Graduate students at NDSU have access to a wealth of resources designed to support their academic, professional and social journeys. Among those resources is NDSU’s Grad Hub.
Located in the Library Room 6, the Grad Hub serves as a central gathering space where graduate students can find guidance, connection and enrichment throughout their programs.
“Primarily, the Grad Hub is to assure graduate students have access to support when pursuing their academic and professional goals and feel a sense of belonging through a space dedicated explicitly to them and their needs to succeed at NDSU,” said Matthew Warner, coordinator for the Grad Hub and Graduate Professional Skills Academy.
All graduate students enrolled in any NDSU graduate program are welcome to visit the Hub to find a quiet space to relax or study, or to attend one of the several events put on throughout the year. Several NDSU services, including the Center for Writers and the Career and Advising Center, host workshops in the Hub.
Shivani Gautam, a doctoral student in computer science, and Matheus Belin, a doctoral student in pharmaceutical sciences, have utilized the Grad Hub often throughout their graduate studies.
“One of the most valuable aspects of the Grad Hub is the networking opportunities,” Gautam said. “Simply showing up and participating allowed me to connect with students from various backgrounds and fields, which has been instrumental in my academic and professional growth. Additionally, the Grad Hub provides dedicated spaces where students can study and work at their own pace, creating a comfortable and supportive environment for learning.”
Belin has participated in several academic and professional development workshops, as well as the annual writing challenge.
“As a graduate student at NDSU, the Grad Hub has been invaluable in helping me navigate my academic experience,” Belin said. “Through its workshops and events, I have improved my scientific communication skills, established a more structured writing routine and connected with other graduate students across different programs. Engaging with these resources has not only enhanced my academic progress but has also strengthened my sense of belonging within the NDSU graduate community.”
Read more below about the various resources for graduate students offered through the Grad Hub.
Social and Cultural Engagement
Recognizing the importance of building community, the Grad Hub hosts social and cultural events that help graduate students unwind and form meaningful connections. Monthly game nights and International Mother Language Day foster a welcoming, stress-free atmosphere that allows students from a variety of disciplines meet and connect.
“Grad Hub has been particularly supportive by offering a comfortable space for studying, group meetings and engaging activities that foster a sense of community,” Gautam said. “I have been surprised to meet graduate students from various disciplines at the events, creating valuable opportunities for collaboration and learning. The events became the chance to broaden my perspective, and build meaningful connections, see what is happening across the campus and not feel isolated in my office trying to research and write.”
Academic Support and Growth
Graduate school can present unique academic challenges, and the Grad Hub is dedicated to helping students thrive. The Writing Challenge conducted with the Center for Writers and held over Spring Break encourages students to stay on track with their research and writing goals, providing structured time and motivation to advance their dissertations, theses and other projects.
“Through the Spring Break 2025 Writing Challenge, I was able to establish a more
sustainable and structured scientific writing routine,” Belin said. “The Literature Blitz Review provided me with a step-by-step approach that I have been applying in collaboration with my laboratory and will continue to use in the development of my thesis.”
For those preparing to communicate their research effectively, the workshop “Presenting to Non-Specialist Audiences” offers practical strategies for making complex topics accessible to broader audiences, an essential skill for both academia and industry. Kimberly Booth, associate professor of practice in Biological Sciences, offers the workshop and bases the material on her course science communication.
The Grad Hub also supports students in their final program year with Mind the Gap: Support During the Final Year of Program, a tailored initiative aimed at addressing the academic and logistical challenges of completing a graduate degree.
Professional Development and Career Preparation
Graduate students preparing for their future careers can take advantage of the Professional Development Hub, an eight-session program that guides them through essential career-building steps.
This series includes workshops on:
- Individual development plan creation
- Career exploration
- Interview preparation
- Resume crafting
- LinkedIn development
- Career guide development
Additionally, students looking to refine their professional materials can participate in resume crafting events, including:
- C.V. crafting – Tailoring an academic curriculum vitae for job applications.
- LinkedIn level-up – Optimizing LinkedIn profiles to maximize professional visibility.
- Informational interviews – Strategies for networking and gaining industry insights.
- Individual development planning – Personalized goal setting for career progression.
“My advice to incoming graduate students is to engage with the Grad Hub early on and take advantage of campus resources. Attend workshops, participate in events and actively network, keeping yourself open to new experiences and mentorship opportunities,” Gautam said. “You never know when an opportunity might open doors to your success. The resources have supported my academic success and professional development. Take a chance and make the most of the time in graduate study. Building a strong support system is key to flourishing in grad school, so reach out, connect and get involved.”
For more information, visit the Graduate School’s website or reach out to Warner at matthew.b.warner@ndsu.edu. To find a schedule of the upcoming Grad Hub activities, visit the myNDSU website.
