Involvement opportunities

Though graduate school is demanding, it is possible — and important! — for mental health and overall wellness, that graduate students have opportunities for social connection and engagement. Below are some resources and opportunities for maintaining and building positive relationships during your graduate career.

Social connections

Center for Student Involvement

Meet people outside your program! Join one of the many student organizations across a wide range of academic and other interests.

International Buddies Program

The International Buddies Program partners international students, scholars, and family members with K-State students, staff, and community members to share and learn about each other’s cultures and customs while exploring Manhattan and K-State together.

Graduate Student Council

The Graduate Student Council includes graduate students from all areas of study. The council provides workshops and forums to enhance student professional development. It promotes interdisciplinary activities and sponsors a research forum each fall and spring.

Cultural opportunities

Lectures and seminars

The university offers several lectures and seminars throughout the year:

McCain Auditorium

McCain Auditorium is the cultural center for performance arts and numerous campus entertainment activities. All shows are open to the student population and the general public. Learn more about event and ticket information.

Marianna Kistler Beach Museum of Art

The Beach Museum features more than 1,500 works of art from across Kansas and the Midwest, as well as the university's permanent art collection of more than 6,500 pieces.

School of Music, Theatre, and Dance

The School of Music, Theatre, and Dance features a variety of student performances across campus.

K-State Athletics

Cheer on one of K-State’s men’s or women’s athletic teams in over 10 different sports throughout the year! With a K-State student ID card, graduate students can gain free entry to some sporting events and purchase discounted tickets to others.

Other extracurricular activities

Multicultural student organizations

Multicultural student organizations foster the development of leadership skills and roles for multicultural students on campus. They also heighten multicultural awareness in the community. Some multicultural student organizations include:

The Office of Student Activities and Services maintains a list of all registered organizations.

Recreational Services

Recreational Services provides intramural activities, recreational sports, and fitness programs for the campus.

Religious activities

The coordinator of religious activities provides information regarding religious activities and organizations on campus and in the community. Two campus chapels — Danforth Chapel and All Faiths Chapel — are available for student worship, weddings and private meditation. The Office of Student Activities and Services maintains a list of all registered religious groups.

Union Program Council

The Union Program Council (UPC) provides entertaining, cultural, recreational and educational programs each year at the K-State Student Union. Some of these programs include comedy, film screenings, art shows, lectures, concerts, contests, carnivals, musical attractions and other events. With over 150+ events for free or little cost, UPC is a great way to meet friends of common interests and enjoy free or low cost activities.

City of Manhattan, Kansas

Your experience as a graduate student certainly isn't confined to campus. The Manhattan communityand beyond has numerous events, activities and amenities to explore and enjoy.