Representation
The key role of the Graduate Students’ Association is to represent the interests of postgraduate students. We do this in a number of ways:
GSA Executive Committee
The day to day running of the Graduate Students' Association is delegated to the Executive Committee. On average, we meet once a month during term time to report on any meetings we attended, to discuss issues brought to our attention since the previous meeting and deal with the general running of the Association and the Graduate Students’ Club (GSA Grad Bar).
 |
President Olasoji Oluseyi Fagbola MA Development Studies (DEV) |
 |
Treasurer Sunmi Kim MA Environmental Sciences (ENV) |
 |
Secretary Lydia Sosa PhD Chemistry (CHE) |
 |
Communications Officer Patricia Jaja MA International Relations andDevelopment Studies (DEV) |
 |
Entertainments Officer Caz Shepherd PhD American History (AMS) |
 |
Committees Officer Rebecca Pinner PhD Medieval Cultural History (LIT/WAM) |
 |
HUM Faculty Representative John Simpson-Wedge MRes Philosophy (PHI) |
 |
FOH Faculty Representative Denys Pak MSc Health Sciences (MED) |
 |
SCI Faculty Representative Esther Rind PhD Environmental Science (ENV) |
 |
SSF Faculty Representative Sally Walker MA Education and Development (DEV) |
Other Meetings
Our Constitution also requires that we meet more formally on a number of occasions throughout the year:
Annual General Meeting
This is the supreme governing body of the Association. Although the day to day running of the GSA is in the hands of the Executive Committee, it is the General Meeting that determines the policy of the Association, and holds the executive officers to account.
The Annual General Meeting of the Association is held in December each year. At this meeting, the accounts of the previous year and the draft budgets for the current year are presented for approval. This meeting is also an opportunity to review the work of the Association over the past year, and to determine priorities for the coming year.
Ordinary General Meeting
These are held at least once during the remainder of the year, not less than four months and not more than eight months from the date of the Annual General Meeting. This is an opportunity to review progress.
Extraordinary General Meeting
These can be held at any time on the instigation of the Executive, or by petition of at least one twentieth of the ordinary members of the Association. Such petition must state the motion or motions to be discussed. In an emergency, the President may, at their discretion, summon an Extraordinary General Meeting.
The membership of the Association can also determine policy directly through a referendum, which can be requested by a petition signed by one twentieth of the ordinary members of the Association and submitted to the President. A referendum can also be called by a General Meeting, or by the Executive.
The GSA and the University
The GSA has representatives on all the major committees of the University that make decisions affecting postgraduate students. Our attendance at these meetings is vital as we sit alongside University academic and administrative staff and offer the postgraduate point of view. This way, we can ensure that the interests of graduate students are taken into account when policy decisions are made. Below are some of the committees on which we sit and the member of the Exec who represents you:
- University Senate
- Learning and Teaching Committee
- Student Experience Committee
- Postgraduate Research Programmes Policy Group
- Recruitment, Admissions & Marketing Committee
- Health & Safety Advisory Committee
- Careers Centre Steering Group
- Library, Learning and Resources Committee
- Student Affairs Group
- Residences & Services Division Communication Forum
Details of these and other major UEA committees can be found on the pages of the UEA Committees Office.
The GSA and the Students’ Union
As a postgraduate student you are automatically a member of both the GSA and the Union of UEA Students with whom we work closely on matters of shared interest to both undergraduate and postgraduate students.
The Union runs the Student Union Advice Centre where you can get advice on a wide range of issues including housing, employment, legal issues and financial problems.
Schools & Faculties
You can also get involved within your School or Faculty. Every School has spaces for student representatives on a number of their committees, and whilst the committee structure within your School will vary according its size and needs, all Schools will have student representatives sitting on two committees - the School Board and the Staff-Student Liaison Committee. More information about the role of the Student Rep can be found on the Students’ Union website. So if you have an opinion about how your department is run speak to your School Administrator and find out how you can become a postgraduate representative.
Get involved!
It is important that you as a postgrad get your opinions heard, and whilst we in the GSA are happy to do represent your interests, you may feel that you would like to speak up for yourself. It may sound daunting, but there are a number of ways you can get involved, including sitting on the GSA Executive Committee and being a Student Representative within your School or department. The University values student input and by getting involved you will have the opportunity to let them know what matters to you and have a say in how your university is run.
If you would like to find out more about how you can make a difference get in touch.
GSA Executive Committee Elections and By-elections
Voting generally takes place in the GSA Grad Bar (upstairs in Union House). All current UEA postgraduate students are eligible to vote and are required to show their UEA campus card as proof of identity. The people you elect will represent your interests at all levels of the university, so make sure you vote and have your say.
By-elections are sometimes held to fill a number of vacant positions on the Committee. These by-elections and terms of office will be for the duration of the rest of the GSA electoral year (until Spring) at which time all posts will be open for re-election. There are many benefits of being a member the GSA Executive Committee; these include:
- The opportunity to represent your fellow postgraduate students and make a genuine difference by influencing policy.
- The chance to gain a unique insight into the operation of the University.
- Enhancing your CV with invaluable experience.
- A great opportunity to meet students and staff from all Faculties.
We would also like to hear from people who are interested in becoming involved in a less formal capacity.
Further details of the last by-election are available here:
Updated: January 22, 2010 LD
