Binghamton University Student Organization Spotlight-GSO

INTERVIEW WITH NAHLA NAWAR RAYA-ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT OF GRADUATE STUDENT ORGANIZATION

  1. Can you give a brief overview of your organization?

The Graduate Student Organization (GSO) is an organization under the university which aims to facilitate the graduate students of the university to have better, resourceful and enjoyable graduate life. It represents all graduate students, advocating for their needs and serving as a bridge to university entities. Besides, it provides travel and group funding, shares important updates and information through newsletters, and organizes social events to foster community across all disciplines.

  1. When was your organization founded and for what purpose?

GSO Binghamton was founded to advocate for graduate students, connect them with university resources to address their needs and support diverse cultural organizations, and promote community engagement. 

  1. How do you believe your organization supports the professional development of graduate students?

The Graduate Student Organization (GSO) plays a vital role in supporting the professional development of graduate students. It actively promotes student involvement across campus and within GSO committees, providing opportunities to refine existing skills while acquiring new ones. Furthermore, GSO offers funding for students interested in skill-building programs, networking events, and conferences, ensuring financial limitations do not hinder access to valuable opportunities. GSO also partners with university offices to organize workshops, providing students with critical skills that positively impact their career trajectories.

  1. How did you get involved with GSO? How has your involvement helped support your professional development and help you build skills?

I have always been passionate about extracurricular activities alongside academics, starting from school and continuing through my undergraduate studies, where I held leadership roles in multiple student organizations. When I joined Binghamton University, I actively sought opportunities to engage with student organizations. That’s when I discovered the Graduate Student Organization (GSO). After attending events and getting to know more about GSO, I ran in two GSO elections. Eventually, I was recruited as the Assistant to the President, officially becoming part of the organization.

This role has been pivotal in my professional development. As a business student with a passion for brand management, my work with GSO involves treating it as a brand, constantly striving to enhance its image and standards. A key aspect of my work is planning events that provide graduate students with opportunities to unwind and connect outside of their academic responsibilities. Besides, the role has allowed me to build meaningful connections, which I truly enjoy. Through my involvement with GSO, I have developed and sharpened my skills in networking, branding, event planning and management, content creation, collaboration, communication, graphic design, people management, and team leadership.

  1. How can interested students get involved with GSO?

Interested students can engage with the Graduate Student Organization (GSO) by joining one of our eight committees, each chaired by an Executive Board member and focusing on various aspects of GSO activities. At the beginning of each academic year, committees are formed, and all students are invited to apply. The committee chairs then select the final members from the pool of applicants to serve for the tenure.

  1. Can you recommend a few resources that have helped you socially, academically, or professionally?

My favorite resources on campus which have helped me will be CARE team, University Counseling Center, Off Campus College, Campus Recreation, Fleishman Career Center, and Student Transition and Success. 

  1. Any new initiatives that GSO is planning this semester or in the near future?

This semester, we will organize de-stressing events throughout November to provide students with a chance to unwind and enjoy themselves amid the pressures of end-of-semester assignments. These events will be open to everyone and will be announced soon. Additionally, next semester, we plan to introduce exciting large-scale events in collaboration with other university offices, featuring initiatives that have never been attempted before. While I can’t share the details just yet, I can assure students that they will love what we have in store!

 Students can get more information about GSO by visiting their website: www.gsobinghamton.org

And by following them on Instagram: @gsobinghamton 

By Ozzy Girit Heck (Ph.D.)
Ozzy Girit Heck (Ph.D.) Career Success Program Specialist