Elections

GWIS will be recruiting for our next generation of leaders for the 2018-2019 academic year this Dec 2017! This is a great opportunity for you to develop leadership and professional skills, make friends with a dynamic and committed group of women, and work towards the type of climate you’d like to see for women in STEM at UMass and beyond. Watch your email for nominations and voting information!

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FAQ:

Q: Who are the executive board members?

A: Any current graduate student who identifies as a woman may be nominated for a board position. We encourage new members to get involved this way. Executive board members are the two co-­chairs of the organization and the chairs of each committee. They typically spend 3-5 hours per week doing organizing work for GWIS, between planning and attending events, advocacy, writing, artwork, etc. Current board members may be seen here. The positions are as follows with any position being open to a team of 2 co-chairs. Full position descriptions are found here.

  • Executive Chair
  • Communications Committee Chair
  • Diversity and Inclusion Committee Chair
  • Finance Committee Chair
  • Mentoring Committee Chair
  • Outreach Committee Chair
  • Advocacy and Professional Development Committee Chair

 

Q: What are the “Coordinator” positions?

A: Coordinators are volunteer (non-elected) positions that work within committees to achieve a specific goal. For example, the Soundbytes Cafe Coordinators work within the outreach committee to oversee our outreach program to Amherst Middle and High School. These positions are less of a time commitment at 1-3 hours per week. This year, we are in need of ALL coordinator positions.

  • Sound Bytes Cafe Coordinators (2): Works within the Outreach Committee to oversee sound bytes cafes at Amherst Regional Middle and High School, respectively.
  • Girls, Inc. Coordinator: Works within the Outreach Committee to oversee collaborations with Girls, Inc. of Holyoke.
  • Public Relations Coordinator: Works within the Communications Committee to manage GWIS’ online and social media presence.
  • Graphic Design Coordinator: Works within the Communications Committee to oversee design of our magazine and website.
  • Student Advocacy Coordinator: Works within the Cultural Reform and Professional Development Committee to oversee our new, funded peer advocacy program, including oversight of peer advocate recruitment, training, and program implementation.
  • Recruitment Coordinator: Works within the Mentoring Committee to oversee new member recruitment.
  • Research and Statistics Coordinator: Collect info. on departmental demographics and make correlations between culture and attrition rates etc. through exit interviews, surveys and such things.
  • Professional Development Programs Coordinator: Design and run Professional Development workshops, and find Pro. Dev. opportunities for members.

 

Q: When does the board membership start/end?

A: The term of each chair is from May 1st-April 30th of each academic year. Newly elected executive board members will shadow current members of the board throughout the spring semester, before assuming their new positions on May 1st.

 

Q: What is the election procedure like? How do I get nominated? 

A: Nominations may be made by any member, and we encourage members to nominate themselves for executive board positions! When nominations are accepted, each candidate will have the opportunity to submit a platform which will be posted to the blog and circulated to all members to view while they are voting. The platform is typically 1-3 short paragraphs in length.

 

Q: Should I campaign?

A: It’s up to you! Campaigning (advertising yourself and your platform) may begin when a nomination is accepted. You are welcome to encourage your colleagues and friends to vote for you, but you’re also welcome to let your platform speak for itself.

 

Q: What is the elections timeline?

A: Nominations will open in November 2017 and voting will take place in December 2017.

 

 

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