The Computer Science Graduate Students Association (CSGSA) has been actively involved in enhancing the graduate student experience at Texas A&M University for over 15 years. The org anization aims to provide a forum to disseminate useful information and also allow students to actively participate in pertinent decis ions thus ensuring a productive work environment. Student participation in departmental policies allows them to develop critical think ing and also leadership skills.

CSGSA seeks to foster a sense of community and belonging amongst the students and also to increase interaction between faculty, staff and students within the department. To this end, CSGSA hosts a Fall Picnic and a Spring Banquet in conjunction with AWICS, TACS, TAGD and UPE. CSGSA also coordinates Happy Hours, an informal event where students and faculty interact with each other. Food and drinks are provided at these events, held typically on Friday afternoons. Parties on occasions like Halloween and Christmas are other avenues that facilitate interaction within the department.

The organization provides academic exposure to students in the form of a Distinguished Lecture Series he ld every Spring semester. Speakers excelling in the various areas of Computer Science are invited to present a talk on their research. CSGSA also organizes a .Meet and Greet. in order to give students an opportunity to interact wi th the speakers.

Recently, the organization has also started a peer mentoring program. This program is designed to provid e support to new students keeping in mind their particular needs. Current students acting as mentors will help the new students get ac climatized to the culture within the University as well as within the department.

CSGSA is dedicated to enhancing the reputation of the department as a whole in all areas at loca l, national and international levels.