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    GSA Student Affairs

    The GSA student affairs community is open to faculty and professional staff working in student support, well-being, career advising, and transition to residency. The work of the GSA student affairs community is led by the Committee on Student Affairs (COSA).

    Access Resources on Student Affairs 

    COSA and career advising; the health and well-being of medical students; the ethical and professional development of students; academic support and resources, and the preparation of students for the transition from medical school to residency.  

    COSA Committee Charge 

    The committee discusses issues of national interest that are brought to its attention by GSA constituents, inclusive of students, and AAMC staff. The committee may identify projects, where an issue is of national importance and interest. The committee is advisory to the GSA Steering Committee and, as such, makes regular reports to the steering committee and seeks approval of the steering committee for special projects. 

    Message From the Chair 

    Cherie Singer, PhD 
    National Chair, GSA Committee on Student Affairs 
    Associate Dean for Student Affairs  
    University of Nevada, Reno, School of Medicine 

    I am honored to serve as the Committee on Student Affairs (COSA) chair. Whether you are new to the student affairs community or a seasoned veteran with stories to share, each of you is dedicated to our mission to support the educational journey of our students. This can, at times, be the hardest, yet most rewarding work of our careers. 

    COSA is a place where the larger community can advocate for change. We do this through our deeply rooted culture of collaboration amongst distinct areas of expertise within student affairs and across the educational continuum. This approach speaks to my own professional values that we are better together and when all voices are represented at the table. The committee exists to listen to what you are experiencing and gather information for problem-solving in development of new initiatives. Communication is the key to doing this well and I look forward to leading COSA in engaging with you to best focus our work on what will positively impact you and your students. 

    The heart of student affairs begins with the dedicated individuals that are drawn to the work and share both the joy and heartache of our students. As a basic scientist faculty member with little awareness of student affairs early in my career, the community of practice that surrounds COSA was instrumental in my professional and leadership development. It has also been a lifeline through transitions and challenges for many of us who have found support from our colleagues during difficult times. This work will continue over the next few years as we continue to find opportunities to build community and facilitate mentorship and professional growth to support your individual journeys. 

    COSA Committee Roster 

    Chair 

    Cherie Singer, PhD 
    Senior Associate Dean for Student Affairs 
    University of Nevada, Reno, School of Medicine 
    November 2023–November 2026 

    GSA National Chair-Elect 

    Tara Cunningham, EdD, MS
    Associate Dean for Student Life
    Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth
    November 2024–November 2025

    Committee on Student Diversity Affairs (COSDA) Representative  

    TBD

    Central Region (CGSA) Representative 

    Corey Koperski, MS 
    Student Programs Administrator, Grand Rapids Community Campus 
    Michigan State University College of Human Medicine 
    April 2022–November 2026 

    Northeast Region (NEGSA) Representative 

    Katherine Chretien, MD 
    Associate Dean for Medical Student Affairs 
    Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine 
    November 2021–November 2025 

    Southern Region (SGSA) Representative 

    Jennifer Caceres, MD 
    Vice Dean for Medical Education
    Florida Atlantic University Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine  
    November 2023–November 2026 

    Western Region (WGSA) Representative 

    Stephanie K. Zia, MD, MACM 
    Assistant Dean for Student Affairs 
    Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California 
    November 2022–November 2025 

    AAMC Staff Liaison 

    Irena Tartakovsky, MD, MS 
    Director, Constituent Engagement

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