Program Overview
The Letters & Science Community of Graduate Research Scholars (L&S CGRS) has an expressed commitment to supporting the growth and success of students pursuing their graduate education in L&S departments.
CGRS programming is designed to foster meaningful connections and provide participants with an integrated support network. CGRS members are supported holistically in their academic, research, and professional growth.
L&S CGRS launched in 2005 and served dozens of students in the inaugural cohort. Graduate Research Scholar (GRS) communities have a rich history and legacy of success at UW–Madison. The first GRS community was started in the College of Engineering.
Experience Information
CGRS has developed and continuously refined an immersive academic program model that supports graduate students through high-impact academic, social, professional development, and research-related activities. These activities are offered during the academic year.
All new incoming CGRS fellows attend a summer/early fall orientation to meet their cohort members, be introduced to the programmatic offerings, and jumpstart early connections. First-year CGRS students develop and participate in professional and community programming that includes graduate fellows, faculty and staff. Second- and third-year students also receive engagement that aligns with their academic developmental milestones. Additional interest-based offerings are scheduled for advanced research stage and dissertator graduate students.
Eligibility and Nomination
GRS eligibility is uniform across UW–Madison. Please review the current eligibility online.
All potential CGRS fellows must be nominated for participation in the community by their home academic department.
- General steps in the nomination process
- Students must be admitted into their academic program.
- Departments will nominate eligible students for participation.
- Nominees are reviewed by the CGRS advisory committee.
- Offer letters are sent to departments to be distributed to selected students.
Program Team
Erika Marín-Spiotta
Faculty Director, L&S Community of Graduate Research Scholars and Professor
DeVon Wilson
Associate Dean, Inclusive Excellence
Jasmia Hamilton
Program Director
Alexis Stewart
Graduate Project Assistant
PhD Graduate Student in Sociology
The Community of Graduate Research Scholars is administratively housed within the Office of Inclusive Excellence in the College of Letters & Science.
Learn more about the Office of Inclusive Excellence here.
CGRS Advisory Committee
The Advisory Committee provides guidance to the CGRS program team on the nomination process and timeline, reviews applications for fellowships, provides input into proposed mentoring program for advisors, and advocates for the program and scholars.
Alumni
We would savor the opportunity to hear from alumni! Share your stories with us and reach out to the CGRS Team at cgrsadmin@ls.wisc.edu.
The Letters & Science Community of Graduate Research Scholars (L&S CGRS) serves graduate students pursuing degrees in L&S departments. Masters and Doctoral seeking students are eligible to participate in CGRS.
CGRS programming is designed to foster meaningful connections and provide participants with an integrated support network. CGRS members are supported holistically in their academic and pre-professional growth.
First year CGRS students develop and participate in professional and community programming that include graduate fellows, faculty and staff. Second and third year students also received targeted engagement that aligns with their academic developmental milestones.
Contact CGRS: cgrsadmin@ls.wisc.edu
Erika Marín-Spiotta, Faculty Director, L&S Community of Graduate Research Scholars (CGRS)
Phone: (608) 262-1855
Email: marinspiotta@wisc.edu
Office/Lab: Science Hall 223/230
Biogeolab website: marinspiotta.wordpress.com
Pronouns: she/her/hers