Graduate Student Survey

Thank you for your participation, the graduate student survey closed Feb. 7th. Preliminary results from this survey will be discussed at this spring's Gripfest.

Additionally, a summary of the results will be made available to students and faculty.

The roles played by DCGSAC are both diverse and eclectic. In all of these roles our goal is to help the graduate students.

Arbitrator

We are the ombudpersons for the the department, which means we are the first step in arbitration. If you have a problem with your advisor, an instructor, a staff member, or with another graduate student, we are available to offer advice and can often assist you in resolving your grievances. In plain terms, we're your allies. We're who you talk to if you have a problem. We've been where you are; we know how stressful it can be, and we know a friendly ear is often needed.

DCGSAC takes action. In response to graduate student concerns, DCGSAC made nighttime parking passes available for graduate students working late. We had lockers installed in the TA office so first year students don't have to carry their books all day.  We're even the reason you get paid in August! By letting us know your concerns we can take action for you.

Social Organizer

DCGSAC sponsors a number of activities over the course of the semester. Keep an eye open for flyers and e-mails during the semester advertising these events! They are a great chance for you to meet your peers and (above all) have fun.

Educator

DCGSAC has sponsored a number of symposia focused on career options for Ph.D. chemists.

The first career symposium was in October 1999. The subject was "Teaching at Primarily Undergraduate Institutions." In addition to hearing presentations by the four invited speakers, graduate students had the opportunity to have lunch or dinner with the speakers and ask questions in a small group setting.

The second symposium was in June 2000 and was entitled "Careers in Industry," and the format was similar to the previous event. Speakers represented companies focusing on pharmaceuticals and materials, as well as small start-ups and the F.B.I.

The full list of speakers and the times of their talks for the July 17, 2009 symposium can be found here. Once again, a highlight of the event is the opportunity for students to meet with the speakers and learn about nontraditional career alternatives as well as landing a position in more traditional choices.

A schedule for the career symposium to be held on Friday, July 16th, 2010 may be found here.

Meeting Notes

In order to keep the chemistry department updated on DCGSAC activities, monthly meeting notes taken by the DCGSAC historian may be found here:

2011 Meeting Notes
January
February
March
April
August
October