Overview

Regular Membership

United States and Canadian institutions of higher education that are significantly engaged in graduate education, research and scholarship, and the preparation of candidates for advanced degrees are eligible for Regular Membership. An applicant institution must:

• Have approval to offer graduate work, granted by an accrediting authority determined appropriate by the CGS Membership Committee
• Offer degrees in at least three distinct and separate fields or disciplines at the time of application
• Have awarded a total of at least thirty master's degrees or ten doctoral degrees in at least three distinct and separate fields or disciplines within the three-year period immediately before the date of application
• Have a formally organized administrative unit responsible for graduate education

Associate Membership

Institutions of higher education in the U.S. or Canada that are engaged in graduate education but do not meet the requirements for regular membership, may be eligible for Associate Membership. An applicant institution must:

• Have been approved to offer graduate level work by an accrediting authority determined appropriate by the CGS Membership Committee
• Offer at least one graduate degree program at the master's level or above
• Have awarded at least ten graduate degrees during the three-year period preceding application

Benefits for Regular and Associate Member Institutions (see our flyer on Member Resources)

Representation and Visibility in the Graduate Community

• Publication of your institutional website address on the CGS website
• Access to the searchable online Membership Directory, which provides the names, titles, contact information, and academic fields of deans at member institutions
• Opportunities to compete for funding for Best Practice projects
• Opportunities to advertise meetings, events and other items in GradEdge (fee-based)
• Eligibility to nominate individuals for CGS awards
• Participation in governance of the Council

Information and Best Practices

• Access to the CGS Dean's Discussion Board, the only searchable online platform for information exchange dedicated solely to graduate education
• A subscription to the GradEdge newsletter and online access to the members-only archives
• Access to News Network, a biweekly update of issues, research and policies shaping graduate education
• One complimentary copy of each new CGS publication
• Exclusive electronic access to all CGS publications via the CGS website
• Opportunities to contribute to data on U.S. graduate education

Public Policy and Advocacy

• Opportunities to engage in advocacy, including joining CGS’s Advocacy Ambassadors Network.
• Exclusive access to CGS’s Washington Insights & Highlights for regular updates on policy and advocacy issues impacting graduate education, research, and scholarship.
• Access to policy and legislative briefs and other advocacy materials for working with policymakers, community/industry stakeholders, and campus leadership.
• Professional development opportunities to learn from CGS peers and staff on how to fine-tune advocacy messaging across a variety of stakeholder audiences.

Professional Development and Networking Opportunities

• Opportunities to solicit advice and information from experts in graduate education and CGS leadership
• Eligibility to be invited to serve on best practice committees and as a consultant for CGS consultation services
• Opportunities to participate in webinars led by graduate deans and experts on pressing topics in graduate education
• Invitations to special receptions and events
• Ability to advertise job postings on the CGS Career Portal

Benchmarking and Consultation Services

• Benchmarking services and data available through members-only sections of the CGS website
• Strategic consultation services drawn upon CGS best practice expertise and benchmarking data as well as insights from experienced graduate deans (fee-based)

Reduced Rates

• Reduced member rates on CGS meetings, workshops, publications, benchmarking and consultation services, and advertisements in GradEdge.
• 50% off job announcements in the CGS Career Portal

How to Apply

If your institution is interested in applying for Membership, please contact Janice Goggins to receive the membership application materials. Please visit the Membership Dues page to learn more about the dues for Regular and Associate Members.