School of Communication Studies
Communication Graduate Student Association
Communication Graduate Student Association
The Communication Graduate Student Association provides a professional and social network for graduate students in Communication Studies. Through this organization, graduate students are represented in University and School decision-making. The CGSA also provides a forum for graduate students to discuss concerns and special interests. Graduate students meet during orientation week in the fall semester and elect representatives.
Administrative Officers for 2007-2008 academic year:
President – Amber Ferris
The president shall maintain official organization status with the university; coordinate and direct the Executive Committee; meet regularly with the Executive Committee to discuss goals and monitor progress; become a contact person for new graduate students; moderate regular CGSA meetings; delegate leadership as needed; represent CGSA at meetings on an as-needed basis; and otherwise perform duties aimed at meeting the goals of CGSA.
Vice President – Carol Savery
The vice president shall assist the president in his/her official duties; set up and schedule regular CGSA meetings; coordinate annual elections for Executive Committee positions; serve as an alternate representative to Graduate Student Senate and the Graduate Studies Committee when needed; and assist in any grievances brought by a graduate student.
Secretary – Rekha Sharma
The secretary shall maintain written record of CGSA officers, activities, and meetings; be responsible for birthday and sympathy cards for the entire department; coordinate desk assignments in the graduate assistants’ office; and assist the president and vice president in various administrative capacities, such as elections.
Treasurer – Vanessa Heeman
The treasurer shall manage CGSA expenditures and revenues, including dues; stock the graduate student drink and food center; purchase all GCSA supplies and maintain records or receipts; periodically send out and collect on snack bills; monitor the graduate assistants’ office for needed equipment/maintenance; and assist the president and vice president in various administrative capacities, such as elections.
Mentoring & Social Chair – Tessa Smith
The mentoring and social chair shall meet with new graduate students to orient them to KSU; match new graduate students with graduate student mentors; oversee mentorships; and coordinate social activities, such as the annual fall picnic.
Research & Information Chair – Esther Agyeman-Budu
The research and information chair shall provide information concerning conferences, grant opportunities, job posting, and other information helpful to graduate students; report on graduate students’ research activity; assist the office systems specialist in updating the graduate program website; maintain, update, and improve the CGSA bulletin boards; and promote graduate students' achievements through contact with website, newsletter, and newspaper personnel.
Graduate Student Senate Representative – Molly Taggart
The Graduate Student Senate representative shall represent CGSA to Graduate Student Senate (GSS); report all GSS news to officers, graduate students, and faculty; and attend GSS meetings, including signing attendance sheets and voting on issues and GSS elections.
Graduate Studies Committee Representative – Erin Kleman
The graduate studies committee representative shall represent CGSA to faculty members of the School of Communication Studies, reporting back to graduate students.
Representative to Communication Undergraduates – James D. Ponder
The representative to communication undergraduates shall serve as a liaison between CGSA and Communication Studies undergraduate organizations to inform graduate students of undergraduate issues and efforts; coordinate combined efforts between graduates and undergraduates to reach mutual goals; and attend Kent Communication Society meetings.
CGSA