Graduate Student Association reorganizes, surveys graduate students in effort to better serve under-represented areas

The GSA is currently undergoing an internal reorganization to better serve our graduate student population. We've identified several under-represented departments and student populations. Our goal is to invite members of all areas of Graduate Studies to participate in the GSA and represent the needs, challenges, strengths and accomplishments of their departments or programs.

There are several ways you can become involved and there are a number of benefits to involvement for you as an individual and to your program of study:

• Prior GSA efforts have been instrumental in achieving equitable pay for teaching assistants and research assistants, student health insurance coverage for all graduate students, a semi-annual scholarship opportunity for graduate students specifically, and hosting an annual research symposium for students to showcase their work.
• Participation in the GSA puts student voices in the room when curriculum changes are proposed and students have the opportunity to discuss issues that directly impact their graduate school experience.
• Students who participate in the GSA have the opportunity to enhance their multidisciplinary collaboration endeavors and gain valuable relationships and experiences useful to their personal and professional growth and development; in other words, GSA participation helps build friendships, support and CV experiences!

We are actively seeking representatives and alternates for the following positions:

• Graduate Representative to the Graduate Academic Board. The board meets twice per month for two hours and discusses curriculum requirements; represents the Graduate Student Association.
• Graduate Council. This council meets once per month for one hour to discuss policy and protocols; represents the Graduate Student Association.
• Union of Students for UAA (USUAA) Senator. This representative will meet with USUAA each month to vote on policy, participate and speak on behalf of Graduate Students.
• Military Graduate Students (Veteran and Active Duty Service Members)
• Distance Graduate Students
• Representation from each graduate program

If you are interested in joining in the GSA's efforts or to learn more, please email rvboschmawynn@alaska.edu. To contribute to the GSA's evaluation and improvement efforts, please consider participating in our new Graduate Student Needs Survey. Participants have an opportunity to enter a raffle to win a $20 gift card following the completion of the survey.