The Graduate Student Association (GSA) is a student-run organization that promotes graduate students' well-being through educational, professional and social events, as well as advocating for graduate student concerns. GSA also provides support for conferences, publication and study abroad opportunities.
The Graduate Student Research Fellow Program (GSRFP) provides funding for graduate student research including the student stipend, research advisor stipend, and project-related expenses. A single author and group projects are eligible. The grant amount is contingent on the BOT-approved funding. If you are interested in applying for this research fellow program, please contact your program chair for more details.
Application Deadlines
- Fall Fellowship(s): October 1, 2024
- Spring Fellowship(s): February 1, 2025
Learn more about the GSA and how to get involved by visiting .
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Graduate Student Association (GSA)?
The Graduate Student Association (GSA) is an organization at Â鶹ÊÓƵ designed to provide graduate students with a platform to voice concerns, give feedback, and enhance the graduate student experience through various social, academic, and professional opportunities.- How is the GSA different from Alvernia’s SGA (Student Government Association)?
The Student Government Association (SGA) is for undergraduate students, while the Graduate Student Association (GSA) is for graduate students.- Who can be a member of the GSA?
All graduate students at Â鶹ÊÓƵ are automatically members of the GSA. Students who wish to opt out can contact the GSA Advisor to have their membership removed.- What are the main purposes of the GSA?
Our primary goals are:- Provide a forum for graduate students to discuss concerns.
- Support and assist graduate student organizations.
- Create opportunities for social, academic, and professional pursuits.
- How is the GSA structured?
The GSA is led by an Executive Council composed of a President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer. Additionally, there are GSA Representatives from each graduate program and the Pottsville and Philadelphia campuses.- What are the responsibilities of the GSA Executive Council members?
- President: Oversees meetings, appoints committee members, represents the GSA, promotes graduate student welfare, maintains communication, and more.
- Vice President: Attends meetings, oversees social media, liaises with graduate organizations, participates in planning activities, and more.
- Secretary: Records meeting minutes, maintains contact lists, assists in planning activities, and more.
- Treasurer: Manages the GSA budget, monitors funding requests, assists in planning activities, and more.
- How are GSA Executive Council members elected?
Elections take place at the end of the spring semester, initiated by the current Executive Council. Terms begin at the conclusion of the spring semester and last for one year. Special elections are held in the fall for any unfilled positions.
- What are the eligibility requirements for GSA Executive Council members?
Officers must be enrolled graduate students with a cumulative GPA of 3.25 or better. Candidates for President must have served at least one full semester on the Executive Council.
- How often does the GSA meet?
- Executive Council Meetings: At least once a month during fall and spring semesters.
- GSA Leadership Meetings: At least once a month during fall and spring semesters.
- General GSA Meetings: Two general membership meetings, one in the fall and one in the spring semester.
- Special Meetings: Can be called by the Executive Council with at least 72 hours' notice.
- How is the GSA funded?
The GSA is funded by a portion of the Graduate Student Comprehensive fee paid by each graduate student.
