Academic Affairs Navigation Department Navigation Page Content Page Footer
Graduate Student Association Banner
University of Montana University of Montana University of Montana A to Z index University of Montana Search
Joining
Academic Affairs Logo

Joining
How do I become a member of the Graduate Student Association (GSA)?
  • All University of Montana graduate students enrolled in a degree-seeking program and registered for at least one credit per semester are automatically members of the GSA. No membership dues are assessed.
Why have a Graduate Student Association?
  • To represent the needs and interests of graduate students at the U of M
  • Graduate student representation is severely limited in ASUM (the UM student governing body)
  • GSA provides services that enhance the graduate experience and are not otherwise offered on campus
  • To provide a conduit of information and a social networking platform for graduate students at the U of M
What are the benefits of membership in the GSA?
  • Opportunities to articulate graduate student needs, better understand the workings of the University, and participate in decision making processes affecting your life in the campus community 
  • Direct lines of communication with faculty and administrators (via the GSA; a conduit of information for graduate students)
  • Social networking with graduate students outside of your program to see the similarities and differences in the graduate school experience (a platform for promoting interdisciplinary interaction)
  • Knowledge of the approach and issues raised in thesis projects in other disciplines can add depth to your own work
  • Obtaining student opinions of potential ‘outside’ thesis committee members
  • Access to information about services available on campus
How do I get involved in the GSA?

There are numerous ways to get involved:

1. Represent your graduate program on the GSA Council

2. As a program representative, become an officer of the GSA Council

3. Serve on a GSA subcommittee

4. Represent the graduate student body on one of several campus committees

Contact the GSA office or a current GSA officer for more information about how to become involved at umgsa@umontana.edu
 
What are the benefits of becoming an officer of GSA or serving on a committee?
  • Strengthen your leadership and communication skills (looks great on your resume)
  • Give your graduate program, your fellow graduate students, and yourself a voice in campus affairs
  • Represent the graduate student body and implement changes in numerous matters affecting graduate education
  • Make contacts with administrators and faculty throughout the University
  • Gain an administrative perspective of graduate education