Graduate Student Advisory Board Focused on Giving a Voice to Graduate Community

As a full-time employee of NC State University and a part-time graduate student at the College of Education, Melissa Nosbisch knows she has to be intentional about how she spends her time if she wants to engage with her peers and get the most out of her doctoral program. That’s why she is helping lead the effort to re-energize the college’s Graduate Student Advisory Board this semester.

“It is important to me to get involved with my peers,” said Nosbisch, a Ph.D. student in the Educational Leadership, Policy, and Human Development program area of study in higher education and coordinator for the Administrative Board at The Graduate School. “I was excited to get involved with an organization that supports and promotes student success and wellness because those are two of my passions and why I work in higher education.”

At the start of the calendar year, the advisory board emerged with a renewed focus on advocacy, support and engagement for graduate students within the college. Members have worked alongside faculty, staff and fellow students to create a slate of activities and programming focused on social support, professional development and overall health and wellness.

The board has been quick to implement academic and professional development support services like writing workshops this semester along with a new social event called First Thursdays.

Inspired by building community among her graduate school peers, Lynley Wentzel, a Ph.D. student in Educational Leadership, Policy, and Human Development specializing in adult, workforce, and continuing professional education, joined the advisory board as co-chair to advocate for non-traditional students like herself. She views her role as one that helps non-traditional students have a voice to ensure all students feel welcome and engaged during their time in graduate school.

“I am passionate about opening educational doors and avenues for all students,” Wentzel said. “I believe the board will enhance engagement, opportunities for networking, support for students needing assistance, and the voice for all in the graduate community.”