GSC reaches out to grad students

By: Melissa Appel

Posted: 3/31/09

The Aggie family extends beyond a four-year undergraduate degree through the work of the Graduate Student Council, which was established in 1994 as a way for graduate and professional students to ensure that their voices are heard on campus.

"The GSC provides a voice and an effective venue to address issues and develop initiatives that directly affect the quality of life and academic performance of graduate students in Texas A&M University," said Paula Lorente, GSC vice president for university affairs and doctoral student in urban and regional science.

GSC serves and represents a wide range of students; this has caused them to put special focus on uniting the members of the council and other graduate students through common ground.

"The GSC is challenged with a student population of very diverse backgrounds, ages and beliefs," Lorente said. "Also, students are scattered across campus and have few opportunities to interact with each other beyond the walls of their own academic departments and/or labs. The GSC is an organization that bridges these gaps by bringing graduate students together so that we can help and influence each other in a positive way."

GSC aids in the adjustment to life as a graduate student by sponsoring a Graduate Mentoring program and publishing a monthly newsletter, Nth Degree. Beside the educational goals, the council works for their substituents by hosting various socials through the Department of Student Life, recreational events in the Student Recreational Center and traditions programs with the Association of Former Students.

These connections with A&M departments and committees have presented all of the students, especially those who did not attend A&M for their undergraduate degree, with the chance to experience the Aggie network and family.

"We feel that it is important for the graduate students to become aware of and involved in the traditions that make this campus community so unique," said Executive Vice President Brandi Reese, doctoral student in the Department of Oceanography.

GSC reaches out to the Aggie undergraduates who may choose to continue their education in a graduate or professional degree program. This mission is manifested in Student Research Week, which provides undergraduate students with the opportunity to exhibit and demonstrate their own research experience and ideas.

"GSC's Student Research Week is an amazing opportunity for undergraduates to gain experience presenting their research or research ideas in a comfortable, non-threatening atmosphere," Reese said. "This valuable experience can solidify the desire to continue their education into a graduate program."

Student Research Week gives undergraduate students a taste of a higher degree program, as well as showcasing the gifts A&M possesses in future research possibilities.

"Student Research Week is the largest student led research conference in the United States, and it exemplifies Texas A&M status as a leading research university," GSC President Tracey Wellington said. Wellington is a doctoral student in the Department of Physics.

GSC has an annual Graduate and Professional Student Appreciation Week, April 20-24. During the week, the University recognizes the contribution of these hardworking individuals to the greater A&M community.

In all of its programs, GSC aims to further combine the goals and objectives of students and the University.

"One of the most important lessons that this organization has taught me is that no matter what stage in life you are in, there are people willing to listen, discuss and address issues you have. GSC is an avenue for graduate students to bring these issues forward, and I'm appreciative for all that the Texas A&M Administration has done to help address these issues," said Vice President for Information Lauren Hulsman. Hulsman is studying for a master's of science in animal breeding and genetics.

Those directly involved in the council feel it is one of the best ways for them to give back to a program, department and University that has helped them further their own educational goals.

"GSC gave me the opportunity to interact with students who were having a similar educational experience, while allowing me to serve," Wellington said.