Graduate School Newsletter – April 2026
Graduate Alumni on the Move: Noah Roerig
Originally from Sioux City, Iowa, Noah Roerig now calls Brookings home after earning his M.Ed. in counseling and human resource development with a specialization in administration of student affairs, along with an Academic Advising Certificate, from SDSU in fall 2024.
Roerig began his current role as Honors Advisor for the Van D. and Barbara B. Fishback Honors College at SDSU in August 2024 while finishing his graduate degree later that December. In his position, Roerig serves as a student success adviser for approximately 600 honors students, while also mentoring the Honors College Student Organization, coordinating major events and contributing to several campus work groups. He has also helped develop and lead study abroad opportunities, including an upcoming program traveling to the Netherlands and Belgium in May.
Among his recent accomplishments, Roerig represented SDSU at the National Collegiate Honors Council Conference in San Diego, where he presented two sessions focused on collaborative campus partnerships and the use of the role-playing pedagogy "Reacting to the Past" in honors classrooms. He was also the lead author on a note published in the Journal of the European Honors Council exploring how planned happenstance theory can be applied within honors programs, a project inspired by a graduate course with Chris Briddick.
Roerig credits his graduate program with preparing him for the responsibilities of his role through hands-on learning experiences and opportunities to explore multiple areas within student affairs. His graduate internship with the Fishback Honors College provided valuable advising experience that helped ease his transition into a full-time position. Roerig also acknowledges the impact of faculty mentors, such as Katelyn Romsa, Jim Bies and Hande Briddick, in his personal and professional development.
Outside of work, Roerig enjoys watching sports, especially vlog athletics, reading, playing video games and taking road trips. He also stays involved in the Brookings community as a member of the Brookings Area Community Band and the St. Thomas More choir.
His advice for those considering graduate school: “pursuing a graduate degree is an excellent opportunity to explore topics that interest you in greater depth, while further enhancing important skills, such as communication and critical thinking, with the support of incredibly caring and knowledgeable faculty.”
The Van D. and Barbara B. Fishback Honors College and the Graduate School jointly host the annual Student Research, Scholarship and Creative Activity Day each spring.
The events include poster shows, featured performances and presentations, and awards for outstanding student achievement.
Date: Tuesday, April 14, 2026
Location: Volstorff Ballroom – University Student Union
Faculty, staff, students and community members are encouraged to attend.
Event Schedule
- 9:15-10 a.m. – Undergraduate Poster Check-in and Display Setup
- 10 a.m.-noon – Undergraduate Poster Show and Project Judging
- 12:15-1 p.m. – Graduate Student Poster Setup
- 12:15-1 p.m. – University Leadership Panel
- 1-2 p.m. – Graduate Student Panel
- 2-4 p.m. – Graduate Poster Show and Judging
- 4-4:15 p.m. – Music and Poetry Performances
- 4:15-5 p.m. – Undergraduate and Graduate Awards Ceremony
A group of staff judges will select the top posters to receive awards. An award will also be given for Best Application of Artificial Intelligence in Research.
Beyond Graduate School Events
April 1 (2-2:30 p.m. ET): What to Do If You’re Getting Interviews but No Job Offers
Have you been getting interviews but no job offers? Job searching is challenging, and we understand how frustrating it can be not to be selected to move forward in the process.
Join Beyond Graduate School for this webinar where you’ll learn what to do if you’re feeling stuck at the interview stage in your job search. We’ll discuss effective job search strategies for master’s students, what catches a hiring manager’s attention and what you can do to stand out on the job market.
This virtual workshop is designed for master’s students from all academic disciplines who are wondering:
- How can I strengthen my interview strategy?
- How can I strengthen my job search strategy?
- What are next steps I can take to move my job search forward?
April 15 (2-2:30 p.m. ET): What You Need to Know vlog Using AI at Work
Starting a new job? Congratulations! As you begin your first 90 days, you may be wondering: can I use AI at work? When, how and should I use it?
To answer these questions, you’ll first need to know your organization’s policy on generative AI. Some employers may prohibit its use entirely, while others have specific guidelines related to privacy and data sharing. You’ll also need to consider whether AI will truly help you produce your best work.
Join Beyond Graduate School for this webinar to learn how you can ethically and strategically use AI in the workplace.
This webinar is designed for master’s students from all academic disciplines who are wondering:
- What should I consider before using AI at work?
- What resources can I consult to answer my questions about AI use in the workplace?
- How can I use AI to enhance my productivity and efficiency?
SDSU Distinguished Dissertation Award (Deadline April 13, 2026)
This award recognizes a doctoral student who has completed a dissertation representing original work that makes an unusually significant contribution to their discipline.
There are two broad fields of competition that rotate yearly: mathematics, physical sciences and engineering; and the social sciences or biological and life sciences and humanities and fine arts. If a dissertation is multi- or interdisciplinary in nature, a significant portion of the work must be comprised by at least one of the fields of competition.
Eligibility
- The effective date of the degree awarded or the completion of doctoral degree requirements and dissertation, must be within the period of July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2026, for each nominee selected. Such degree award or completion is to be confirmed by the Graduate School.
Nominations must include:
- Completion of .
- Abstract of nominee’s dissertation.
- Three letters of recommendation evaluating the significance and quality of the dissertation work. One of these letters must be from the nominee’s dissertation supervisor, another from a member of the nominee’s dissertation committee and the third from a person of the nominee’s choice.
- Nominee’s curriculum vitae (not to exceed five pages).
Please note: All parts of the nomination should be uploaded when completing the electronic form. Questions can be directed to the Graduate School email .
The Distinguished Dissertation Award operates on a two-year cycle with regard to fields of competition. For 2026, the fields will be biological and life sciences or humanities and fine arts.
Award information
The award recipient will be selected by a committee of graduate faculty. The recipient will receive a certificate and $250 cash prize. The SDSU awardee’s dissertation will also be submitted to the national CGS/ProQuest Distinguished Dissertation Awards competition with the opportunity to receive $2,000 and travel costs to attend the CGS Annual Award Luncheon in December 2026.
Graduate Professionalism Academy
The Graduate Professionalism Academy is an optional, flexible and self-paced program designed to help graduate students build valuable skills while earning badges/certificates along the way. Through the academy, you’ll be able to:
- Boost your resume or CV.
- Build personal and professional skills that last a lifetime.
- Explore current career trends and tools.
- Earn digital badges and certificates to showcase your achievements.
This year, you’ll have the chance to earn credentials from Beyond Graduate School, SDSU Credly and Coursera. Digital badges are verified credentials that recognize your skills, knowledge and accomplishments. They can be shared on LinkedIn, added to your resume and even included in your email signature.
Email your digital badge or certificate to gradschl@sdstate.edu before April 1, 2026 for recognition at the Student Research, Scholarship and Creative Activity Day (SRSCAD).
April 3-5, Friday-Sunday** – Easter recess
April 6-10, Monday-Friday – Graduate Student Appreciation Week
April 7, Tuesday – Last day to drop a course
April 14, Tuesday – Graduate Poster Show
May 5, Tuesday - End of Year Ice Cream Social
May 4-8, Monday-Friday*** – Final exams
May 9, Saturday – Commencement
