Graduate Society in International Studies

The Graduate Society for International Studies (GSIS) seeks to create greater unity among graduate students in international studies through academic and professional opportunities; connections to faculty, ODU administrators, student government, and the community; and fellowship among students in the Graduate Program for International Studies.

It bears highlighting that every student enrolled in the Graduate Program in International Studies at ODU is automatically a member of GSIS.

We envision the GSIS as a common forum for its members serving three broad functions: social interaction, academic/professional enhancement and community outreach. As an academic/professional society, GSIS will work as a conduit to the GPIS faculty. We will hold interaction programs where members can engage with the professors informally

Finally, as a community organization, GSIS would provide outreach to the larger ODU community. We envision participating in community activities in the University and the area, co-hosting of social events with other organizations and advocating for better support for graduate students. GSIS would also serve as the link between current students and our valued alumni. In the end, we once again thank all the members for your support and look forward to your participation in our events and activities. We hope you will provide feedback and offer us new ideas to pursue in the future.

This is your Society and only your engagement will make it stronger and more effective in the future. If you haven't already, please join the GSIS group in Facebook and also visit our website. And please feel free to email any of us or talk to us in person anytime.

Let's work together for a wonderful year at GPIS!

Meet the Current Officers

Iryna is a third year PhD Student with a major concentration in Conflict and Cooperation and minor in U.S. Foreign Policy. In her free time, Iryna enjoys reading, yoga, creating arts, and nature.

Newzaira is a third year PhD Student with a major concentration in Conflict and Cooperation and minor in Cultural Studies. Newzaira is a Clinical Social Worker in the State of Virginia. To check out some of her work you can visit: https://www.thesalaaminitiative.com/ .

Mel is a second year PhD Student with a major concentration in Cultural Studies and minor in Comparative & Regional Studies. Mel is a 23-year veteran of the Navy, and Clinical Social Worker.

Bolu is a second year PhD Student with a major concentration in International Political Economy & Development and minor in Modeling and Simulation. Bolu enjoys reading, meeting with people, nature and listening to music.

Vera is a second year PhD Student with a concentration in Comparative and Regional studies and minor in Cultural Studies. She currently works at the General District Courts for the Commonwealth of Virginia. Her hobbies consist of traveling, cooking, and binge-watching films.

Stephanie is a second year PhD Student with a concentration in Comparative & Regional Studies and minor in Cultural Studies. Stephanie works for the Asian Studies Institute at ODU. In her free time, she enjoys singing karaoke playing online games, studying new languages, and playing with her two cats.

Description of Positions

Provides leadership for the chapter; Provides communication with the faculty, points of contact within the community. Acts as the official representative of the organization at campus and community events; Plans and conducts chapter meetings.

Provides management of staff activities by coordinating staff functions, and staff development. Ensures that staff members carry out assigned duties; b. Keeps the chapter's alumni informed of the chapter's activities. Actively encourages active membership in the organization Alumni Association. Serves as the Chapter Parliamentarian and ensures that meetings are conducted according to the guidelines
of Robert's Rules of Order-Newly Revised when necessary.

Maintains files/records of written correspondence and communications; Publishes minutes of meetings; Coordinates the chapter's electronic communications (e-mail and web site); Maintains an organization alumni directory; Submits articles to the GPIS Bulletin; Serves as the organization's historian.

Leads development of the organization budget and chairs the fund-raising committee; Manages organization finances and provides financial updates to the membership; Coordinates travel arrangements for organizational staff (if funded by the chapter).

Coordinates the chapter's electronic communications (GSIS Facebook page and Facebook group
page with timely announcements on upcoming events and meetings.) Develop Flyers for all
GSIS events.

Establish and facilitate the efficient execution of ongoing academic and social events that the
GPIS/GSIS community can engage in on a consistent basis. Ensure events are in align with the
SGA 10 Points and Standards. Secure space for all events.