The Graduate Student Organization had a very productive fall semester. Laura Huenneke, vice president for research, and Liz Grobsmith, provost, each attended one of our meetings. We had the chance to discuss their views on and goals for graduate education at Northern Arizona University. They are both strong supporters of graduate students, and we look forward to developing a closer relationship with both of them as we work to improve graduate student life.

We Have a Voice: Our members on the University Strategic Planning Committee, University Graduate Committee, Associated Students of Northern Arizona University, Arizona Students Association, and the University Library Committee did a great job representing the needs of graduate students to the university administration. With the GSO becoming more active and being a part of such important committees, participation by as many students as possible is very important. We strive to accurately represent the views of all graduate students, but we cannot do that without feedback from you! Regarding that subject, thanks to those of you who took the time to fill out our survey regarding graduate student priorities. Hearing what is important to you allows us to establish realistic goals that will positively impact the greatest number of students possible.

Housing Listserve! One of our student service accomplishments last semester was the establishment of a graduate-student-only housing listserve. This will enable incoming and current graduate students to share information about housing opportunities. See home.nau.edu/gradcol/housing_listserve.asp or contact the GSO officers (gso@nau.edu) for more information about this list.

Travel Awards: The GSO fall travel award supported more than 25 students in their pursuit of professional development opportunities. Applications for travel taking place in the spring and summer will be due in March. Check the website and your e-mail for details in February.

Speakers and Officers: The spring semester promises to be as busy and productive as this fall has been. We have looked over the results of the priorities survey and will be setting goals accordingly. We have started scheduling guest speakers and will be accepting nominations/volunteers to run for the officer positions starting in January. Officer elections will take place in March. If you or someone you know is interested in being a GSO officer or department representative, please contact us for more information.

Meeting Schedule: At the request of some students, we are looking into the best times to schedule GSO meetings. All graduate students are welcome to attend, and distance students may participate through a meet-me-line announced via e-mail. The first meeting of the semester will be Tuesday, January 27th from 5:30 to 7 p.m. in the ARD Large Pod, but we may pick a different day or time thereafter to accommodate as many students as possible. Please send us feedback as to what days and times are best for avoiding class conflicts.

Take care and have a great semester!

—Camille Naaktgeboren, President