About Our Institution
UMBC is a major center for cutting-edge research in the Baltimore-Washington corridor. The campus is home to more than 20 research centers and institutes that sponsor research, teaching and service. UMBC is ranked as Doctoral/Research Universities-Extensive by the Carnegie Foundation. A medium-sized, national public university, UMBC has attained the highest classification for a research university, among only 148 such institutions nationwide (3.8% of American colleges and universities). In FY2003, UMBC attracted over $85 million in external research funding. The Graduate School offers 28 masters degrees, 21 doctoral degrees, and 8 graduate certificates. There are over 400 graduate faculty, serving some 2,200 graduate students.
Our Institution’s Vision
“UMBC: An Honors University in Maryland seeks to become the best public research university of our size by combining the traditions of the liberal arts academy, the creative intensity of the research university, and the social responsibility of the public university. We will be known for integrating research, teaching and learning, and civic engagement so that each advances the other for the benefit of society.”
About UMBC’s Graduate Student Association
The Graduate Student Association (GSA) represents all graduate students at UMBC and is a member of the University of Maryland Graduate School. The association serves as a bridge between the graduate student body and the larger campus community. Its focus is to enhance and enrich not only the academic but also the social and community aspects of graduate student life. The association supports graduate student research by providing students with grants for travel and conference presentation. As one of five governing bodies at the University, GSA plays an integral role in the shared governance of UMBC. Current goals and tasks include: 1) promote and support research and teaching at the University; 2) strengthen communication channels among the graduate student body; 3) create organizational legacy; and 4) implement strategic planning. Working closely with the Student Government Association (SGA), GSA strives to improve the UMBC experience for students and the greater campus community.
GSA Mission
- To promote and support UMBC graduate students;
- To represent the interests and concerns of all UMBC graduate students;
- To provide a forum for the discussion of and recommendation on matters involving graduate students and their academic, professional, social, and personal welfare at UMBC;
- To allocate the revenue received from the graduate student fee in a manner that further the GSA mission and best serves the interests of UMBC graduate students; and
- To actively advocate on behalf of UMBC graduate students by participating in the University’s shared governance and committee assignments.
Getting Involved in GSA
Graduate Research Conference (GRC)
Each spring, the GSA co-sponsors a joint graduate student research conference for UMBC and UMB graduate students. This student-run project is the association’s major banner event. It provides an opportunity for students to showcase their research at a professional conference through oral presentation and poster sessions.
Senators and Standing Committees
Students are encouraged to attend Senate meetings and join a number of standing committees in the Senate. The 2006-2007 committees will consist of three committees chaired by GSA's senior executive officers.
Graduate Research Conference Committee
Chair,
Archana Ambike
Graduate Alumni Involvement Issues
Chair,
Evan Perlman
Use Your Voice!
Join GSA by volunteering and getting involved. Attend our Senate meetings, which are held the first Monday of each month, September through May.
For More Information
We encourage you to attend one of our monthly GSA Senate meetings. Or, speak directly with you departmental Senator about your concerns. The GSA executive officers and GSA staff are always available to meet or speak with you. Contact our office directly to make an appointment by emailing gsa AT umbc.edu.
You may also directly contact the Executive Officers of GSA:
Jessy Warner-Cohen, President
Elyse Grossman, Vice President
Evan Perlman, Vice President for External Affairs
Archana Ambike, Graduate Research Chair
Orrette Wauchope, Treasurer
Sarah Evans, Historian
Visit the UMBC Graduate School website for more information.
