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Graduate students are busy: many balance school, work, family and other obligations. Such hectic schedules can mean creating connections on campus can be difficult.

That’s where ��������רע��Ʒ����’s Graduate Professional Student Association (GPSA) steps in.

“As a graduate student myself I know how important it is to have a safe space to voice your concerns, to have someone advocate for your needs. That is what the GPSA is about,” said GPSA Vice President and biology major Angelie Castor, G’25.

The GPSA was formed in 2007 by a group of graduate students. It was and remains the only club on campus open strictly to members of the graduate community.

When international student and mental health counseling major Harshita Tewani, G’26, arrived on campus in 2023, she initially struggled, but with support from the GPSA, she was able to find her footing.

“I started going to events and felt this kindness and warmth, I felt genuine support that wasn’t just academically focused,” Harshita said.

GSPA impacted her so much, she ran and was recently elected club president.

“I felt so cared for, one of my goals became that if given the chance I wanted to give back, that was my intention and I’m grateful to be able to serve,” Harshita said.

Assistant Director of Graduate Student Services Ally McVickar advises the group and said participation has increased significantly in recent years, proving that grad students are hungry for the support.

“GPSA is like having an ear to the ground, and we rely on them heavily. That peer-to-peer support is invaluable,” McVickar said. “The GPSA is there for students to share their issues and ideas. No idea will be met with a no; if a student has an idea, we try to explore if it’s possible.”

Which is how the graduate lounge came to be, after hearing students’ concerns about not having a place to sit, charge their phones and relax while on campus, the GPSA was able to create a graduate lounge in room 118 of Hart Hall.

“It’s a beautiful lounge. It’s a space dedicated for grad students to socialize, study, and relax or to just come grab some free candy,” Harshita said. “It’s really a great space.”

GPSA hosts other events both online and in person throughout the year that include a resume workshop, an interview workshop and tax workshop. Every year the group offers the opportunity for grad students to get free professional headshots that they can use to update their LinkedIn profiles.

“We also host a day in the spring, closer to graduation, where students have the opportunity to come have their photo taken with President Fred Clark on the steps of Boyden,” Angelie said.

Harshita said, GPSA is also family friendly. The group hosted an off-campus event last year at a local farm, where students could bring their families.

All graduate students are automatically part of GPSA once enrolled, and encouraged to attend a meeting, come to an event or follow the club on Instagram at , where updates are posted.

“We all need a community on campus, we all need a family and sometimes as a grad student you haven’t found your community, so come to event,” Angelie said, “We are always excited to meet new grad students and chat about programs, what you’re doing, anything!”

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