Students exercising in Ball State's rec center

Connect with GSWI

In partnership with the Ball State Graduate School, the Graduate Student Wellness Initiative (GSWI) seeks to create a culture of health and wellness for all Ball State graduate students, both online and on-campus.

The GSWI offers a series of events, workshops, and online programming for you while pursuing an advanced degree. Through our integrated health model, you'll be exposed to skill-building activities you can put into practice to improve overall wellness in your personal and professional life post-graduation.

Wellness Events for Graduate Students

Wellness Events for Graduate Students

In association with the Graduate Opportunity and Leadership Development (GOLD) Program, the GSWI hosts events throughout the academic year to support graduate students and build a stronger graduate community. Register for GSWI's upcoming events below and check out all of the Graduate School's GOLD workshops on Eventbrite. 

 

From Doubt to Confidence: Strategies for Tackling Impostor Syndrome

Navigating Compassion Fatigue in the Helping Professions (Online)

Stargazing at the Planetarium

Nutritional Wellness for Grads

Finding Time When There's No Time: Managing Your Grad Life

Valentine's Day Cookie Decorating

An Afternoon at the Museum with GSWI

Pottery for Grads

Every other week, graduate students can informally get together to drink coffee and discuss topics that matter most to them with other graduate students. These events are offered in a mix of digital and on-campus formats.

Join this event to get your free GSWI coffee mug!

The Graduate Student Wellness Initiative (GSWI) hosts a variety of events that may include coffee talks, grab-n-go breakfast, wellness workshop, recreation tour, yoga, and picnic social.

Graduate students can take a break from their studies to network with their fellow grad students at this event.

Past mixers have been hosted at Books and Brews in Muncie and virtually via Zoom.   

Students working on their master's thesis, projects, and doctoral dissertations, can take advantage of a writing workshop during the semester. The fully subscribed, "A Write Start", workshop helps to launch your writing routine for the semester to help ensure you meet your project deadlines.

"A Write Start" is a program developed and led by The Writing Center and is sponsored by The Graduate School.

Learn About Upcoming Events on Eventbrite

Mental Wellness Matters is a 5-week online community run through Canvas and is designed to help graduate students integrate mental health techniques and practices into their day-to-day lives in an attempt to reduce the impact stressors have on mental health. Students who complete the participation requirements receive a completion certificate from the Graduate School via mail along with a Mental Wellness Matters computer decal and a Ball State Graduate School pen. Online students are welcome, too!

Ball State celebrates National Graduate Student Appreciation Week (started in 1993 by the National Association of Graduate-Professional Students).

In past events, faculty and staff were asked to record appreciation videos to their graduate students which are featured on the GSWI Facebook page.

Past Events

Past events and series hosted by the GSWI include:

  • Yoga for Students
  • Practice Good Nutrition workshop
  • Imposter Syndrome workshop

Resources for Graduate Students

All graduate students are welcome to take advantage of the resources and services the Graduate School and Ball State provide. General benefits for Ball State graduate students include:

  • access to services provided by Ball State Financial, a division of Financial Center First Credit Union
  • free tickets to regularly scheduled athletic events
  • free or discounted tickets to performances at Emens Auditorium, University Theatre, and more
  • a free Muncie Public Library card (if residing in Muncie, Indiana).

See all the additional resources you have access to as a Ball State graduate student below.

Below are resources to help you with your academics and research here at Ball State.

The Career Center

All Ball State students can reach out to the Career Center for assistance with resume and interview preparation, making professional connections, and professional career-seeking. See what the Career Center offers.

Grants for Graduate Students

There are a number of research and travel grants at Ball State meant just for graduate students. Learn more about funding research at Ball State.

Research Design Studio

The Research Design Studio can help you figure out the best methods, design, and statistics for your big project.  A team of researchers, students, and educators can assist you with research design, grant development, and research mentoring — and you can ask for a free consult for your project anytime. Learn more about the Research Design Studio.

Research Resources & Support

The Graduate School works with other Ball State units to provide opportunities to grow your research skills and secure funding. See all the ways we support your research.

University Libraries

The University Libraries provides extensive resources for graduate students, including a comprehensive thesis research workshop that they run regularly throughout the year.  Their “ask a librarian” function is an online and easy way to get started finding the resources you need for your research. See all the ways University Libraries can help you.

The Writing Center

During the first week of every semester, the Writing Center holds a Graduate School-sponsored, one-day writing boot camp called “A Write Start" to assist graduate students with large writing or research projects. The center also offers general writing help and Friday community writing sessions. Learn more about the Writing Center.

Below are resources to help you feel welcome and to help you keep your mental health in check at Ball State.

Graduate Student Commons

The Graduate Student Commons, located in West Quad 208, is a space for all graduate students to study, hold meetings, relax, and connect with the Pathways Project and Graduate Student Wellness Initiative (GSWI) graduate assistants. The Commons includes a meeting space, sitting area, presentation screen, work stations with computers, and resource table with information about campus services. The Commons is open during the spring semester: Monday 10-12:00pm and 3:00-8:00 pm, Tuesday 4-6:00 pm, Wednesday 11-3:00 pm, Thursday 10:00-3:00 pm. The Commons is closed during finals week each semester. If you have questions, please e-mail gradwellness@bsu.edu.

Basic Needs Hub

The Basic Needs Hub is a virtual center for on and off-campus resources available to students experiencing basic needs insecurity. Explore all the resources available through the online hub on your own and in a way that best meets your needs. You can reach out to a supportive staff member who will honor your privacy while offering assistance. The hub includes resources information on food security, housing support, and financial and wellness resources. Visit the Basic Needs Hub.

Health Insurance Navigator

While Ball State is not able to provide health insurance to our graduate assistants at this time, our Human Resources department is making available a health insurance navigator to help graduate students find health insurance through the Affordable Care Act or other government and private programs. See how we can help you secure insurance.

The Health Center

The Health Center provides ambulatory care for currently enrolled sick or injured students, and includes a pharmacy and Women’s Center, as well as a physical therapy unit. To learn more about the types of services and how to take advantage of them, visit the Health Center website.

The Counseling Center

The Counseling Center provides critical mental health services for on-campus and online students, including resources devoted to individually paced self-help programs. See how the Counseling Center can help you.

Cardinal Closet

The Cardinal Closet is ran by Student Action Team (SAT) and provides free semi-professional and professional attire for Ball State students as long as you have your BSU ID. The closet is ran by individual appointment or open hours. Learn more about the Cardinal Closet.

Multicultural Center

The Multicultural Center works to create an environment of inclusive excellence here at Ball State. They offer several programs, services, and resources to all of our students. Learn more about the Multicultural Center.

Open Door Health Services

Open Door Health Services is a local, low-cost health services provider for individuals living in and close to Muncie, Indiana. Services include medical, dental, behavioral health, family planning, and WIC. They also have insurance navigators to assist patients accessing the Health Insurance Marketplace. Learn more about Open Door.

Recreation Services

Recreation Services provides comprehensive recreation programming and facilities for all members of the Ball State community. Offerings include competitive intramural sports, drop-in-and-play use of recreation facilities, fitness and wellness activities, instructional programs, group exercise classes, and much more. See all the offerings from Recreation Services.

Below are resources for graduate assistants and teaching assistants at Ball State.

Graduate Assistantships

All information regarding graduate assistantships can be found on the Graduate School website. Learn about graduate assistantships.

Teaching Assistants (TAs) and Graduate Student Instructors

The Graduate School hosts an online community via Canvas where graduate students share confidential resources and discussions relating to TA work and student instructors of record. Register to join the Canvas community.

Additionally, our TA workshop video explores the expectations and responsibilities of TA and instructor work at Ball State. Watch the workshop.

Newsletter for Students and Staff

The Graduate School publishes an email newsletter each semester with updates and important information for our students and faculty. Read our past newsletters below.

Have Questions?

We're here to help. Reach out to the Graduate Student Wellness Initiative team by email with your questions or concerns.

Email Us