This summer the Congress of Graduate Students (COGS) donated three umbrellas for use on the terrace outside of The Globe to enhance outdoor seating options for those attending the Center for Global Engagement’s intercultural events.

COGS is the official representative body of graduate students at FSU and includes all post-baccalaureate, special, masters, specialist, professional, and doctoral students.

Chris Hagemeyer, COGS Speaker and fourth-year doctoral candidate studying biomedical sciences in the College of Medicine, attended International Coffee Hour in July to connect with international students and explore more opportunities for collaboration with the CGE.

“Taking care of our constituents is a primary concern. International student welfare is a major priority for COGS as they make up a substantial portion of our graduate student population at FSU,” Hagemeyer said. "We are interested in supporting programs that enhance the graduate student experience, and CGE does a lot for graduate students.”

COGS is committed to enhancing services for graduate students at FSU by representing graduate student interests to the university and community. COGS also provides graduate students with grants for travel and funds programs and activities across campus that benefit graduate students.

Gaurav Harshe, international student from India pursuing a master’s in higher education, serves as the International Student Advocate for COGS, and he encourages graduate students to reach out about any desires for improving and fostering a welcoming environment for our international community.

“I appreciate the opportunity to serve the international student/scholar and community-at-large and advocate on their behalf with FSU’s Student Government Association (SGA),” Harshe said. “The sunshade umbrellas for the CGE courtyard will increase the outdoor seating capacity and allow for students to enjoy the International Coffee Hours without worrying too much about the sun in the summers. If you are an incoming graduate student, reach out to me so we can co-create a welcoming space for you and our international community at FSU!”

All graduate students are invited to sign up for the new COGS newsletter. Students are also invited to attend the next COGS meetings to be held on September 13 and September 27 from 6:30 to 10 p.m. in HCB, Room 103; click here for more information about the meetings.