Social Activities

Many social activities are open to graduate students including those run by the GSA, the main graduate student goup, as well as the department sponsored social events that occur each year to encourage department members to meet each other and get to know people from other research areas. These events include:

The PHAS Departmental Picnic

Held in mid-September each year, this event is held in one of the local area parks, weather permitting, and all department members and their families are welcome. With the department providing the KFC and the soft drinks, and the attendees bringing the salads, snacks, and desserts, there is always plenty of food. Entertainment usually includes soccer, football, frisbee, and the annual softball grudge match between the students and the faculty/staff. Clearly our students have difficulty counting as they frequently claim to have won the softball game!

The Annual Holiday Potluck

Held one noon hour during the week leading up to the December holiday break, the annual pot-luck is very popular with the faculty, staff, and students. Everyone is invited to bring an appetizer, salad, main dish, or dessert and show up for a couple of hours of conversation and holiday cheer to mark the end of the fall term.

The PHAS Christmas Dinner and Dance

Held in late November, with tickets going on sale in late October, the Christmas Dinner and Dance includes a full Turkey Dinner with all the trimmings, and a dance to follow. A great way for faculty and students to relax, have fun, and get to know each other before the end of term.

Other Activities

In addition to the above activities, there is the annual beach party described in the PHAS sports section, and of late the department has been running a monthly series of catch-up over coffee and cookies sessions to encourage regular interaction between members of different groups. Of course, there are many less official gatherings of departmental members throughout the year, with the Grad Lounge on Friday evenings being a popular time and place.

For full event details, see the Department Social Events page.