Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs
1. I am a graduate student at my university, but we don’t have an official GradSWE section, can I still be involved in the affinity group (AG)?
YES! In fact, it would be ideal to have you involved in AG! You would be a great person to help us build a structure for other students who want to make an official GradSWE section at their university or want to incorporate GradSWE into the undergraduate section of your university.
2. So what is the difference between GradSWE at the university level and GradSWE at the affinity group level?
In simplest terms, GradSWE at your university is operated and run but the graduate students at that specific university, so they have more programming locally to you. They may have mentorship programs, events, and even scholarships or industry opportunities. They will have resources specific to the needs of their students at the specific university.
At the affinity group level, our focus is supporting the needs of graduates through collaborations with other AGs, creating structure and resources for sections and organizing event at the Annual Conference each year. This includes advocating for more graduate women in strategic leadership positions at the society leadership level.
3. I want to make sure get communications from you, how do I make sure to do that?
Through the SWE membership portal (link), this is where you log into your SWE dashboard to update your membership dues or demographic information, you will need to scroll down to Communication Preferences. Make sure to click the small box to OPT IN.
4. Do I need to be an official SWE (dues paying members) to participate?
Since our events primarily center themselves around conference each year, no, you don’t have to be a SWE member to come and participate in the conversations. (Note: the registration for conference is higher for non-swe members) However, we would HIGHLY encourage you to become a member as it gives you access to make resources within SWE. (Note: The collegiate membership is $20 each year)
5. I am no longer a graduate student, or I am someone that works in academia, can I still be a part of this affinity group?
Yes! In fact, it means so much to this affinity group to have alumni engagement to help mentor and bring knowledge to our younger graduate students on life after graduate school. This is also true for those working in academia, and if you are part of the Women in Academia Affinity Group, please reach out so that we can find ways to collaborate and reach the needs of GradSWE women interested in pursuing career as Professors and researchers.
6. I am an organizer or leader for my university’s GradSWE section, how can we include the GradSWE Affinity Group to our website or resources page for members that want to get more involved in SWE or want more information at SWE?
Great question, and to highlight a section that is already doing a great job, let me share the Arizona State University GradSWE Resources page.
This page is well designed in offering concise and active links to resources including the GradSWE Facebook Page, the SWE Mentor Network, annual conference, and SWE Scholarship. The only thing we request to be included is this official GradSWE Affinity Group page (https://affinitygroups.swe.org/gradswe/)
7. Does GradSWE have a formal mentorship program?
Sadly, not at this moment. Due to the demands of graduate work and life, it becomes a challenge to organize a national mentorship program. However, we STRONGLY encourage you to investigate the SWE Mentorship Network! If you are not sure what that is, feel free to reach out to our email and we can help facilitate any questions!
8. Do I need to be a PhD student to join GradSWE?
No, post-back and master students are welcome and encouraged to take part in this AG!
9. I don’t have enough time to get involved in leadership at GradSWE AG but I want to make sure this AG is supported, how can I do that?
One way to support the AG is make sure your members know about the affinity group level leadership available.
Next, if you are attending WE25, or are interested in presenting in a topic related to graduate students needs- consider submitting a session for WE25. Calls for participation emails go out to members in Jan-Feb of each year for the upcoming WE conference. We can help with that process! Reach out to our email!
10. Sadly due to my program or life constraints, I am unable to get involved and sometimes I just need a little advice or support, where can I go to get that?
What a great question! We have two places for you to join~
Option 1: Join our Facebook page! This is for you to ask questions and get support from other SWE women! Especially if you want advice, it the best place for it!
Option 2: Join our Slack! This is more open ended, and you can find channels for discussion or if you need to share events happening in your local SWE sections.
