GSCS
Graduate Students in Conflict Studies

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Welcome to the Graduate Students in Conflict Studies (GSCS) web site. This site is the home of the student organization of the Institute for Conflict Analysis and Resolution (ICAR). If you are looking for general information about ICAR, please visit the ICAR website at: http://www3.gmu.edu/departments/ICAR

This site is designed to help new students become oriented to ICAR, GMU, and the Arlington, Virginia area. We have links to GSCS committees you can become involved in, a list of upcoming events, information regarding class announcements, and links to GMU and other sites. There are many opportunities to get involved in GSCS, and we welcome all of you--this is a special program, one in which the student voice has real effect on the decision-making process and on the culture. That effect is as strong as the involved voices--the more involved cohorts become, the more the program itself is shaped and evolved at all levels.

GSCS was founded and grown through student effort and involvement, and continues to be shaped on an ongoing basis through same. Each incoming cohort brings something unique and dynamic to the process, and we look forward to seeing what this year brings!

Please feel free to E-mail us at gscs@gmu.edu

GSCS Mission Statement

GSCS is a student group made up of all GMU graduate students taking courses through ICAR. GSCS provides a framework through which:

  • Students participate in decision making within ICAR;
  • Communications and community building are given a focal point;
  • Students can find opportunities for personal and professional growth; and
  • Formal and informal conflict analysis and resolution projects can be pursued.

GSCS exists to promote the use of responsible, collective decision making processes within the ICAR community. GSCS is also a forum that nurtures student initiative and creativity. GSCS offers the opportunity for students to articulate and discuss their thoughts, ideas, and needs, and to take action on them. Among the principal benefits of participating in GSCS are the chance to maximize contact with the faculty, shape ICAR's direction and culture, network with other students, build friendships and professional associations.

GSCS serves to inform the student body about events, actions, and ideas that impact the community. Students have representation in:
  • Faculty meetings;
  • Advisory Board meetings;
  • Curriculum Committee meetings;
  • ICAR publications; and
  • Conferences in the conflict resolution field.
To facilitate communication GSCS:
  • Maintains student folders at ICAR;
  • Organizes class representatives;
  • Organizes fun social events;
  • Prepares class announcements;
  • Holds "town meetings";
  • Organizes class evaluations; and
  • Provides a forum for discussions at ICAR.

All students are instrumental to the success of GSCS and we encourage everyone to take an active role. We hope you will join us.