Welcome to Stony Brook - Spring 2026 Welcome Letter
I have always loved the spring term: the days get brighter and longer, and we enjoy a spring break, which provides time to rest. You might, like me, already be dreaming of warmer days. And yet, the wintry start of a new semester that follows the arrival of a new year offers an ideal moment to reflect on past accomplishments and set new goals.
As your dean, it is a priority for me to serve as an advocate throughout your studies. Providing access to resources and services is at the core of the mission of the Graduate School. On behalf of all faculty and staff at the Stony Brook University Graduate School, we are proud to support you as you pursue your passion and earn your graduate degree.
Whether you are pursuing your degree at the Manhattan Center for Creative Writing and Film, the Stony Brook Southampton campus, or at the East or West Campus in Stony Brook, you have access to an extensive array of resources and facilities designed to facilitate your academic achievement.
Graduate School Upcoming Events
GradConnect: Tuesday, February 10, 2026 | 12:30 pm to 1:30 pm | Graduate Student Lounge
(SAC)
We are hosting GradConnect: February in collaboration with Student Engagement and
Activities to share more information about graduate student opportunities on campus.
Light refreshments will be served, registration not required.
Stony Brook Three Minute Thesis: March 13, 2026 | 10 am to 3 pm | SAC Auditorium
Can you explain years of research in just three minutes? That’s the challenge our
senior PhD students and postdoctoral scholars will take on during our SBU 3MT and
Postdoc Spotlight Competition. Join us for a fast-paced, engaging competition where
participants present their dissertation research for a general audience. Speaker sign
up deadline is January 29, 2026.
Graduate Student Resources
- Graduate Student Advocate | Donal Thomas - 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 Graduate School offers writing support through a Graduate Writing Assistant who hosts writing sessions during the semester to aid graduate students in writing.
- Graduate Student Organization (GSO) - The GSO offers a variety of social events throughout the year that are organized by students, for students.
- Student Health Services - Supports student preventative health and comprehensive wellness while integrating primary care with other student needs. This includes Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) and TimelyCare, a free virtual 24/7 service providing access to medical and mental health services.
Please visit the Graduate School Website and Professional Development website and connect with us on social media to learn about programs and opportunities to build your skills and network with faculty, staff, and other graduate students. We also publish a monthly newsletter, Happening @ The Graduate School, on the last Wednesday of each month featuring student spotlights and important upcoming events specifically for graduate students.
The spring semester also includes many opportunities to commemorate your experience. I encourage you to savor your accomplishments throughout graduate school and take moments as you go through your program to acknowledge all your hard work and dedication.
Personally, I am looking forward to celebrating graduate students through upcoming events including SBU 3MT, Graduate Awards, main commencement, doctoral hooding, departmental graduations and more.
We are confident that you will thrive at Stony Brook, and we are here to help you from application to graduation. Have a productive and rewarding semester!
Sincerely,
Celia Marshik
Dean of the Graduate School and Vice Provost for Graduate Education