The strength of our PhD community depends on students who lead, organize, and engage with one another inside and outside the classroom. Whether it's mentoring first or second year students, planning community events, shaping department policy, or contributing to and designing new scholarly collaboration, there are many ways to get involved.
Through existing programs like committee work, admissions and scholarship reviews, or the Peer Mentoring Program, as well as new initiatives such as social gatherings, milestone workshops, and panel discussions. These opportunities not only strengthen your connection and community within HCDE, but also help you build valuable skills in leadership, collaboration, and service that extend well beyond your doctoral studies at UW.
Request student activities funds for a social club, writing group, co-lab meet up, or planning the Annual PhD Student Retreat
Attend the Research Seminars (HCDE 547, 521) or grassroots community organizations such as DUB.
Join the HCDE Graduate Student Association (GSA) and plan programming across all graduate programs in HCDE. Great opportunity for any PhdS planning to move into industry roles upon graduation
Lead the Peer Mentoring Program
Participate in admissions or scholarships reviews for the BS and MS HCDE programs (and get paid!). A call for applications is sent to the listserv in early January and May.
Join an HCDE Committee
Lead a DRG or co-author a paper with other PhDs, BS, and MS students
Join a Registered Student Organization (RSO) outside of HCDE or an Intramurals team through the IMA
Join as a representative of the Academic Student Employee (ASE) Union
Attend TA trainings offered by CTL and create new teaching support resources in HCDE
*email lepisto@uw.edu to add more information to this list!