Council of Graduate Schools
The Council of Graduate Schools is a nonprofit higher education organization with headquarters in Washington, DC. Its mission is to advance graduate education and research. Its main activities consist of best practice initiatives, data analysis, advocacy, and global engagement.
Leadership
CGS is governed by a member-elected board of directors. Members of CGS's board of directors are elected to one- to three-year terms. The current president of CGS, Suzanne Ortega, began her tenure July 2014 after serving as the senior vice president for academic affairs at the University of North Carolina.
Past CGS presidents:
- Debra W. Stewart
- Jules B. LaPidus
- Michael J. Pelczar Jr.
- J. Boyd Page
- Gustave O. Arlt
Projects and Programs
Initiatives
CGS collaborates with members on initiatives that address common challenges in graduate education. Examples of these initiatives include understanding PhD career pathways, financial literacy, challenges in degree completion and attrition, Preparing Future Faculty, mental health and wellness, and scholarly integrity and the Responsible Conduct of Research.
Research and benchmarking
CGS researches and publishes its findings on specific metrics related to graduate education, including graduate enrollment and degrees and international graduate student applications, admissions and enrollments.
Advocacy
CGS advocates for graduate education before Congress and the Administration, working both independently and collaboratively with other national organizations to advance federal policies. Issue areas have included diversity and inclusiveness; the Higher [Education Act of 1965#2008 reauthorization|Higher Education Reauthorization Act]; immigration reform; tax; and workforce development. CGS also provides resources and opportunities for its members to advocate on behalf of graduate education and research with campus stakeholders and policymakers.
Global engagement
CGS hosts meetings and publishes research on global trends in graduate education as well as graduate education in a global context. Examples of its global engagement include the annual Strategic Leaders Global Summit on Graduate Education, traditionally hosted outside the U.S., and the international graduate admissions survey issued annually.
The Council of Graduate Schools convenes members for two major meetings per year: an annual meeting in early December and a summer workshop and New Deans Institute held in July.