544
- Email: GradStudentLife@umd.edu
- Follow us on Instagram, X and Facebook
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