September 18-22, 2023
Thank you, Postdocs!
National Postdoctoral Appreciation Week (NPAW) recognizes the significant contributions of postdoctoral trainees. Sponsored by the National Postdoctoral Association since 2009 and recognized by the U.S. House of Representatives in 2010, this week is filled with events taking place across the country in order to raise awareness and appreciation for the diverse accomplishments of the talented experts that make up the U.S. postdoctoral community.
NPAW at WashU
At WashU, this year’s NPAW Planning Committee includes members from the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs, the WashU Postdoc Society, and the Postdoc Peer Mentorship Program. Together, they have planned a week of fun events in celebration of the amazing WashU postdocs!
Advertise NPAW events in your lab or office! Download flyers to print and circulate here.
Calendar of WashU events
| Friday, September 15 | NPAW Kick-Off WashU Night at the Ballpark Limited number of free tickets available! **Stay tuned for the September 4 Postdoc Update for more information and to enter the raffle to win! |
| Monday, September 18 | Health Screening for Postdocs 9am-2pm, MCC 1404 Registration closed. Roaming Conversation Postdoc Walk & Talk 2:15 and 3:15pm, Bowles Plaza |
| Tuesday, September 19 | Ice Cream Paw-ty 12:30-1:30pm, CSRB Link |
| Wednesday, September 20 | Postdoc Headshots 11am-12pm and 2-3pm, Schoenberg Gallery Register here. Ice Cream Paw-ty 12:30-1:30pm, Schoenberg Gallery |
| Thursday, September 21 | Health Screening for Postdocs 12-4:30pm, DUC 276 Registration closed. Roaming Conversation Postdoc Walk & Talk 2:15 and 3:15pm, FLTC Atrium |
| Friday, September 22 | Postdoc Headshots 9am-1pm, FLTC Hearth Register here. Postdoc Pose Yoga 4:30-5:30pm, Olin Gym Register here. WashU Postdoc Society Pizza & Happy Hour 5:30-7pm, Shell Cafe |
Spotlight
WashU postdocs are invited to spotlight their individual forms of creative expression! Maybe it’s an original song, a fine art photograph, or a piece of narrative fiction—we want all postdocs to share their talents with the WashU community.
Click on the Padlet below and sign in with your WUSTL key for submission and voting guidelines. The top three most popular artworks will be awarded a prize at the NPAW WUPS Social Hour Friday, September 22.
Are you a postdoc mentor? Show your appreciation!
Here are some ways you can celebrate the postdocs that bring invaluable expertise to your lab, department, or program!
Increase your postdoc’s salary
WashU requires that a postdoc makes at least a certain amount (currently, $56,880). Nothing says “I appreciate your work” the way a raise does! Take a moment to conduct a performance review (example review form), and while you’re at it, make this an annual check-in.
Check-in with your postdoc
It can be easy to assume someone is doing well because they’re doing great work. Check that assumption by asking your postdoc about topics other than their research progress .
Support their entire person, not just the amazing scholar they are!
Tell your whole social network
Show how much you appreciate your postdoc! Use #NPAW2023 and #WashUPostdocs.
Handwrite a Thank You note
Most people love a hand written note/letter! Take a few minutes to write a Thank You message onto paper and send it (via campus mail) or hand deliver it. If you don’t feel very creative, check this document for inspiration (not copy them!) on Thank You notes for your postdocs!
Redesign your digital spaces
Download a special desktop background, email signature graphic, and Zoom background to show your appreciation for postdocs throughout all of cyberspace.
Say it with something yummy
Take your postdoc out for lunch or coffee (and leave work out of the conversation).