The roles played by DCGSAC are diverse; however in all these roles our goal is to help the graduate students. Arbitrator
We are the ombudpersons for the department, which means we are the first step in arbitration. If you have a problem with your advisor, an instructor, staff member, or with another graduate student, we are available to offer advice and can often assist you in resolving your grie
vances. We're who you talk to if you have a problem. We've been where you are; we know how stressful it can be, and we know a friendly ear is often needed. DCGSAC takes action. In response to graduate student concerns, DCGSAC made nighttime parking passes available for graduate students working late. We had lockers installed in the TA office so first year students don't have to carry their books all day. We're even the reason you get paid in August! By letting us know your concerns we can take action for you. Social Organizer
DCGSAC sponsors a number of activities over the course of the semester, including the spring barbeque, fall picnic, and holiday party, among others. Keep an eye open for flyers and e-mails during the semester advertising these events, or check out the DCGSAC events page for a complete listing. They are a great chance for you to meet your peers and have fun. Educator
DCGSAC has sponsored a number of symposia focused on career options for Ph.D. chemists.The first career symposium was held in October 1999 on the subject, "Teaching at Primarily Undergraduate Institutions." In addition to hearing presentations by the four invited speakers, graduate students had the opportunity to have lunch or dinner with the speakers and ask questions in a small group setting. Since this first symposium, DCGSAC has been dedicated to inviting highly qualified, relevant guest speakers who can inform and enlighten graduate students in chemistry to the many career options available to a Ph.D. Simultaneously, speakers are selected to help broaden graduate students' career horizons by maintaining a special focus on non-traditional careers. Speakers representing numerous interests and industries have attended, including pharmaceuticals, materials, start-ups, national agencies, and consulting, to name a few.
