GSA Meeting8-20-14Rm. 444B

What is the GSA?Student-led organization aiming to unify the

UTHSCSA graduate student body

Every enrolled graduate student is automatically a GSA member

~ 650 Graduate Students

The GSA is governed by officers comprised of student representatives from various programs

3 main facets of the student experience Academic Environment Activities Advocacy

3 FacetsAcademic Environment – Guidance in

choosing mentors/labs to help students progress in their research, writing workshops, career development, Mikiten Research Forum

Activities – The GSA sponsors activities for graduate students to enhance student life and to facilitate social interactions. The GSA collaborates with the Student Government Association and other UTHSCSA student organizations

3 Facets (cont)Advocacy – GSA addresses issues that

may affect students at UTHSCSA. Big issues (e.g. changes in parking policy, health insurance) that arise are discussed at GSA meetings. GSA collects student feedback and generates resolutions that are brought up at SGA meetings.

Additionally, the GSA nominates members to serve as graduate student representatives on various committees of the Health Science Center and The University of Texas System

GSA OfficersPresident – Peter LoCoco

Vice-President – Stacey Stahl

Treasurer – Mikaela Sifuentes

Secretary – Calais Williams

Student Ambassador – Elizabeth Fucich

GSA AdvisorTeresa Evans, PhD

◦UTHSCSA Graduate (Neuroscience)◦Career Development Coordinator,

GSBSHere to facilitate all things “Career and

Professional Development” for all trainees!Contact me any time: evanstm@uthscsa.edu

210-219-7412Office: AAB 108.3

Career FairMark your calendars! October

30th

Same day as the Chili CookoffOpportunity to network and learn

about your career optionsJoin the planning committee!

Mikiten Research ForumStudent-led research forumMikiten 2014 had double the

turnout than the previous yearJoin the planning committee!

Social EventsIce cream social 13th Floor

Haunted HouseBake salesGroup activitiesMonthly

meetings (with food!)

Funding and PresentationsPeer to peer aid in funding

applications reviewsHelp with poster design and

practicePresent your work for your peersMikiten Forum

◦FREE Graduate student organized conference in May every year. Cash prizes for best posters and oral

presenters First years encouraged to participate

What Do Students Want?

ZipcarOmbudspersonWe are open to

input

Student Services Library Counseling services

◦ Free for students. ◦ (210) 567-2648◦ Medical Building Rm 101F

Office of Student Life◦ Student Health Insurance

Deborah Chang changda@uthscsa.edu Student health clinic

University Ombudsperson◦ What is it?◦ Bonnie Blankmeyer, Ph.D.

(210) 567-2691 blankmeyer@uthscsa.edu

F-TroopLinda M. McManus, PhD and Teresa M. Evans,

PhD◦ F-Troop, a hands-on writing workshop targeted to

pre- and postdoctoral trainees who are working to prepare an application for an individual NRSA Fellowship (F Awards, including F30, F31, or F32) for submission to the NIH.

◦ ALL GRADUATE STUDENTS (including and especially first years) SHOULD ATTEND!

◦ Meetings are held weekly, on Wednesdays, at 5:00 pm in Room 331.5B in the Medical School (Department of Pathology Conference Room). Meetings are typically 1-2 hours. Light refreshments are provided by the GSBS Dean.

Ideas?We are here as your advocatesWhat are your ideas?What would you like to see

change/happen this year?◦Anonymous requests can be given to

any officer (email, in person, etc)The officers are available 24/7 by

emailUthscsa.gsa@gmail.com

Officer ElectionsIf you would like to add your

name or the name of a friend (with their approval) to the list of candidates, please sign up at the end of the meeting

A vote will be held for offices with at least 2 nominees

GSA Officers President - The official representative of the GSA. Determine, coordinate,

and direct all activities of the GSA. Serve as liaison between graduate students, faculty, and administration. Advise and assist GSBS office. Only members of the GSAC can be elected to the office of president.

VP - Share the roles and responsibilities of the President. Be able to fill in during the President's absence.

Secretary - Record the minutes of the meetings of the GSA and GSAC and make them available online. Update GSA calendar. Operate the GSA website. Create updates and email flyers to distribute to the student body.

Treasurer - Keep track of the GSA budget, expenses, and fundraising. Make purchases on the behalf of the GSA. Add authorized vendors to UTHSCSA system. Sign off on reimbursements.

Student Ambassador (upcoming)- Coordinate academic and social activities for members of the GSA. Communicate with volunteers for social and fundraising events. Create and maintain the GSA Facebook page. Focus on improving communication between the GSAC and the graduate student population.

Program representatives (2) - Represent the needs and concerns of the students within their program. Elected only by students within that program

HSC Gala Student Dance

Gala dinner and student dance are distinct events Gala attendees are allowed to stay for dance 400 tickets for students to attend dance plus

waitlist Last year, only half attended, so good chance

waitlisted tickets will be granted RSVP will be sent out soon Register as soon as possible, especially to get to

top of waitlist If you need to cancel RSVP, do so ASAP so

waitlisted individuals can get tickets

HSC Gala Student Dance

Grand Hyatt in downtown, 600 E. Market St. Attire can range from suit and tie to tuxedo for

men, and nice dress or cocktail dress for women

No overly revealing dresses as gala patrons will be in attendance

Doors open at 9pm and event ends at 11:30pm

FREE hors d'oeuvre FREE soda and water Cash bar

Senior Students Are Here To HelpPeter LoCoco (Pharmocology)Rebekah Shean (Physiology)Turner Conrad (Microbiology)

Welcome back!