Representative Election Packet
Welcome to the Graduate Student Association (GSA), a student government organization. Each year, 15 elected representatives from each program vote on GSA issues, represent graduate student interests in their respective departments, and serve on both GSA and University-wide committees.
This packet contains information about the Graduate Student Association, a description of the role of a “Representative” Dissertation Papers and nomination forms for office.
2004-2005 Election Schedule
Nominations Begin September 6, 2004 4:30 PM
First GSA General Assembly September 8, 2004 4:30PM
Campus Center 240
“Do you have what it takes to be a GSA Rep?” Presentation September 15, 2004 4:30 PM
Campus Center 240
Nominations End September 15, 2004 9:00 PM
Elections Begin September 20, 2004 12:01AM
Elections End September 24, 2004 11:59PM
Frequently Asked Questions
What is GSA?
The Graduate Student Dissertation Papers Association at NJIT is a student government organization that represents the graduate students’ interests at departmental, University and National levels. As members of the National Association for Gradate and Professional Students (NAGPS), GSA can motivate change in the University as well as in Washington, DC.
What does GSA do for the students?
In addition to acting as a student government, Dissertation Papers the GSA also sponsors various organizations and events on and off campus. GSA currently funds twelve clubs, exclusively for graduate students. In addition, we sponsor and organize various social events and educational seminars including a Thesis/Dissertation writing workshop. The GSA also funds other campus initiatives such as The Vector and The Nucleus, the school newspaper and yearbook respectively. Most Dissertation Papers importantly, GSA prides itself on funding individual graduate students who represent NJIT at conferences across the nation and the world.
What types of offices can I hold at GSA?
GSA currently elects fifteen program representatives, fifteen alternate representatives and six executive board officers.
What does a Representative do?
The Representatives play a crucial role as the primary contact for students in Dissertation Papers their department. Students bring problems and concerns about a program to the Representative as well as seek advice on academic issues. It is the responsibility of the Representative to then take these concerns to the Department Chairs and/or to the GSA for further deliberation. Representatives also serve as GSA’s most active members, serving on various GSA and University committees Dissertation Papers that make decisions and recommendations.
If elected, what will be expected of me as a Representative?
At a minimum, GSA representatives must hold one feedback session for their program each semester. They also must attend two General Assembly meetings each month (in addition to one or two representative meetings each semester). Representatives are also expected to become voting members of Dissertation Papers two committees and hold a minimum of one office hour per week.
I don’t think I can be a good Representative because I am a new student.
Since the tenure of most full-time graduate students at NJIT is two years or less, most GSA representatives are new students and do an outstanding job! As a new student, you have great Dissertation Papers potential to represent your program well and at the same time get to know more students and work closely with faculty in your department.
Will participating in GSA because negatively affect my schoolwork?
Between coursework, research, and careers, graduate student life can become very overwhelming. Time management is a key skill graduates must have to be successful. GSA representatives should Dissertation Papers expect to spend, on average, 3-5 hours per week on GSA business including office hours, feedback sessions, committee meetings, GSA meetings and other tasks that might arise throughout the year. If that is manageable in your schedule, GSA is a perfect opportunity to serve your fellow students while further developing indispensable management and leadership skills.
What do I get Dissertation Papers for serving on GSA?
GSA does not offer monetary compensation to any representatives or officers. However, the fulfilling sentiment of serving your fellow student is unlike any other. Each semester GSA does award a single Representative the title of “Representative of the Semester” which comes with a plaque along with a generous gift certificate and our thanks.
Are there any Dissertation Papers other advantages?
Of course! Representatives are not only working with students in their department, but also with Department Chairs and other key administrators. Strong relationships such as these can be priceless to your career at NJIT.
What will be my term in office?
All representatives are elected for a term of one year and may not serve more than two terms Dissertation Papers in the same office.
I am interested in becoming a Representative! What do I do?
Fill out the nomination form included with this packet and submit it in a sealed envelope marked “GSA – Supervisor of Elections” to the Campus Center Front Desk. Your name will be added to the ballot.
Where can I go for help?
For more information or Dissertation Papers guidance about becoming a Representative, contact the Vice President of General Affairs who is also the Supervisor of Elections. GSA will be offering a presentation outlining everything you wanted to know about being a Representative during an optional meeting titled “Do You Have What It Takes to Be a GSA Rep?” Check the election schedule for the time and Dissertation Papers date.
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