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Graduate Student Research Association prepares for second year, planning conference, events

September 7, 2010

NIU’s Graduate Student Research Association (GSRA), embarking on its second year as an official student organization, aims to promote a culture of scholarship and fellowship among NIU students — including undergraduates.

Specifically, the group wants to provide opportunities for all NIU students who either are doing research or are interested in learning about research to share their experiences, discuss their research interests and learn from and with fellow students and faculty. The goal is to advance students’ development as budding scholars.

To this end, the GSRA organizes professional as well as social events throughout the year for NIU students.

The annual Graduate Student Research Conference (GSRC) is one such event that continues to garner considerable attention and participation from campus and the surrounding community. Each spring, the GSRC paper and poster sessions provide a professional, collegial forum for NIU students across all colleges, departments and program areas to present their work. In addition, workshops addressing various elements of professional life in academia are given by NIU faculty members. All students are invited to submit proposals for presentations. A call for proposals will be distributed at the end of September.

In the months ahead, the GSRA also hopes to host a couple student social events at local establishments. The purpose is to give NIU students opportunities to network, share experiences and ideas and enjoy fellowship outside the classroom, office and laboratory.

GSRA leaders and members are now planning the 2011 conference; more students are needed to volunteer their talents. Faculty members also are needed to give workshops and serve as discussants for the conference paper presentations.

The GSRA will hold its next meeting at 2 p.m. Monday, Sept. 13, in Graham Hall 236. For more information, contact GSRA President Brett Anderson at banderson14@niu.edu or (815) 252-8482.