What we do

The Biology Graduate Students Association (BGSA) is a student organization representing graduate students and postdocs in McGill's Department of Biology.

We operate under the umbrella of the Post-Graduate Students' Society (PGSS), and admit by default all graduate students and postdocs in the Department of Biology. We host and organize a variety of social and academic events each year — from BBQs and social nights at Thomson House to group seminars, retreats, and Department Day. Check out our calendar for upcoming events!

Our team

The BGSA executive committee plans events in conversation with the student body. Our funding comes partially from student and postdoc fees paid to PGSS to support BGSA activities. As such, the Biology student body largely determines how to spend our budget on various academic and social events, and votes on spending during general assemblies.

Constitution

Our organization is governed by our constitution, which outlines BGSA's role at McGill University.

Getting involved

Want to get involved? Contact our executive committee for open positions or for any questions! Unfilled executive and committee representative positions require by-elections through PGSS, however you can still get involved without fulfilling official positions. In the past, students have organized journal clubs, BBQs, and other social gatherings more organically.

General Assemblies

BGSA holds general assemblies (GA) every semester, with exception of the summer, at the minimum. GAs are a great opportunity to learn about more on-going activities of BGSA, to vote on new initiatives, and discuss future opportunities.

(Header background photo of the Stewart Biology Building by Shuaishuai Li)