Enhancing Graduate Student Support: Awareness, Utilization, and Future Directions for Resource Improvement in The Graduate School at Augusta University

The increasing enrollment of graduate students across more than 45 programs in the Graduate School at Augusta University necessitates a comprehensive evaluation of the awareness and utilization of available graduate student resources and opportunities, including tailored workshops and events. This study is based on a survey administered via Qualtrics to all Graduate School students across programs and colleges, including education, biomedical sciences, computer and cyber sciences, nursing, business, and public health. The results from the survey provide an overview of students' reasons for choosing Augusta University, levels of support experienced, challenges faced, and the degree of utilization of resources available to graduate students. The survey was completed by 371 graduate students, with 83% of respondents being U.S. citizens, 15% foreign nationals, and 2% permanent residents. Responses indicated that the top three factors influencing enrollment decisions included cost, university reputation, and location, emphasizing the importance of affordability, prestige, and a supportive environment. Support systems were also a critical focus, with 45% of students reporting consistent support from their programs, faculty, and the Graduate School. Responses illuminated the importance of accessible and engaged faculty members and appreciation for the sense of community and guidance provided. However, challenges such as unclear assignment directions, lack of communication with advisors, and difficulties with online learning were prevalent, indicating a need for improved communication and support. Resource utilization was a notable concern, with many students unaware of available resources or facing scheduling conflicts that hindered their participation in professional development and social events. Professional development opportunities were particularly underused, with only 22% of respondents attending any events. When asked about gaps in professional development opportunities, respondents expressed a need for more career preparation workshops, professional skill development, time management, work-life balance, mental health support, and discipline-specific training. Despite the availability of these events, low participation suggests a need for better scheduling and promotion of events. To address these gaps, we recommend enhancing communication channels between students and advisors, providing additional training for faculty on online instruction, and increasing awareness of available resources through targeted communication and orientation sessions. Flexible scheduling for workshops and events can accommodate diverse student needs and promote participation. Furthermore, expanding the offerings of professional development workshops to include more career development, professional skills, and mental health support and scheduling these during evenings, weekends, and Fridays can further enhance engagement. Coordinating more social events and opportunities for students to connect, particularly for online learners, can foster a deeper sense of community among graduate students. By implementing these recommendations, the Graduate School can better support its graduate students, ensuring they feel valued and equipped to succeed in their academic and professional goals. This study underscores the importance of understanding and addressing the needs of graduate students to create a supportive learning environment. The survey results provide valuable insights into current resource awareness and utilization, offering an opportunity to make meaningful changes that will ultimately enhance graduate student success and satisfaction. This abstract was presented at the American Physiology Summit 2025 and is only available in HTML format. There is no downloadable file or PDF version. The Physiology editorial board was not involved in the peer review process.