2008 Woodie Awards
Group Think: Graduate Student Association
Ben Holmes
Issue date: 10/17/06 Section: Life
Thinking about applying to graduate school here at UNCG? Are you a current graduate student who is concerned about various campus subjects or is looking for an active venue in which to network with fellow peers? If so, you may want to consider becoming a participating member in the Graduate Student Association (GSA).
Founded in the mid 1990s, the GSA "serves as the collective voice and power of the graduate student body in interactions with University administration and faculty," said Kelly Godfrey, president of the organization. The goal of the GSA, according to Godfrey, is to encourage all graduate students to participate in a wide array of community and university issues, especially those that concern student affairs and school policies. Members can become involved by sitting on campus committees and serving as representatives to such functions as the Student Fee Advisory Committee, the Faculty Senate, the Provost's Student Advisory Committee, the Graduate Studies Committee, among a plethora of other opportunities.
If you are one of the current 3,705 students enrolled in Graduate School, you automatically attain "at-large" membership in GSA, regardless of a potential decision to be inactive. The Legislative Body of the Association allows for graduate students to engage in group procedures and activities. In addition, meeting agendas often include guest speakers from the Graduate School or other institutions on campus "to provide information regarding policies and changes of interest" to its members, said Godfrey.
Besides committee hearings and regular meetings, the association explores several opportunities for a major charity event each semester. Socials are also held to increase networking and strengthen community ties within the group.
The GSA offers several types of services for graduate students. People can apply for grants for Graduate Professional Development (PDF), from which they can receive twice per academic year for an amount of $200 per award. Attendance in conferences relevant to one's field of study increases the likelihood of attaining PDF funds, since they are utilized to minimize or cover proper costs. Thesis and dissertation awards are $300, but only awarded once per degree. Applicants must be enrolled in a qualified department to receive either of these funds.
For more information about the Association, visit their website at www.uncg.edu/student.groups/gsa. Meetings are held on the first Tuesday of every month at 5 p.m., and the upcoming one will be located at the Faculty Center on November 7. "It is open to all," concluded Godfrey.
Founded in the mid 1990s, the GSA "serves as the collective voice and power of the graduate student body in interactions with University administration and faculty," said Kelly Godfrey, president of the organization. The goal of the GSA, according to Godfrey, is to encourage all graduate students to participate in a wide array of community and university issues, especially those that concern student affairs and school policies. Members can become involved by sitting on campus committees and serving as representatives to such functions as the Student Fee Advisory Committee, the Faculty Senate, the Provost's Student Advisory Committee, the Graduate Studies Committee, among a plethora of other opportunities.
If you are one of the current 3,705 students enrolled in Graduate School, you automatically attain "at-large" membership in GSA, regardless of a potential decision to be inactive. The Legislative Body of the Association allows for graduate students to engage in group procedures and activities. In addition, meeting agendas often include guest speakers from the Graduate School or other institutions on campus "to provide information regarding policies and changes of interest" to its members, said Godfrey.
Besides committee hearings and regular meetings, the association explores several opportunities for a major charity event each semester. Socials are also held to increase networking and strengthen community ties within the group.
The GSA offers several types of services for graduate students. People can apply for grants for Graduate Professional Development (PDF), from which they can receive twice per academic year for an amount of $200 per award. Attendance in conferences relevant to one's field of study increases the likelihood of attaining PDF funds, since they are utilized to minimize or cover proper costs. Thesis and dissertation awards are $300, but only awarded once per degree. Applicants must be enrolled in a qualified department to receive either of these funds.
For more information about the Association, visit their website at www.uncg.edu/student.groups/gsa. Meetings are held on the first Tuesday of every month at 5 p.m., and the upcoming one will be located at the Faculty Center on November 7. "It is open to all," concluded Godfrey.
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