Mission
The purpose of the Biology Graduate Student Association at the University of North Texas is to serve as a representative body for the Department of Biological Sciences graduate students; to promote a closer relationship among new and current graduate students; to serve as a channel of communication between graduate students, staff, faculty, and administration; and to investigate and propose solutions to problems unique to Biology graduate students, leading to an enhanced graduate student experience for current and future members.
Membership
The Biology Graduate Student Association is a registered student organization of the University of North Texas. Membership consists of all currently enrolled biology graduate students at the University of North Texas. The BGSA does not discriminate in the selection of members or appointments when discrimination is defined as denying individuals membership or appointment on the basis of a person's age, race, origin, color, gender, sexual orientation, creed, handicap or place of residence. Biology graduate students can join the BGSA community in OrgSync, the Division of Student Affairs' student organization management platform.
BGSA Officers
2022-2023
Shannon CollinsPresident
Amira RasoulSecretary |
Rob WhyleVice PresidentMaddy KaletaSocial Media Representative |
Jordan LachanceTreasurer |
Faculty Advisors
2021-2022
Dr. Warren Burggren
Professor
Developmental Physiology
Elections
All BGSA members enrolled in the Toulouse School of Graduate Studies for the current and upcoming academic year are eligible to run for an officer position. Nominations and elections are held during the last month of the spring semester. Voting is carried out through online ballot. Officers are elected for a term of one calendar year. All officers are eligible for re-election provided their status as a graduate student at the University of North Texas does not change.
Activities
The BGSA hosts a number of activities throughout the academic year. During the fall semester, the BGSA hosts the Fall Festival which is a social gathering and networking event for Biology graduate students, faculty, staff, and families. In the spring, the BGSA hosts an annual Graduate Student Research Symposium. This free, two-day event includes a variety of activities such as student research presentations, networking events, a student art show, and a seminar by a prominent visiting scientist. In addition, every Friday throughout the academic year, the BGSA hosts a coffee social before each BioFrontiers seminar. Lastly, the BGSA is pleased to offer access to a private family room in support of parents of babies (both mothers and fathers), particularly those that are nursing or expecting.