September 21–25, 2026
Join the Graduate School in celebrating National Postdoc Appreciation Week (NPAW) with opportunities to connect, learn, have some fun, and recognize the contributions of postdoctoral scholars across the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.
Throughout the week, postdocs can participate in social events, professional development opportunities, virtual activities, and opportunities to connect with colleagues across campus and beyond.
Week at a Glance
| Monday September 21 | Tuesday September 22 | Wednesday September 23 | Thursday September 24 | Friday September 25 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paint the Rock | Bingo Scavenger Hunt Begins | ORNL Lightning Talks | CV & Resume Polish | Professional Headshots |
| Donut Delivery for Postdocs | Donut Delivery for Postdocs | NPAW Lunch | ORCID Profile Polish | Ice Cream Social |
| Dirty Soda Bar | LinkedIn Profile Polish | Bingo Scavenger Hunt Concludes |
Paint the Rock
11 a.m.–1 p.m.
The Rock
Corner of Pat Head Summitt St. and Volunteer Blvd.
Help celebrate National Postdoc Appreciation Week by adding your handprint to The Rock! Stop by anytime from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Gloves will be provided. Bring a friend! All are welcome, and the Graduate School Dean will make an appearance.
A Sweet Thank You for Postdocs
Philander P. Claxton Education Building: 8:30–9 a.m.
John D. Tickle Engineering Building: 9:30–10 a.m.
We’re delivering a little something sweet to postdocs at locations across campus. Stop by and grab a donut as a small thank-you for all you contribute to UT.
Bingo Scavenger Hunt Begins
Tuesday–Friday
Virtual
Put your UT knowledge—and your scavenger-hunting skills—to the test! The virtual Bingo Scavenger Hunt runs from Tuesday through Friday at noon.
Participation: View Directions | Submit Your Entries
Prize: Gift basket; winner will be announced at the Ice Cream Social on Friday.
A Sweet Thank You for Postdocs
Agricultural campus: 8:30–9 a.m.
Zeanah Engineering Complex: 9:30–10 a.m.
We’re delivering a little something sweet to postdocs at locations across campus. Stop by and grab a donut as a small thank-you for all you contribute to UT.
Postdocs & Pops: Dirty Soda Bar
1–3 p.m.
CCI, Room 298C
In person
Take a break and build your own dirty soda! Join fellow postdocs for an afternoon of drinks, conversation, and connection.
Also Happening: Ombuds Workshop
The Ombuds Workshop is not an official NPAW event, but may be of interest to postdocs and will be cross-promoted as an additional professional resource.
ORNL Lightning Talks
10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Virtual
Connect with researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory through a full day of lightning talks and virtual networking.
Postdoc Appreciation Lunch
11 a.m.–1 p.m.
Frieson Cultural Center (BCC)
In person
Take a break, enjoy lunch, and connect with fellow postdocs and members of the UT graduate education community.
Take time to strengthen your professional presence and prepare for what comes next with a day of workshops focused on your CV, online profiles, and professional identity.
CV & Resume Polish
8:30–9:30 a.m.
Student Union, Phase I, Room 229
In person
Bring your CV or resume and get practical guidance to help strengthen your materials.
Professional Headshot Day!
8:30–10:30 a.m.
Student Union, Phase I, Room 201
In person
Update your professional image with a new headshot.
Bingo Scavenger Hunt Ends
Deadline: noon
Complete the Bingo Scavenger Hunt by noon for a chance to win a gift basket.
Winner: The winner will be notified at the Ice Cream Social.
Ice Cream Social
3–5 p.m.
Frieson Cultural Center (BCC Lobby)
In person
Wrap up National Postdoc Appreciation Week with ice cream and an opportunity to connect with fellow postdocs and colleagues across campus.
Celebrate With Us
National Postdoc Appreciation Week is an opportunity to recognize the important contributions postdoctoral scholars make to research, scholarship, innovation, teaching, and the UT community.
We hope you’ll join us throughout the week!