Dear Members of the Nigerian Graduate Student Association,

Welcome to a new semester! As we step into this exciting chapter, we’re thrilled to continue building a vibrant and supportive community where we can grow, celebrate our culture, and support each other in all aspects of graduate life.

Whether you’re a returning member or new to the NGSA family, we’re so glad to have you with us. This semester, we’re looking forward to engaging events, meaningful connections, and opportunities to thrive together.

Stay tuned for announcements about upcoming programs and initiatives—we have a lot in store! In the meantime, we encourage you to share any ideas or suggestions that can make our community even stronger.

Here’s to a semester filled with success, growth, and shared achievements. Together, we’ll keep raising the flag high!

Warm Regards,

Lekan Ajiboye

NGSA President

Welcome to the Spring 2025 semester. Please consider nominating yourself for the position of Graduate Student Association Elections Committee Co-Chair!

Eligibility

The Elections Committee will be co-chaired by:

• A sitting senator or cabinet member with at least one full year of experience within the GSA.
• A graduate student who is not currently an officer of the GSA in a role of either the “officers of the cabinet,” or a position as “committee chair,” or “senator.”

Please note! You will be ineligible to run for any other positions in GSA in the spring 2025 elections if you chair or serve on this committee. This is an excellent opportunity for anyone planning to graduate in 2025 (since as a result you would be ineligible to run anyway).

Roles and Responsibilities

1. Oversight of Elections: The committee will oversee all aspects of the election process, from candidate registration to campaigning, voting, and the announcement of results.
2. Rule-Making: The committee will establish clear rules for elections, including eligibility requirements, campaign regulations, and voting procedures. These rules will be reviewed annually and made publicly available to all students.
3. Candidate Vetting: The committee will ensure that all candidates meet eligibility criteria and adhere to campaign guidelines.
4. Complaint Resolution: The committee will have the authority to receive, review, and resolve any complaints related to the election process. Decisions made by the committee in this regard will be final.
5. Publication of Results: The committee will be responsible for the transparent and timely publication of election results.

Once the Committee has completed these responsibilities (likely no later than April 2025), your service would end.

As a member of the GSA Executive Council, you would be in a position of service and support to the GSA. If you are elected, you will be expected to begin work immediately and to work for approximately 7 hours per week. You must be able to participate in online meetings every Monday from 12:30-2 PM and, once a month, on Friday from 12-2 PM. As part of this job, you will be responsible for collaborating with other members of the GSA Executive Council, attending important GSA events, and other duties as required. You will receive a stipend for your work.

Nomination Process
To nominate yourself, please submit your name, student ID number, photograph/headshot, brief biography (50-100 words), and statement as to your qualifications and interest in the role (100-300 words), by Monday, 3 Feb 2025. If you are qualified according to the Graduate School, you should participate in the election, which will take place during the GSA Special Senate meeting on 14 Feb 2025 from 1-2 PM EST (online). Depending on the number of applicants, you may be able to give a speech and/or answer questions before the vote that day.

Here is the link to self-nominate:
https://forms.gle/j3vhKPquX5DKHwoC9

You will need to be logged into your UMBC account (and you may need to log out of other Gmail accounts) to access it.

Please email me at gsapresident@umbc.edu if you have any questions.