Getting involved in student life is one of the best ways to improve your experience in August University, and this is especially true for graduate students. Student organizations offer unique opportunities for networking, professional development, socializing and to relax.

However, with hundreds of options available at Augusta University, it can be hard to know where to start. This is designed to help you navigate the possibilities and to highlight some essential organizations for graduate students.

---

(1) How to find an organization

The first thing to have in mind is that the university centralizes all student organizations on a single platform: Augusta presence student portal. It’s the official directory where you can search for, discover, and contact any club or association on campus.

You can filter organizations by category (Academic, Social, Sports, etc.) or search by keyword. Each organization has a page with a description, contact information, and a list of its upcoming events. Be aware that some organizations may be outdated.

---

(2) Some Organizations to be aware of

While exploring is encouraged, some organizations are particularly important for graduate students.

GSGA (Graduate Student Government Association)

The GSGA is the official student government representing all graduate students at the university, regardless of their field of study.

Why it’s important:

• Representation: It’s your voice to the university administration on topics that directly affect you (working conditions, stipends, campus life).
• Funding: This is the organization that manages funds for student projects and travel. As I detailed in a previous post, the GSGA can help fund your conference travel.

CCGSO (Computer and Cyber Sciences Graduate Student Organization)

Our school has its own student organization. For us, it’s the CCGSO. Joining your college’s organization is the best way to build connections with people in your immediate field.

Why it’s important:

• Targeted Networking: You’ll meet students and professors from your department, which is invaluable for research collaborations and career opportunities.
• Academic Support: It’s an excellent place for discussing courses, research projects, and getting help from your peers. You are encouraged to share what you would want to be improved within the school.

---

(3) Reading Groups

For PhD students, reading groups are one of the most intellectually stimulating activities you can join. These are typically informal groups that meet regularly to discuss academic papers.

The Programming Language reading group : $\Delta \Lambda \Delta$

Run under the $\Delta \Lambda \Delta$ association, the PL group is a good place for students with an interest in theory. It’s a good place to discuss foundational papers and complex ideas.

The Machine Learning (ML) Group

For those focused on AI, a second reading group regularly meets to discuss the ML papers. To join these groups, the best way is often to ask a professor or a senior PhD student in the department for details on meeting times and current topics.