Mission Statement

The Geography Graduate Student Association (GGSA) exists to supports graduate students' academics and professional growth at Illinois. The organization’s key activities include attending and presenting research at conferences, promoting geographical education within local communities, and fostering social and academic relationships among students and faculty.

What does the GGSA do?

  • Foster Community: GGSA works to create a sense of community among graduate students.
  • Professional Development: It encourages and offers professional development opportunities.
  • Departmental Interface: GGSA formally represents graduate students in interactions with department faculty and staff.

Why does GGSA exist?

  • GGSA was established to fulfill the roles mentioned above. Its continuity depends on its relevance and effectiveness in serving the GGIS graduate student body.

Supported Activities

  • Social Events: GGSA organizes social events for GGIS graduate students.
  • Communication: It serves as a communication channel between students and faculty.
  • Funding: GGSA applies for SORF funding to reimburse students for conference registration fees.

GGSA is a Registered Student Organization (RSO) at The University of Illinois.

2025-26 GGSA Officers

 Kei Yamato

President: Kei Yamato

 Dingqi Ye

Vice-President: Dingqi Ye

 Fangyi Wang

Treasurer: Fangyi Wang

 ZJ Zhou

Faculty Representative: ZJ Zhou

 Kei Kato

Social Coordinator: Kei Kato

Roles and Responsibilities of the GGSA Board

President

  • Attend mandatory RSO training, including the RSO President Workshop, and maintain RSO membership status.
  • Meet with the Graduate Director and Department Chair to ensure communication between students and the department.
  • Oversee the selection and coordination of the Graduate Student-Invited Speaker.
  • Manage elections for the next year's board and organize a student-originated professionalization colloquium.
  • Co-sign checks from the bank account.

Vice President

  • Support the President and step in when necessary.
  • Document meetings, events, and major decisions.

Treasurer

  • Attend mandatory RSO training, including the RSO Treasurer Workshop.
  • Manage the GGSA budget according to RSO guidelines and monitor financial accounts.
  • Apply for SORF funding for GGIS graduate students or GGSA-sponsored events.
  • Co-sign checks from the bank account.

Faculty Representative

  • Attend faculty meetings, take notes, and distribute them to GGSA members.

Social Events Coordinator

  • Plan, organize, and oversee the purchase of supplies for social events.