Graduate Student Association

The Graduate Student Association membership includes all students pursuing post baccalaureate degrees in the Graduate College at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. The organization's mission is to improve student academic conditions and create an organization of the local, regional, and national graduate student community.

2024-2025 GSA Members

Name	Program	Office
Marisa Bickel	Cell Biology	President
Michaela Vance	Cell Biology	VP/Secretary
David Bolade	Occupational & Environmental Health	Treasurer
Alyssa Wheeler	GPiBS	Community Service Chair
Alex Arreola	Pathology	Social Chair
Rose Johnson	Cell Biology	PR Chair
Estefania Valencia Rincon	Pathology	GREAT Chair
Panini Patankar	Pharmaceutical Sciences	GREAT Vice Chair
Jennifer Ihuoma	GPiBS	Pre-GREAT Workshop Chair
Nasim Haider	Cell Biology	GREAT Career Development Chair
Felix Asare	GPiBS	IDPE Chair
Dr. Amy Tucker	Graduate College	Graduate College Faculty Representative
Kara Bullen	Graduate College	Graduate College Staff Representative

Goals

To further the academic and career development of all graduate students on the OUHSC campus.
To provide graduate students with an opportunity to provide input into the governance of the Graduate College
To provide a forum for graduate students to present their research results and to obtain travel funds to attend scientific meetings through the Graduate Research Education and Technology Forum and GSA sponsored travel awards.
To provide a social and support network for graduate students on the OUHSC campus.

Governance

Governance is vested in the Graduate College Student Board composed of elected representatives for each of the six professional colleges who serve for one academic year. Meetings, open to all Graduate students, are held monthly on the first Thursday each month at noon.

Annual Events

Orientation & Welcome Event

The 2024 Welcome Event will be held on August 22nd in the Faculty Atrium at the Bird Library. This orientation event is open to all new and existing graduate students and postdocs and serves as an opportunity to hear from campus partners and student organizations along with our Dean and Vice Provost. Trainees can learn more about the Graduate College and campus resources while also enjoying the opportunity to meet with peers. All new graduate students will receive their Graduate College hoodie, marking the beginning of their graduate journey which will ultimately end with them being hooded at convocation.

International Student Lunch & Fall Check-In

The International Student Lunch & Fall Check-In will be held on October 15th in the Faculty Atrium of the Bird Library. This event is open to all new and existing International graduate students and serves as an opportunity to hear from OU's College of International Studies and HSC Student Affairs. This also serves as an open Q&A and an opportunity to share concerns and ideas for how we can best support our International students.

Fall Festival

This event will be held on November 14th in the Library Atrium and is open to all new and existing graduate students and postdocs. Fall Festival is a pure social event filled with fun, games, and prizes.

Winter Festival

The Winter Festival will be held on December 12th in the Library Atrium. Refreshments and games provided for all graduate students and postdocs.

Graduate Research Education and Technology Symposium (GREAT)

GREAT is an acronym for Graduate Research Education And Technology Symposium hosted by the OUHSC Graduate College and the OUHSC Graduate Student Association. For the past 49 years, students at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center have showcased their original research at the GREAT Symposium. Students and postdoctoral fellows compete for travel grants to present their research at national scientific meetings. Students can also participate in the Flash Talk Competition and GREAT Debate, and enjoy other GREAT events including pre-GREAT workshops which emphasize communication and presentation skills along with featured speakers and the Keynote Address.

SAVE THE DATE: GREAT 2025 - TBD

Graduate College Convocation

The Graduate College Convocation will honor M.S. and Ph.D. graduates for the preceding fall semester and upcoming fall and spring semesters. All graduate faculty, students, and staff are invited to attend.

SAVE THE DATE: Graduate College Commencement - TBD