Supporting Graduate Student Success

The Graduate Center for Excellence, located on the third floor of the Blume Library, is a collaborative learning space designed exclusively for St. Mary’s master’s and doctoral students to collaborate with classmates and students from other disciplines.

The Graduate Center coordinates programming with the Rattler Success Center to support graduate student success, including orientation and seminars to support research writing and statistics. Access and hours for the Graduate Center of Excellence vary. For more information, contact the Graduate Center office or email us. The Graduate Center for Excellence follows the hours of the Blume Library for the second and third floors.

  • Hours of Operation

    • Sunday: 12 PM – 11 PM
    • Monday: 8 AM – 11 PM
    • Tuesday: 8 AM – 11 PM
    • Wednesday: 8 AM – 11 PM
    • Thursday: 8 AM – 11 PM
    • Friday: 8 AM – 8 PM
    • Saturday: 12 PM – 8 PM
    • *Hours may change during breaks and holidays.

Snacks and Refreshments

Snacks and fruit are available for graduate students on the counter. Feel free to grab a snack anytime.

Graduate center for excellence students

Graduate Center for Excellence resources

  • Whiteboards/Table Whiteboards: For brainstorming and planning.
  • Sofas and Chairs: Relax and lounge comfortably.
  • Food and Drinks: Allowed in the GCE. Please keep them away from library books and technology.
  • TV Monitors: Connect with HDMI to laptops, gaming consoles and phones (screen mirroring) or for watching movies and studying.
  • Library Books (Third Floor): Return any used books to the blue and yellow bins inside the library. Do not leave them in the GCE; avoid eating or drinking near them.

Event Reservations: Faculty/Staff/Students can reserve the GCE for events or workshops.

Services Offered

  • Help with scholarships and financial aid options.
  • Assistance with understanding financial aid packages, balances, charges and completing the FAFSA.
  • Guidance on accessing on-campus resources such as the Career Center, Counseling Center, Health and Wellness, Food Pantry and more.
  • Support with finding off-campus resources like counseling, housing, food security, internships and research opportunities.
  • Borrowing an emergency laptop.
  • Graduate Peer Coaching.
  • Graduate Tutoring.

Graduate Center for Excellence rules

  • Keep Food and Drinks Away: Keep food and drinks away from technology and library books to prevent damage.
  • Clean Up After Yourself: Dispose of trash properly and keep the space tidy for everyone.
  • Respect the Space and Others: Keep noise levels low to maintain a quiet environment.
  • Return Library Books Properly: Place library books in the designated blue and yellow bins inside the library. Don’t leave them in the GCE.
  • Don’t Leave Personal Belongings Unattended: Keep an eye on your belongings, as the GCE is a shared space.
  • Use Technology Responsibly: Be considerate when sharing monitors and equipment. Make sure it’s available for others when you’re done.
  • Reserve Space for Events: Reserve the space for meetings or events in advance. Note: Reservations include using the TV at GCE 1, which connects to all monitors and seating around GCE 1. All other seating is first-come, first-served.
  • Always Enter via the Main Doors: Swipe your student ID at the main entrance to record usage. Do not use side doors. If your ID doesn’t work, email greyes15@stmarytx.edu.
  • Be Mindful of Closing Hours: Wrap up activities before closing time. The lights will turn off near closing time to signal departure. Exit via the elevator to the 1st Floor, Commons Area.

  • Contact Us

    Gabriel Reyes
    Coordinator, Graduate Student Success
    Graduate Center for Excellence
    Blume Library, Third Floor
    210-431-4219
    greyes15@stmarytx.edu

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