Congress

1st Annual Congress

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8th Anniversary Celebration

GRASAG USA is eight years old. We have much to celebrate and be thankful for as members and alumni. We are excited to be in community with all members, alumni, and stakeholders for our maiden congress and 8th-anniversary celebration. As themed for this congress, we are purposely gathering to celebrate our collective achievements and gains since the inception of this association in 2016. As our maiden in-person event, we look forward to building deeper connections among ourselves and fostering unity as a community.

We are proud of our learning journey and milestones. For the last eight years, the Association has been a formidable voice, championing the interests of Ghanaian graduate students in the United States of America and building a resourceful academic community of Ghanaian graduate students. As an association, we have provided diverse platforms to support members’ academic and general welfare, built a culture of excellence, and unleashed the maximum potential of our members. GRASAG-USA annually offers financial assistance to deserving students by paying application fees during enrolment cycles. This initiative has always been possible through the benevolence of GRASAG members, executives, alumni, and other well-meaning Ghanaians who share our vision for empowering Ghanaian youth through quality education.

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The numerical strength of the association has grown astronomically in the last eight years as more students have transitioned to pursue graduate studies in the United States. According to the Open Doors Report (2023), approximately 6,000 Ghanaian students transitioned to pursue master’s and doctoral degrees in diverse academic programs in the United States in the 2022/2023 academic year. The growth in numbers has also posed diverse challenges to the association in providing tangible and better support services for all members, ranging from healthcare, food, and accommodation support. As the Association celebrates its eighth anniversary, we envision ways of providing better support services and creating a strong sense of belonging for all Ghanaian graduate students.

The Congress theme encapsulates a holistic approach to the graduate student experience, emphasizing three core pillars: Achievement, Learning, and Connection. “Celebrating Achievement” signifies the recognition and acknowledgment of the diverse accomplishments of Ghanaian graduate students in the United States, ranging from academic milestones to notable contributions in various fields. Simultaneously, the theme underscores the importance of continuous “Learning” as an integral part of the academic journey. The Congress aims to provide a platform for knowledge exchange, skill development, and intellectual growth, fostering an environment where members and stakeholders engage in insightful discussions and gain valuable insights that transcend disciplinary boundaries. Lastly, the theme emphasizes “Facilitating Connection,” acknowledging the significance of building a strong and supportive community among Ghanaian graduate students. The Congress serves as a nexus where individuals can forge meaningful connections, share experiences, and collaborate on initiatives that contribute to the collective success of the diaspora. Through this triad of themes, GRASAG-USA envisions a Congress that recognizes past achievements and cultivates a culture of continuous learning and interconnectedness among its members.

We want to use this platform to celebrate the founding executives led by the President, Dr. Juliet Ohemeng-Ntiamoah, Patron, Prof. Yaw Yeboah, the advisory committee, senators, and successive administrations, particularly the outgoing executives, for their outstanding leadership and programmatic support towards members’ general welfare and academic needs.

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Congress Objectives

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  Explore the issues or challenges confronting Ghanaian students in the US and provide empirical-based recommendations and opportunities for policy.
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  Foster academic and social connections among members, alumni, and educational stakeholders in Ghana and the United States.
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  Foster strategic partnerships between members and industry players.
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  Review existing support services that respond to the psychological, social, academic, and physical well-being of Ghanaian graduate students.
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  Create a common platform for knowledge and research exchange among members and educational stakeholders
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  Contribute to pertinent educational policy discussions.
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  Advocate for policies that will enhance Ghanaian graduate education in the United States.

Congress Proceedings

Congress will be in three folds:

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  Plenary Sessions and Panel Discussions: Members will engage with stakeholders on topical issues relevant to Ghanaian graduate education in Ghana and the United States and transition pathways.
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  Paper Presentations and 3-minute Research Case Competition: Members will have the opportunity to present their research papers, posters, projects, and other relevant academic materials during this session. Presentations are welcome in all fields of study.
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  Networking, Socials, and Fun trips: Members will have the opportunity to network with industry players and policymakers. There will be dinners, karaoke, GRASAG-USA Anniversary Celebration, and fun trips to tourist destinations in Washington DC, Maryland, and Virginia

Congress Fee

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  The early bird Congress fee for GRASAG-USA members is US$ 50, while regular registration is US$ 75. The fee covers the congress materials, group lunch, and tea/coffee breaks. The Congress fee for Alumni is US$ 100. Early bird registration ends on April 30, 2024. Payment platforms will be available soon.

Cost of Travel and Meals

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  Participants will be responsible for their travels to and from the University of Maryland. The registration fee will cover group lunches and tea/coffee breaks for the congress.

Accommodation

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  The Congress committee will make affordable but excellent hotel and Airbnb reservations for members around the University of Maryland. Participants will bear the cost of accommodation. All participants are required to book through the committee to enjoy discounted rates.

Trips

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  Participants will have access to a list of tourist sites in Washington DC, Maryland, and Virginia. More information on the congress tour will be made available soon to participants.

Date

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  July 25-28, 2024

Join Us

Join the discourse, participate in GRASAG-USA Congress 2024!

Register Now

Paper Presentation

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3 Minute Research Case Competition

This overarching theme suggests a connection between the achievements and connections of Ghanaian and African students in the USA and their collective impact on national development. It reflects the idea that the success and networks formed by Ghanaian students abroad contribute to the broader progress and development of their home countries. We encourage submissions that offer practical insights, research findings, and impactful solutions. We invite graduate students to submit abstracts in their preferred academic disciplines, encompassing Arts, Business, Education, Humanities, STEM, and Social Sciences. Successful papers will be featured as published conference proceedings, adding to the academic discourse and dissemination of valuable insights gained from these scholarly contributions.

Submission and Enquiries

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  Submit a 300-500 word abstract and 100-word bio.
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  Highlight 5-6 keywords and specify the discipline or field of study.

Submission Guidelines

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  Abstract Submission Deadline Extended: May 30, 2024.
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  Notification of Acceptance: June 28, 2024.

Submit Abstract