Graduate Student Association creates new opportunities for graduate students at UNK

The 2022-2023 school year marked the inaugural year of the Graduate Student Association at the University of Nebraska at Kearney. The eight-member organization is working hard to recruit new members to accomplish their primary goal of making sure graduate students feel like they have a voice on campus. 

“Right now, we are trying to grow our membership and let other graduate students—on and off campus—know that we are always here for them,” said GSA President Nicholas Knuth. “We want to make sure that each student feels like they are a part of the UNK Campus.” 

According to their mission statement, the GSA seeks to advocate for, inform, and connect students during their time as UNK Lopers, whether they are online or in person. They are committed to equity for all graduate students, to giving them a voice, and to providing the best possible experience for their graduate education. 

Not only does the GSA seek to represent graduate students, but it also aims to create ways for graduate students to connect with other graduate students.  

“The GSA is a great way to connect online and in-person UNK graduate students and faculty,” said Jada Ruff, the Social Media Chair. 

The GSA has encouraged these connections through various social events to allow graduate students to build their network with other current graduate students at UNK. In addition to the social events, the GSA created a Virtual Open House with the Communication Honor Society for students to explore the graduate programs available at UNK and participated in the Big Event.  

“My favorite event that the GSA did was the Big Event because it was fulfilling to get to help other members in our community,” said GSA Community Liaison Katie Gasper. 

Current GSA members shared networking, building community, decreasing the feeling of isolation in their program, and the opportunity to participate in professional development as just a few reasons to join the organization.  

“We have also discussed professional development meetings to help prepare students for the next step,” added Knuth. 

Although the school year is winding down, the GSA still has many ideas planned, including the professional development opportunities, a de-stress event in May, and a welcome event at the start of the Fall 2023 semester.     

“Our group so far has a lot of really fun people who are excited to expand our organization. Each member brings something unique to the table, which helps us look at possible ideas in different ways,” said Knuth. “I’m excited about what we’ve done so far and can’t wait to see where we go from here.”

 The Graduate Student Association can be reached via email at unkgsa@unk.edu.