The Graduate Student Success Conference (GSSC) is a cross-disciplinary experience, full of scientists, engineers, economists, policy makers and scholars of the arts hosted by the Office of Research Engagement and Scholar Development (ORESD).
The conference will award 1st, 2nd, and 3rd cash prizes to the best in-person and virtual presenters (PowerPoint and poster) in the undergraduate, graduate student/postdoc, and professional student divisions.
The Graduate Student Success Conference (GSSC) highlights emerging scholars whose work connects research, practice, and innovation to societal impact, leadership development, and career success. We invite abstract submissions from students across disciplines, research focused and professionally oriented, whose work advances knowledge, addresses real world challenges, and contributes to inclusive excellence.
Exhibiting at the Graduate Student Success Conference (GSSC) will give your institution the opportunity to engage an audience of over 250 diverse undergrads, graduate students, professional students (medical & business) and postdocs from across the country.
We also offer further exposure through a variety of marketing mediums, including print and online media.
The following exhibitors are excited to meet you at the virtual and in-person booths as well as working during the Resume Clinic session Thursday-Friday.
Judges and volunteers are needed for the student and trainee presentations that will be held Saturday-Sunday the Graduate Student Success Conference (GSSC).
The conference will feature work from undergraduates and graduate students from a variety of academic disciplines and institutions.
Purpose of This Toolkit
Use this toolkit to help spread the word about the 2026 Graduate Student Success Conference (GSSC), a national, student‑centered research and professional development conference that brings together undergraduates, graduate students, postdocs, faculty, and professional partners from across the country.
Whether you are an attendee, presenter, faculty mentor, alumnus, partner, or sponsor, you play a key role in inviting the next generation of scholars and professionals into this community.
About the Graduate Student Success Conference
The Graduate Student Success Conference is intentionally designed to help participants:
Hosted at a top‑tier R1, land‑grant university, GSSC reflects Michigan State University’s commitment to inclusive excellence, public impact research, and student success.
Key Messages to Emphasize (2026)
When sharing the conference, highlight that GSSC is:
Sample Email Copy
For Students & Postdocs
I’m excited to share the 2026 Graduate Student Success Conference, happening November 6–8 (hybrid) at Michigan State University.
This conference is designed for students and postdocs who want to connect their research or applied work to real‑world impact, gain mentorship, and explore academic and non‑academic career pathways.
I strongly encourage you to attend or submit a presentation.
Learn more and register: grad.msu.edu/ORESD/GSSC
For Faculty, Advisors, & Program Directors
I’m encouraging students to participate in the 2026 Graduate Student Success Conference, a national, student‑centered conference hosted by Michigan State University.
GSSC provides a high‑quality venue for research presentations, applied case studies, and professional development across STEM, social sciences, health, and business.
This is a conference faculty can confidently recommend to their strongest students.
For Partners, Alumni, & Employers
The 2026 Graduate Student Student Success Conference brings together emerging scholars, professionals, and institutional partners from across the country to focus on talent development, research impact, and workforce pathways.
We’re proud to support a conference advancing inclusive excellence and leadership in graduate education.
Sample Social Media Posts
Attendees – Pre‑Conference
Prospective Participants (Invitational Tone)
Faculty / Advisors
Presenters
During the Conference
Post‑Conference Reflections
Story Prompts (Encouraged for Posts)
Visual Assets
Free‑to‑use social media graphics and virtual backgrounds:
Please credit MSU ORESD and use the official hashtag when posting.
Calls to Action (Use Often)
Learn More & Register
Final Guidance
Your voice contributes to the Graduate Student Success Conference ecosystem, reaching beyond institutional and regional boundaries. By sharing intentionally, you help:
Thank you for helping grow the Graduate Student Success Conference community.