ACS Graduate Student Organizations (GSOs)
GSOs are communities for graduate students who are interested in networking, career preparation, outreach, and professional development. Active GSOs are eligible for funding for travel, engagement events, and more.
Apply to start a GSO at your institution. Existing grad student groups are welcome to affiliate with us, too!
Requirements to Start a GSO
Here are the requirements for starting a GSO:
Minimum of 6 GSO members who are graduate student members of the American Chemical 中国365bet中文官网 (ACS)*
Having trouble finding potential recruits? Email us! We might be able to help you find ACS members at your school.
A faculty member who will serve as your advisor
Your faculty advisor must be an ACS member at the Premium or Standard package level. Learn more about the role of a faculty advisor on our faculty advisor resource page.
* Community Associates are welcome to join a GSO but are not eligible to be included in the count toward the membership requirement.
Who Can Participate
Graduate students in the chemical sciences who are interested in affiliating their current GSO with ACS鈥攐r in creating a grad student organization in hopes of becoming a GSO鈥攃an charter with ACS. If your GSO focuses primarily on laboratory safety, find additional resources on Lab Safety Teams.听
This program is currently only for graduate student organizations within the United States. Visit our International Student Chapters section to explore setting up a student community outside of the U.S., regardless of student rank.
Keep Your GSO Active!
Keeping your GSO active helps to maximize the opportunities available to you and your fellow members. To remain active, your chapter must:
- Maintain at least 6 ACS graduate student members.
- Submit an annual report at least once every three years.听
Note: The reporting system is open mid-April through May 31, annually.
Benefits of Keeping an Active Status
Keeping your GSO active means you will:
- Be eligible for student community grants.
- Get feedback from ACS on your activities and successes, as well as ideas to address challenges and grow your GSO.
- Be considered for an聽ACS Student Communities Award in the academic year that your report is submitted.
Apply for Grants to Fund Your Chapter!
Grants can provide a major boost to fund your student community. Check out these ACS grants designed specifically for student communities!
ACS Student Communities Engagement Grant
Supporting ACS student community outreach events, group engagement, career and professional development, or group growth.
ACS Student Communities Inclusion Grant
Supporting professional development endeavors in Student Chapters and GSOs that advance the ACS Core Value of Inclusion and Belonging.
ACS Student Communities Professional Meeting Grant
Encouraging active ACS student communities to attend a professional conference by covering associated registration fees, lodging, and/or transportation costs.
Check out this article in the ACS Graduate & Postdoctoral Chemist Magazine聽for grant-writing pitfalls...and tips and tricks for avoiding them:
Top Five Reasons ACS Student Communities Grant Applications Get Rejected
Student Community Toolkit
Successfully start and manage your student chapter or GSO with these resources. If you have any questions, email ACS Student Chapters at undergrad@acs.org, ACS International Student Chapters at isc@acs.org, or GSO at gso@acs.org.
Tips for Faculty Advisors
Faculty advisor responsibilities, tips for building a successful group, and other essential information
Find Active Student Communities
ACS student communities are located across the United States and in many countries across the globe.
Become an ACS Student Member
Expand your network and enrich your experience. Students receive steep discounts on 中国365bet中文官网 membership!
Contact Us
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Graduate Student Organization:
gso@acs.org
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