Welcome to Stony Brook: Fall 2026 Welcome Letter

On behalf of  the Stony Brook University Graduate School, I would like to officially welcome you to the Fall semester and the 2026-27  academic year.  

The pursuit of a graduate degree demonstrates that you have decided to commit yourself to intellectual and professional growth. Choosing to continue your education in an area in which you are passionate will allow you to stand out throughout your life and career after graduation.  Now, more than ever, our country and world need thinkers and doers: people who acquire  advanced knowledge and contribute  to understanding our history, the natural world, and the technologies  that can ensure the future of our planet. I am proud to be your dean and of the work you will do and are already doing. 

As your dean, I serve as an advocate to support you throughout your studies. The Graduate School works collaboratively with departments across campus to provide professional development resources and to create a sense of community for graduate students. I hope you will take the opportunity to join us for an event, workshop, or other training this fall.

Upcoming Events (Registration required)

• Graduate School Welcome Back BBQ (Space is limited. First come, first served.)
  Thursday, August 27, 2026 | 12 pm to 2 pm | Old Computer Science Front Lawn
  We look forward to welcoming you to campus to celebrate the start of the year with free food, games, and an opportunity to connect with other students, faculty, staff, and support services. Register Now
• GradConnect: September
  Wednesday, September 30 | 12:30 pm to 2 pm | Graduate Student Lounge (Student Activities Center)
  Join the Graduate School in the GSO lounge to connect with the Graduate School team and fellow graduate students to learn about campus and community resources, build networks, and share ideas. Register for GradConnect
• Dean’s Challenge Football Game
  Saturday, November 21, 2026 | 12 pm | SB Seawolves v Hampton Pirates
  The Graduate School will be hosting 100 students, faculty and staff at the game as part of the Stony Brook Athletics Dean’s Challenge. Join us for the game and help us win with the highest attendance this season. Request Ticket

Graduate Student Resources

• Graduate Student Advocate (GSA) 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 offers one on one tutoring (in person or remotely) and  hosts writing sessions during the semester to aid graduate students.
• 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 (SHS) - 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.

Providing access to these resources and services is at the core of the mission of the Graduate School.  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 support your academic achievement. Please browse our Professional Development website to learn about programs and opportunities that build your skills, support your mentoring relationships, and fund career exploration.

Connect with us on the Graduate School Website and social media to stay up to date on exciting events and offerings and check out our monthly newsletter, Happening @ The Graduate School on the last Wednesday of each month.

We are confident that you will thrive in Stony Brook’s programs, and we are here to help you from application to graduation.  Have a productive and rewarding academic year!

Sincerely,

Celia Marshik
Dean of the Graduate School and Vice Provost for Graduate Education