Graduate Student Association
About
The Graduate Student Association (GSA) is the representative body for graduate students at the State University of New York at Buffalo. Its two key purposes can be divided into representation and services. Its funds are derived from the Mandatory Student Activity Fee ($85 on your bill) and are used to pay GSA staff and fund numerous programs and services offered to GSA members.
GSA membership consists of all graduate students (i.e. students NOT enrolled in medical, dental, law, MBA, SPSA, or undergraduate degree programs). The membership is organized by departmental clubs. Each of which elects Board Members to the GSA Board of Directors. The Board of Directors is the key governing body of GSA. It meets on the first Wednesday of every month and its approximately 100 Board Members vote on decisions of policy and allocations of monies GSA possesses. The graduate students elect the executive committee.
Here are some of the services and funding opportunities that the GSA provides to all graduate students.
Funding Opportunities
The budget for GSA student funding opportunities this year is approximately $450,000. Here are just two ways that you can get funding from the GSA:
- Apply for Conference Funding to present your work at an academic conference.
o Ph.D. students are eligible for up to $750
o Masters students are eligible for up to $550
o Any grad student can get up to $200 to just attend a conference. - Apply for a Mark Diamond Research Grant for research expenses related to your thesis or dissertation.
o Ph.D. students are eligible for up to $5,000
o Masters and M.F.A. students are eligible for up to $3,000
In addition, your GSA club can also organize an academic symposium, fund a special event, or even start a new publication
Services:
The GSA isn’t just about money. Check out some of the other services we offer:
- FREE Editorial Assistance Program: Let our Editors help you improve the quality of your papers, thesis, or dissertation.
- Advocacy: A truly intangible benefit of the GSA - we have access to every University official and represent our student body on most major committees on campus. Issues within your department or with Professors can be brought to us as well. If there is something we can address, all you have to do is tell us.
EVENTS:
The GSA offers a variety of academic and social programs that students can participate in so that they may enjoy all that Western New York has to offer on a graduate student budget. Most events are free, or are subsidized to keep the cost low. Examples of some of our events include:
- UB Distinguished Speaker Series – This year’s graduate student choice speaker is still being determined
- Concerts, Musicals, Sports tickets, and Beer or Wine tastings
- Java Junction – The first Friday of every month you can meet the E-board and fellow grad students for free coffee and doughnuts.
- Trips, Parties and Cruises – We host parties for the winter holidays, and offer a variety of other events to highlight all that Western New York has to offer.
Clubs:
You are automatically a part of a Departmental GSA club – FIND YOUR OFFICERS! In addition, the GSA supports the formation, growth, and activities of clubs that benefit the graduate student community with services not already being provided by the GSA or Departmental Clubs. There are currently 8 International clubs and 14 Special Interest clubs who share common interests. Any student is eligible for ANY of these clubs. Can’t find a club for your interests? Find some friends who share it and start one!