Graduate Student Association of Arts & Sciences and Computing, Data Sciences, and Physics

Membership in the GSA shall be open to any person enrolled as a graduate or unclassified (post-baccalaureate) student under the College of Arts & Sciences (A&S) or School of Computing, Data Sciences & Physics (CDSP). As the GSA is the primary governing body of the graduate students in A&S and CDSP, it is assumed that all graduate students enrolled in either school are members by default. Leadership is provided by the Executive Board, which consists of eight officers elected by GSA members from both schools, and the General Assembly, which includes representatives elected/appointed from each graduate department or program within A&S and CDSP. GSA members represent a wide spectrum of academic disciplines, including the natural and life sciences, computer sciences, social sciences, and the humanities.

GSA’s mission statement outlines five primary purposes for the organization: A. To advance the academic and social interests of graduate students enrolled in William & Mary’s College of Arts & Sciences and School of Computing, Data Sciences & Physics.
B. To assist in governing matters of honor violations concerning graduate students in the aforementioned schools.
C. To select eligible graduate students for college committees in which graduate representation is necessary.
D. To advance the recognition and integration of graduate students at William & Mary.
E. To provide a forum for the dissemination of information and ideas to the university and the community.

GSA is governed by a constitution, last amended in May of 2025 to reflect changes in governance structure. You can access it here.

The opening of the School of Computing, Data Sciences, & Physics (CDSP) in the Fall of 2025 had considerable implications for graduate student leadership and organization in both CDSP and Arts & Sciences. Without any changes to the existing governance structure, programs in CDSP and their graduate student population would cease to have representation at the end of 2024. After several discussions with graduate students and meetings with the Dean and Vice Dean of Arts & Sciences, as well as the Director of Student Leadership Development, it was agreed that GSA, as the student organization that represented all impacted students, was the most appropriate body to determine the future of student governance and the GSA.

A committee comprised of concerned students from both schools was formed to draft proposals for graduate student consideration. Student feedback was elicited via multiple surveys and special open forums at GSA meetings. For a review of the process, relevant data collected, and the final proposals considered, review the referendum and ballot guide here.

GSA is a strong supporter of the Graduate Research Symposium (GRS), which is hosted by the Graduate Center and the GRS Organizing Committee. The GRS is one of only a few graduate-focused conferences that is broadly themed and therefore designed to bring together graduate students from differing areas of study and from all stages of the degree process. This event encourages interdisciplinary exchange, bringing together students from the sciences and the humanities at William & Mary, as well as from other universities. For more information and to explore past symposia, visit the GRS page.

The GSA hosts several morning and evening social events each semester (usually three of each) that are open to all Arts and Sciences graduate students. These socials are the perfect place to meet students from other departments and programs, keep up with upcoming events around campus, or speak directly with GSA representatives. Socials are well attended, attracting 40-60 people per event depending on the size and scope of the event. As hubs for A&S and CDSP graduate students, these events are instrumental in fostering a sense of community and solidarity among students.

Evening socials cycle between different bars and restaurants in Williamsburg - usually those that are close to campus for ease of access. Typical venues include Brickhouse Tavern (Scotland Street), Green Leafe (Scotland Street), and Precarious Beer Project (S Henry Street). Graduate students also occasionally host socials. The GSA pays for food at these events while individual graduate students pay for their own beverages. They are held a few times per semester, typically starting at 6pm.

Morning socials are held at the Graduate Commons in the Earl Gregg Swem Library or the Graduate Center from 9:30am to 11:30am: the space is opened for graduate students to mingle over free bagels, toast, fruit, nutrition bars, coffee, tea, and various other spreads, including vegan and gluten-free options. These are held multiple times per semester.