The DGA has many executive roles available. It is possible that not all roles will be filled in a particular year; however, in order to be a functioning DGA we must have at least one Chair, one Vice-Chair, and one VP Finance. The remaining positions are flexible and may remain vacant. A summary of each position is listed here:
DGA Chair (one person)
The Chair provides overall leadership and direction for the Association, ensuring that the all executives work cohesively toward its goals. They organize and chair Executive meetings, ensure compliance with the Association’s Constitution and GSA guidelines, and serve as the primary representative of graduate students at PHAS departmental meetings and relevant committees. The Chair also holds signing authority for the Association and may delegate responsibilities to other executive members when necessary.
Vice-Chair (one person)
The Vice-Chair supports the Chair in providing leadership and ensuring continuity within the Association. They work closely with the Chair to learn and understand the responsibilities of the role, with the expectation of transitioning into the Chair position in their second year. The Vice-Chair also fulfills the responsibilities of a Member-at-Large and may serve as Acting Chair in the Chair’s absence, with approval from the Executive committee.
VP Finance (one person or shared between two)
The VP Finance oversees the financial operations of the Association, including budgeting, record-keeping, and financial reporting to the Executive. They prepare and manage the annual budget, review expenses and financial statements monthly, ensure proper expenditure of funds, oversee investments, coordinate audits, and manage funding from the Graduate Student Association, with signing authority over the Association account.
VP Communication/Communications Team (one person or shared with a team)
The VP Communication (or communications team) manages internal communication within the Association and promotes events externally, overseeing email and social media accounts, and updating the PHAS DGA website with event and program information.
VP Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (one person)
The VP IDEA serves as the Association’s representative on the PHAS Department’s IDEA committee and attends relevant meetings and events. They engage with graduate students to understand and advocate for their IDEA-related needs, providing regular updates to the Association on their work. The VP IDEA also acts as the point person for ensuring that Association events are inclusive and appropriately consider IDEA principles.
VP Academic (one person)
The VP Academic serves as the Association’s primary point of contact for academic concerns faced by graduate students, advocating for members experiencing issues with instructors, supervisors, or Teaching Assistant coordinators. They engage with graduate students to understand their academic needs and work with the PHAS Department, when possible, to support relevant course offerings. The VP Academic also represents the Association in meetings with the Faculty of Science Dean’s Office regarding the departmental academic climate and environment.
Physics Subfield Student Representative(s)
The Physics Subfield Student Representative(s) shall communicate DGA proceedings to their respective cohort (e.g., Medical Physics, Quantum, Astrophysics, Computational Neuroscience, etc.) of the PHAS department. The same representative will communicate any concerns on behalf of the students in their subfield to the PHAS DGA.