The GSC is dedicated to enhancing the graduate experience through a variety of activities designed to unite students and bolster their academic and personal growth.
U-M BME’s Graduate Student Council (GSC) serves as a source of student community, support, and innovation. The GSC, which for the 2024-25 school year was led by Ph.D. students Brooke Smiley and Samantha Schwartz, is dedicated to enhancing the graduate experience through a variety of activities designed to unite students and bolster their academic and personal growth.
“The goal we have is to foster a community within our department, specifically for the graduate students,” said Smiley. “We want to give them spaces to come together for fun activities, while also being involved in recruitment and orientation events to integrate new students into our community.”
The GSC’s influence is felt throughout the department, particularly during significant events, such as Ph.D. recruitment and orientation days. These opportunities allow prospective students to meet current members and gain insights into life at Michigan BME. “We provide a space for students to talk with other students about academic or non-academic matters and to get advice from each other,” Smiley added. This peer-to-peer support system has been instrumental in creating a welcoming environment for newcomers.
The GSC’s mission doesn’t stop at fun social events and academic networking. The group is structured to include three distinct committees: Social, Academic, and Wellness. The Social Committee organizes an array of events, such as board game nights, tailgates, and skating outings, designed to break the ice and foster friendships.
Meanwhile, the Academic Committee focuses on supporting scholarly pursuits of BME students. “We organize events such as the Qualifying Exam prep nights, writing hours, and workshops on useful tools like GitHub,” said Schwartz. “These events equip students with the skills and confidence they need to succeed.”
Recognizing the importance of mental health, the Wellness Committee provides events focusing on relaxation and cultural appreciation, from de-stress activities to cultural celebrations that welcome all members of the graduate community to share their respective traditions.
Community engagement extends beyond campus borders, with the Academic Committee building on outreach efforts. “One of our co-chairs is very involved in outreach,” Schwartz added, “and has been working on volunteering initiatives with local elementary and high schools.”
The GSC’s collaborative spirit also is evident in its partnerships with other departments within the College of Engineering and across campus. With six collaborative events this year alone, including a recent baking competition, the GSC has hosted picnics and cultural events with groups from Robotics to Chemical Engineering, enhancing interdepartmental bonds.
While the GSC has seen consistent involvement from Ph.D. students, there is a concerted effort to engage more master’s students, who often face additional time constraints because of their more accelerated coursework. “Their rigorous schedules and the compressed period of their program make it challenging,” Smiley acknowledged. However, she remains hopeful that the engaging and supportive nature of the GSC will entice more to join.
For many, like Smiley and Schwartz, the GSC is a lifeline. “It’s about the community it provides,” said Schwartz. “It really has been instrumental in having a positive Ph.D. experience.”
The GSC is constantly evolving. Every year, members reach out to the student body for new event ideas, ensuring that programming remains fresh and relevant. “We love hearing new ideas,” Smiley said. “Anyone with suggestions can just email us at our BME GSC account.”
In all their efforts, the message is clear: at the BME Graduate Student Council, community is vital. By creating an environment where students feel supported, connected, and empowered, the GSC not only enriches the lives of its members but strengthens the fabric of the Michigan BME Department.
For more about GSC’s activities or to get involved, students can contact the group at their email address ([email protected]) or check out their event lists showcased in the department’s common areas.