The GPC hosts a department-wide social every other Friday at 5:00 (typically the odd-dated Fridays) with free food and drinks. These events are hosted indoors in our department center or outdoors when the weather is permitting. If you would like to get involved in organizing these events, please send us an email.

Chem Talks are a monthly event that allows current graduate students and postdocs to present their work to the department. These talks are intended for those outside of your field, giving you a chance to practice presenting and the rest of us a chance to learn. If you would like to give a Chem Talk or be involved in their planning, please send us an email.

During the academic year, speakers are invited to the department by the GPC. These student-invited speakers not only present their research, but also meet with students to discuss their path in academia and through chemistry. In addition, many graduate students and postdocs are interested in careers outside of academia. The GPC regularly hosts speakers from industry, government, and many other fields to answer questions and provide contacts for future careers. These meetings are not recruiting events so you can attend just to learn about new areas and outlets for your science. If you have ideas for future speakers or would like to help organize these events, please send us an email.

Harvard has various intramural sports leagues you may involve yourself in as a graduate student, but volleyball and softball are separately hosted within the department. Many groups have their own volleyball teams, but if yours does not please email us so we can find a spot for you. In addition, there is an annual department softball league and tournament. If you would like to be involved in this please again send us an email.

The GPC is involved both in organizing prospective student weekends and in welcoming new students to the department each Fall. Prospective student weekends are particularly involved, and we are always looking for volunteers. In addition, new students are paired with a mentor to help show them around the department. If you would like to be involved in either of these functions, please send us an email.

The essential role of the GPC is to improve our community and connections between everyone in the department. If you have ideas for how we can better realize these goals, please email us or come to one of our meetings.