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 Society (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--or in creating a grad student organization in hopes of becoming a GSO--can charter with ACS. If your GSO focuses primarily on laboratory safety, find additional resources on Lab Safety Teams.
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.
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 DEIR Grant
Supporting professional development endeavors in Student Chapters and GSOs that advance the ACS Core Value of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Respect (DEIR).
ACS Student Communities Engagement Grant
Supporting ACS student community outreach events, group engagement, career and professional development, or group growth.
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.
ACS Student Communities Starter Grant
Supporting the creation or reactivation of ACS student communities, including Student Chapters, International Student Chapters, and Graduate Student Organizations.
Check out this article in the ACS Graduate & Postdoctoral Chemist Magazine 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 Society membership!
Contact Us
Contact us and one of our customer service experts will help you find the solution you're looking for.
Graduate Student Organization:
gso@acs.org
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