Oakland University’s Association for Graduate and Professional Students (AGPS) is reestablishing a sense of community for students pursuing advanced degrees — offering networking, mentorship and service opportunities following the organization’s revival last year.
The organization’s objective focuses on hosting events with professionals where graduate students can discuss their interests, form relationships and gain access to advanced networking opportunities.
“We provide a welcoming, supportive environment for students pursuing graduate studies, professional work, or for individuals who may be considering pursuing graduate studies,” Payton Bucki, AGPS treasurer, said.
Bucki explained that a general organization for graduate and professional students at Oakland University did not survive the COVID-19 pandemic, and it was not until a group of passionate students revived it last year that AGPS returned. Since then, the board has worked to spread the word about the organization to improve the graduate student experience and promote student success throughout the school year. The group has also focused on rebuilding connections among departments that often operate independently, encouraging collaboration between programs in various fields.
The revived association is now open to students studying all disciplines, collaborating with the university staff and other organizations to host events that emphasize professional development. These events often highlight practical topics such as balancing graduate coursework with research and transitioning from academia to the professional workforce.
“Our group mainly appeals to graduate and professional students; however, all students are welcome to join our organization,” Bucki said. “Our board aims to be a strong support resource for undergraduate students considering pursuing graduate studies.”
Aside from board meetings that take place a few times a month, AGPS would like to begin hosting monthly meetings for general members to continue building relationships and watching the organization grow. The board meetings include discussions about the internal operations of the organization as well as events they would like to pursue.
The organization is currently engaging in efforts to raise student body awareness by planning events encouraging students to consider a future in the Association for Graduate and Professional Students. Students can get involved by contacting board members to express interest and by attending upcoming events hosted by AGPS.
“Our members value building relationships with community members and serving their community, so many of our events and initiatives are service-related,” Bucki said.
An AGPS campus cleanup event is scheduled for Friday, Nov. 7 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Writing Center in Kresge Library. The event will give students an opportunity to give back to the community by volunteering to help maintain a clean campus environment and build connections with other students. Bucki said the group hopes this initiative will inspire more cross-departmental participation, encouraging graduate students to connect beyond their academic programs.
“I hope that beyond my time here at Oakland University, the Association of Graduate and Professional Students will continue to grow as an organization on Oakland University’s campus,” Bucki said.
For more information about AGPS — including contact information for board members, upcoming events, additional resources and a discussion page — students can visit the organization’s MySail page.
