The University of Arkansas will celebrate the contributions of graduate students next week, Monday, March 7- Fridiay, March 11 as part of the campus' Graduate Education Week.

"Graduate students are a critical resource for our university," said Kim Needy, dean of the Graduate School and International Education. "They teach courses, mentor undergraduates, assist our faculty and conduct outstanding research. I think it's fantastic that the campus is taking this opportunity to acknowledge how much graduate students are valued."

Among the activities planned for the week are multiple "Notes of Gratitude" sessions. The sessions provide graduate students the opportunity to write thank you notes to those who have supported them throughout their graduate school journey. Free snacks will be provided.

The week will culminate with the U of A's first-annual Three Minute Thesis competition final. The academic contest challenges graduate students to summarize their thesis or dissertation research within three minutes to a general audience.

The top finishers in the university-wide final will vie for $500 and a trip to compete in a regional contest.

All members of the campus community are invited to attend the event. Audience members will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite presentation. The People's Choice winner will be awarded $250.

The events planned for the week include:

Monday, March 7

• Notes of Gratitude - 9:30 to 11 a.m., Gearhart Hall Graduate Student Lounge

Tuesday, March 8

• Notes of Gratitude - 12 to 1:30 p.m., Gearhart Hall Graduate Student Lounge

Wednesday, March 9

• Notes of Gratitude - 2:30 to 4 p.m., Gearhart Hall Graduate Student Lounge

Thursday, March 10

• Doctoral Fellows Reception - by invitation only

Friday, March 11

• Three Minute Thesis Competition Final - 1 p.m., Graduate Education Building Auditorium