Community Engagement Resources for Doctoral Students
Pursuing a doctoral degree is a bold, transformative journey—and at UB, you won't go it alone. We're committed to building an inclusive and vibrant campus community where doctoral students feel seen, supported and inspired.
Here you'll find a community that challenges your thinking, broadens your perspective and values the diverse experiences you bring. Through a range of programming, resources and mentoring opportunities, we aim to foster connection and belonging—because groundbreaking research thrives in environments where people do too.
Explore our offerings below to discover how you can deepen your sense of community, strengthen your scholarly voice and carry forward a spirit of inclusion and curiousity—at UB and beyond.
The Career Design Center hosts . Join an Affinity/Identity Community where you can find belonging and discover opportunities. There are communities for athletes, veterans, LGBTQ+, first-generation, master's and doctoral students, and more.
Join a . The GSA supports three different types of student clubs: Departmental Clubs, International Clubs and Special Interest Clubs. Get involved to find your community.
is a Graduate Student Association (GSA) sponsored club. Get connected and join them for programs and social gatherings.
The Intercultural and Diversity Center (IDC) supports all UB students, including graduate students, by creating a sense of belonging and celebrating differences. Find information about IDC programs and events on .
- Diversity Workshops are offered by the IDC on social justice, power, oppression, privilege and identity.
- The IDC supports the LGBTQ+ student community through services and educational LGBTQ+ programming.
- The IDC supports ALANA (Students of Color) communities by providing social and educational programs that celebrate these diverse communities' rich histories and cultures and address current issues within and outside of UB that impact them. ALANA programming includes but is not limited to Heritage Month Celebrations and the annual ALANA Celebration of Achievement for graduating students.
Diversity Advocates (DA) are student interns recruited each spring for a paid on-campus opportunity within the IDC committed to promoting social justice and diversity advocacy. DA's create programming and dialogue to support awareness and knowledge of diversity-related issues.
Featured Partner: Intercultural and Diversity Center
The Intercultural and Diversity Center (IDC) is committed to supporting all students at UB by creating a sense of belonging and celebrating our differences just as we celebrate our commonalities.
International Student Services hosts trips and activities open to all graduate students with the goal of creating community. Join a trip or activity to explore Buffalo and Western New York or attend the Global Connections Café each month to take a break and get to know your fellow graduate students. During the summer, attend the Social Spot!
Become a member of the International Student Advisory Council where you can serve as a resource for the international student community and advocate for the unique needs of international students.
Located in Room 230, Student Union (Â鶹´«Ã½o North Campus), the LGBTQ+ Resource Center is a welcoming and affirming space where students can connect, build community and access support. Whether you're looking to get involved with LGBTQ+ student groups, find resources on and off campus, or simply meet others in a safe and inclusive environment, the Center is here for you.
The LGBTQ+ Resource Center is committed to fostering a campus where all students—regardless of sexual orientation, gender identify, or gender expression—can thrive. Through educational programming, community-building events, and individual support, the LGBTQ+ Resource Center plays a vital role in promoting equity and inclusion at UB.
The Office of Inclusive Excellence collaborates, plans and coordinates with partners across the university to support students, faculty and staff to build a culture that makes all of us stronger. They host events, workshops and the yearly Inclusive Excellence Summit. DEI research resources are available on the Office of Inclusive Excellence website.
The National Center for Faculty Development & Diversity (NCFDD) is a national organization that the Â鶹´«Ã½o has joined to support the professional development, training and mentoring for faculty members, postdocs and graduate students, dedicated to supporting academic success. Graduate students and postdocs should set up a free NCFDD account.
Proud To Be First supports the academic, social and professional development of first-generation Bulls and their families by providing connections to campus resources, peer mentoring, networking opportunities with faculty, staff and peers, events and more. First-generation resources and activities for graduate students include First-Generation Celebration Week in early November.
Veteran Services helps student veterans adjust to civilian life while figuring out how to juggle graduate school and everything else going on.
The Graduate School and the Intercultural and Diversity Center co-host Graduate Student programs. They include BIPOC graduate student mixers, panels and alumni gatherings. Check out the Events for Graduate & Professional Students page for more information.
The Graduate Brief
Every Wednesday during the semester, the Graduate School emails the Graduate Brief to all doctoral and professional students. The Grad Brief is a weekly selection of news and happenings within the Graduate School and its partnering offices. If you want to be added to the mailing list, please contact grad@buffalo.edu.