Organizations and Professional Associations

A primary aim of the department is to foster creative leadership among students. It is essential that students take advantage of the many opportunities which exist to work with peers in the area and with colleagues in the field of educational administration.

Such associations provide for the exchange of ideas, the enhancement of professional growth, and in many instances offer the opportunity to gain experience in administrative leadership. Students whose only contacts with the department consist of classroom experiences deny themselves of an essential and rewarding link in their professional education. International students are encouraged to take part in the variety of activities aimed at helping one "feel at home" in addition to the development of professional friendships among faculty and peers.

Graduate Student Association

The Graduate Student Association enables students to participate in university-GSA sponsored special interest clubs and events. The ELP-GSA student body is represented and served by an elected executive committee consisting of a president, vice president, treasurer and secretary.

The primary mission of ELP-GSA is to develop a sense of unity among the department's students. Its primary objectives are to provide for:

  • occasions for the exchange of knowledge and mutual assistance involving common educational endeavors;
  • the promotion of diversity and understanding of new knowledge in the field of education;
  • the dissemination of information to students from the university GSA, ELP, and the Graduate School of Education;
  • opportunities for student involvement in ELP-GSA activities and related committees;
  • a communication link between the Graduate School of Education and ELP faculty, staff and students;
  • the general welfare and support of ELP and its pursuit of excellence in education;
  • student need and concern advocacy; and
  • social activities.

This group also meets regularly and acts as a liaison with the department representing student concerns and problems. The president of ELP-GSA and four student representatives, elected annually, represent the student body at departmental meetings as fully participating members. The representatives are involved in agenda development, discussion, debate and vote on all except personnel matters. Eligibility to serve as a student representative and as a GSA officer is open to all students. Two-way communication between the student body and the department is maintained by the representatives through the departmental newsletter, memos, posted items and meetings. Notifications of meetings and other important information is posted on the ELP-GSA bulletin board in the purple conversation area near 468 Baldy Hall.

Alumni Associations

Graduate School of Education Alumni Association (GSEAA) was established during the 1990-91 school year under the direction of a steering committee comprised of local alumni from all graduate programs in ducation. GSEAA aims for a blend of social and professional growth activities to meet the expressed wishes of its diverse membership. Membership in GSEAA provides automatic membership in the UB Alumni Association with its benefits and services. Contact: GSE Dean's Office, 367 Baldy Hall.

The Society of Educational Administrators (SEA), is an organization of educational administration alumni. Its purpose is to:

  • promote and encourage further growth of members in the field of educational administration;
  • establish a permanent relationship among the alumni and students of the Program in Educational Administration; and
  • provide an opportunity for educational administrators to stimulate and encourage each other in areas of research and advanced education.

A directory of alumni is published periodically. Activities and meetings are held on a regular basis. Contact person is Dr. Stephen Jacobson.

Professional Associations

Students are encouraged to become acquainted with their professional associations and to participate in these as part of their own professional development.