ANN ARBOR, Mich. — On Friday, March 20, 2026, the University of Michigan’s LSA Opportunity Hub invites all liberal arts and sciences undergraduates to the inaugural Graduate School Exploration Symposium, the university’s largest event focused on demystifying graduate education and empowering students to explore tailored pathways for continued education.

Held at the LSA Building from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., the Symposium is a one-of-a-kind opportunity for LSA students at any stage of their graduate school exploration to ask vital questions, connect with admissions representatives and current grad students and participate in workshops, mock interviews and application support sessions. 

For the past six years, about 30% of LSA graduates have chosen to continue their education after graduation.

“The Grad School Exploration Symposium grew out of listening closely to our students,” says Luciana Nemtanu, Director of Student Experience at the LSA Opportunity Hub. “They told us they wanted something more engaging and tailored to where they are in their exploration.”

In addition to the traditional Grad Fair portion of the event, the Opportunity Hub is set to host ten breakout sessions alongside faculty, staff, current grad students and over 25 participating programs and institutions.Whether you’re just beginning to consider grad school or are preparing your applications, the Symposium will offer actionable guidance at every step.
 

Event Highlights:

  • Mock interviews

  • Expert-led panels

  • Interactive workshops

  • Opportunities to network with admissions representatives from top institutions, including Columbia, Georgetown, Northwestern, University of Chicago and U-M’s own graduate programs
     

Throughout the day, students can attend sessions like Finding Programs That Fit, Personal Statements That Stand Out, Impostorism in Grad School and even Gap Years: Designing One That Works for You, each designed to provide real answers and practical support.

Among the featured speakers is Dr. VaNessa Thompson, Academic Program Manager for Rackham Graduate School and adjunct instructor at Oakland Community College, whose research examines graduate students’ sense of belonging and the impact of emotional and social well-being.

Reflecting on her own journey, Dr. Thompson encourages students to consider graduate school as an opportunity to “level up,” using the foundational skills they’ve built in undergrad.

“There’s a breadth of options for you after getting an undergraduate degree at U-M, and because you’re here, there are a lot of doors open to you.”

She will be speaking at the Finding Programs That Fit panel at the Symposium, which focuses on not only selecting the right program, but on identifying funding, navigating identity and securing the support systems graduate students need to thrive. 

“Graduate school is very different from the undergraduate experience,” she says. “As a graduate student, you get to find a program that fits you, versus the other way around.”

Her advice for LSA students who feel uncertain about their next step? “Go to the Symposium. If you’re even flirting with the idea of graduate school, collect more information and make an informed decision.”

Event Details

Date: Friday, March 20, 2026

Time: 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Location: LSA Building, University of Michigan 

Registration: Via LSA Engage (session sign-up required)

 

For more information, visit the LSA Opportunity Hub website (myumi.ch/xw588) or email Avery Lee (jonesav@umich.edu).

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About the LSA Opportunity Hub

The Opportunity Hub is a resource for undergraduate students in the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts (LSA) at the University of Michigan, that provides innovative career exploration, guidance and support.