'Survival Week' to assist graduate students

For some, life as a graduate student can seem lonely and unguided, but the Graduate and Professional Student Organization has a solution -- Graduate Survival Week. \nThe organization will host a series of lectures and discussions this week, focusing on issues like applying for grants and managing time, money and relationships. They will also discuss how to use the new health care plan.\nGraduate Survival Week coincides with the opening of a new grad student lounge and study area, the Grad Pad, located in the Indiana Memorial Union. \n"Graduate students are sort of thrown into the mix of things," GPSO Moderator Paul Rohwer said. "In some ways they feel like castaways marooned in this island of Bloomington where they need to find resources to help them. The GPSO put together the events for people to come discuss with University officials things that are important." \nThe lectures and discussions will take place at the new Grad Pad, located in room 088 on the mezzanine level of the IMU. \nMonday's "Show me the money!" lecture will focus on applying for research grants. Tuesday's lesson will focus on the new health care plan and feature a talk from IU Health Center officials, Wednesday's discussion will look at stress management tips and Thursday will have two sessions -- one about life as a graduate student with a spouse or partner, and the other about health and physical wellness. Friday, the last lesson, will host first-year graduate students.\nRohwer said Monday's talk will be especially important for students doing research. \n"We're at the cusp of the important grant-writing season for graduate students, so a representative from GPSO funding is going to come and discuss how to approach grants, what type of money is out there and how to write applications," he said. \nLily Ibarra, who works for GPSO's University Life division, said the meetings and the addition of the Grad Pad will help graduate students feel less isolated. \n"It's good for graduate students to get out of their departments and share their experiences," she said. \nThis is only the second year that GPSO has hosted a "survival week," but Rohwer said they hope it becomes an annual event. \n"Last year we had similar events, but this year we expanded it," he said. "The graduate life is all about survival."\nIbarra added the Grad Pad will make a big difference in allowing graduate students to mingle but said she hopes they will eventually have a larger lounge area, a reading room and offices. \n"We definitely want a larger space where students can have office hours or readings," Ibarra said. "This is just the beginning"