GSA Mission Statement:
The Graduate Students Association of the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences [UAMS], serves to promote a conducive atmosphere in the campus for overall welfare of the graduate students, represent the graduate students in campus organizations, and act as a liaison between the Graduate School faculty and UAMS Administration to address student concerns. The GSA also serves to promote the graduate program at the UAMS campus and to encourage sharing of ideas in scientific research among the students.
ARTICLE I Objectives & Organization
SECTION 1 The name of the organization is the Graduate Student Association (GSA).
SECTION 2 The objectives of the organization are to:
- Promote the graduate program at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Campus.
- Promote among its members fellowship and sharing of ideas in research and teaching.
- Represent the graduate students in Medical Science Campus organizations.
- Act as a means of communication between the Graduate School office, the UAMS Administration, and the students.
ARTICLE II Association Meetings
SECTION 1 Association meetings shall be called by the President. Written notice of each meeting shall be provided for the membership prior to each meeting. A minimum of six (6), and a maximum of twelve (12) association meetings shall be called by the President during the academic year.
SECTION 2 One-fourth of the active membership will constitute a quorum. (See Article VI, Section 1 for definition of membership)
ARTICLE III Officers, Representatives & Sponsors
SECTION 1 The elected officers shall consist of a President, a Vice-President, a Secretary, and a Treasurer. Other elected positions shall include Representatives to the Associated Student Government (ASG) and any other positions where graduate student representation is needed (see Article V, Section 5). The above-mentioned officers shall plan and execute the affairs of the organization as directed by the membership.
SECTION 2 The President of the organization shall:
- Be responsible for all affairs and for the execution of the objectives as set forth in this constitution.
- Serve as a representative to the Graduate Council.
- Appoint any officer to fill a vacancy subject to confirmation by the membership.
- Determine how to best fill subcommittee positions.
SECTION 3 The Vice-President shall:
- Act as President during the absence of the President.
- Serve as program chairman for the organization.
- Serve as a representative to the Curriculum Committee.
- Serve as a representative to the Academic Senate.
- Chair the subcommittees provided in Article IV, Sections 2-4
SECTION 4 The Secretary shall:
- Be responsible for all correspondence.
- Be responsible for arranging meeting room accommodations.
- Be responsible for notifying all members of meetings or other GSA affairs.
- Record the minutes of each meeting as a permanent record of the organization.
- Report GSA activities to the UAMS Update and local newspapers.
- Chair the subcommittees provided in Article IV, Sections 1-5
SECTION 5 The Treasurer shall:
- Have charge of all funds and keep a record of all funds collected and disbursed.
- Report financial status of the treasury at every business meeting.
- Submit a permanent set of financial records to the Graduate School office at the end of each fiscal year.
ARTICLE IV Subcommittees (non-elected)
Each subcommittee will be led by a designated chairperson, who will act as a liaison between their team and the GSA Executive Committee. Chairpersons will maintain regular communication with the GSA President and Secretary to ensure alignment with the association’s broader objectives and smooth functioning of their respective subcommittees.
SECTION 1 Communication and Promotion
Chairperson: GSA Secretary
Objective: Enhance member engagement and awareness through effective communication and promotions by:
- Maintaining a user-friendly GSA website (Webmaster).
- Implementing a robust social media strategy (Social Media Manager).
- Designing promotional materials and visuals (Graphic Designer).
- Producing content for website, newsletters, and social media (Content Writer).
SECTION 2 Academic Support and Advocacy
Chairperson: GSA Vice-President
Objective: Advocate for academic standards and resources for all students by:
- Engaging with faculty on curriculum-related matters.
- Addressing student concerns regarding academic policies.
- Campaigning for student welfare, such as free health insurance.
SECTION 3 Career and Professional Development
Chairperson: GSA Vice-President
Objective: Equip students for post-graduate success by:
- Organizing career-oriented events and workshops.
- Collaborating with professionals for mentorship and insights.
SECTION 4 Community Engagementand Outreach
Chairperson: ASG Representative I
Objective: Foster a vibrant and connected graduate student community through:
- Organizing diverse social events (recreational, cultural, etc.).
- Leading community service initiatives.
- Strengthening ties with alumni and professionals.
- Fostering collaborations with external academic institutions and industry.
SECTION 5 International Student Liaison and Diversity Affairs
Chairperson: ASG Representative II
Objective: Cultivate an inclusive campus environment by:
- Addressing the unique challenges faced by international students.
- Fostering inclusivity and support for students of all backgrounds.
- Simplifying administrative processes and organizing supportive events.
ARTICLE V Elections
SECTION 1 The terms of office for all officers of the association shall be from May 1 to April 30 of the following year.
SECTION 2 An election commission shall be formed consisting of at least three graduate students who are neither an officer in the current year or a nominee in the current election. If no volunteers are found, the current officers may decide, by quorum, how to conduct the election.
SECTION 3 A call for nominations shall be sent on the first day of the first week of April. Nominations shall be accepted through the end of the last day of the second week of April. Ballots shall be compiled at the end of the second week of April and made available to the graduate student body for viewing and voting at the beginning of the third week of April, concluding on the last day of the same week. The election committee should create visualizations of the ballot results to report to the graduate student body during the fourth week of April.
SECTION 4 May will serve as a transitional month between all officers to ensure transition of accounts, materials, et cetera from outgoing officers to newly elected officers. New officers will take full responsibilities on or about the 15th of May.
SECTION 5 The GSA will elect two or more representatives to the Associated Student Government (ASG) according to the provisions in the constitution of that council. The association will have one or more representatives appointed or elected to any other positions where graduate student representation is needed. ASG representatives may also serve as Chairs for GSA subcommittees (see Article IV, Sections 4 & 5).
ARTICLE VI Membership
SECTION 1 Any individual enrolled in the Graduate School at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences is eligible for membership.
SECTION 2 Any member in good standing shall have one vote at GSA meetings.
SECTION 3 The association will accept and welcome associate members from basic science and medical faculties and other persons interested in furthering the goals of the association. These persons will not have a vote.
ARTICLE VII Expenses
SECTION 1 The operation expenses of the organization shall be met by assessments as passed upon in the annual budget.
ARTICLE VIII Amendments
SECTION 1 This constitution may be amended by a two-thirds affirmative vote of the members in good standing. Revised Constitution: Revised and Adopted, Spring Semester, 2024. The Constitutions adopted in 1962 and revised in the Fall Semester of 1964, the Spring Semester of 1967, the Fall Semester of 1976, the Spring Semester of 2002, the Spring Semester of 2012, and the Spring Semester of 2020, are now void.
Revised: May 20, 2024