McDougal Graduate Student Services Hub

Once you've matriculated as a graduate student at Yale, we encourage you to seek out support to ensure that your experience is academically and socially enriching as you work toward the successful completion of your Master’s or PhD degree.

GSAS students on stairs

The Physical Space

Located on the upper floor of Founders Hall, at 135 Prospect St., near Ingalls Rink and Science Hill, the McDougal Graduate Student Center is accessible on the blue, red, and orange lines of the Yale Shuttle. The McDougal Common Room & Coffee Lounge is a good place to hang out, study, eat, and socialize with other graduate students. The Common Room is furnished with comfortable couches, tables and chairs, numerous electrical outlets, and wifi. Bring your own mug (BYOM) for free coffee, tea, and water.

Center Hours (normal operation): 

Monday-Friday 9:00am-8:00pm 

Saturday and Sunday 12:00pm-6:00pm 

Hours may vary during the summer and break periods.

McDougal Resources

GSAS students at social event

Diversity

The Graduate School of Arts and Sciences is a community of individuals from many different backgrounds, and we recognize that a diverse student body and faculty enhance every aspect of our community. All races, genders, abilities, citizenships, and identities are welcome here.

Students on Quad

Health & Wellness

Accessing health and wellness resources is an important part of supporting your success during graduate school. Yale provides physical and mental healthcare, both through Yale Health and embedded within the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. There are also wellness resources offered by various offices and services around campus.

Student lecturing

Professional Development

Take an intentional approach to professional development, one that begins with the first year of the PhD and evolves as you shape your scholarly and professional identity. Spending time on professional development will make you more successful during graduate school and better prepared for the job search.

GSAS students walking

Student Life

At Yale, you will meet friends, colleagues, and mentors through your academic program. There are lots of additional ways to build relationships that will help you thrive as a graduate student.

Partner Offices

Image of GSAS student at McDougal Center

Career Services

The Office of Career Strategy (OCS) supports GSAS students from every discipline and at every stage of their time at Yale through career advising, programming, and resources aimed at the specific career interests and needs of PhD and Master’s students. At OCS, graduate students can explore diverse career paths; build professional skills and experience; identify career opportunities; and get help with job search strategies, application materials, and interviewing in preparation for a successful job search within and beyond the academy. Services offered by OCS for Master’s and PhD students are part of a suite of resources supported by the Graduate School to foster professional and career development.

Students Studying

Teaching Development

The Poorvu Center for Teaching and Learning offers many programs to support you in your teaching and mentoring, including the Certificate of College Teaching Preparation (CCTP), the Associates in Teaching program, and the Teaching Innovation Project (TIP) grant. Graduate Teaching offers 85+ workshops each year, classroom observations, and one-on-one consultations about your teaching.

GSAS student studying

Graduate Writing Laboratory

The Poorvu Center’s Graduate Writing Lab supports Yale graduate students in all aspects of written, oral, and visual communication. You can discuss a draft with a GWL Fellow in a 1–1 writing consultation; write with other graduate students at an All Write or Retreat; or join a peer-review group to give and receive support as you make progress on your dissertation, prospectus, or fellowship application. The GWL also offers over 100 workshops per year and a suite of public speaking programs. Alongside these resources, the GWL strives to promote a culture among graduate students that centers writing as a process of developing, refining, and disseminating knowledge, nurtured within a supportive community of scholars.