Graduate Student Liaisons & Student Working Group

Graduate Student Liaisons (GSLs)

Throughout its history, ASLE has acknowledged the significant contributions of graduate students to the continuing development of ecocriticism and of ASLE as an organization.  The position of GSL was created to give an official voice to students at ASLE business meetings and in other forums where discussion of the organizations goals, direction and future are discussed.

There are currently two GSL positions, and one liaison is appointed each year on a rotating basis by the ASLE President.  At its meeting in 2008, ASLE’s Executive Council voted to change its Bylaws to add the senior (serving his or her second year) GSL to the list of voting officers.  ASLE has long had two graduate students serving in the capacity of GSL on the council, but they did not previously vote. This change ensures that graduate students’ concerns are represented fully in ASLE’s business.

For those interested in becoming GSLs, please see the Graduate Student Liaison Policy page for details and additional information on the role of GSLs.  If you have any questions, concerns, or suggestions, feel free to contact the current GSLs.

2011 Graduate Student Liaisons

Jill Anderson (senior member)
Middle Tennessee State University
drjillelizabeth@gmail.com

Andrew Hageman (junior member)
University of California, Davis
achageman@ucdavis.edu

Graduate Student Working Group

The Working Group meets via email to discuss the concerns of ASLE graduate student members, help plan ASLE conference graduate events, and assist in ASLE projects. The GSLs coordinate the activities of this group.  The Working Group is a great way to increase your involvement with ASLE (and a nice line on your CV).  We are always seeking new members, so please contact the current GSLs if you are interested.

Current Projects of the GSLs and Working Group

We welcome your thoughts and your participation in the following ongoing initiatives.

Professionalization Panels: Given the success of the professionalization panels at the 2007 and 2009 ASLE Biennial Conferences, we organized two panels at the 2011 conference in Bloomington. Please send us your suggestions on what topics or concerns you would most like these panels to address for future conferences.

Graduate Student Handbook Update: We are currently initiating a revision of the Graduate Student Handbook for the ASLE website. We welcome immediate suggestions from graduate students for changes and/or additions to the handbook.

Graduate Student Column: In recent issues of ASLE News we have spotlighted a graduate program with a focus on literature and environment, and are always looking for other programs to write about.  Please contact us if you would like to have the program you are in included in this section of the newsletter. 

Graduate Student Blog:  In 2010 the GSLs began a new blog specifically to address the needs and concerns of graduate students in the field. Any topic on your mind, from selecting a graduate program, conference attendance, publishing opportunities, overcoming writer’s block, or whatever else you’re wondering about, you can post there.  Come join in and contribute to a lively conversation!