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Graduate Student Organization (GSO)

The Graduate Student Organization (GSO) is an organization designed to support University of Minnesota graduate students in English both socially and academically. All matriculating students are members of the GSO and have an equal vote in how it spends its time and money. Meetings are held three or four times a semester and are presided over by a cabinet (President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer) nominated and elected by other graduate students. Minutes are posted to the GSO listserv so that those unable to attend can stay informed. This list-serv englgso@tc.umn.edu is also an excellent resource for professional and social communication; unlike the Engrad-L list-serv, faculty members' emails are not included. The functions of the GSO are various, and, ultimately, its possibilities are almost endless. It works as an advocacy group, lobbying the department for things like better funding or a fridge in the lounge. It organizes fundraisers—usually one or two book sales per year. Some of the money the GSO raises supports social functions: parties, happy hours, and picnics. Usually, these social happenings take half the budget. The other half is reserved for academic events, i.e., readings and colloquia. In short, the GSO does whatever its members want it to do. The agenda is set by graduate students and the activities are planned and managed by graduate students.

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