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    GSA Committee on Student Affairs (COSA)

    The GSA National Committee on Student Affairs (COSA) provides guidance on issues related to student support and services, including personal advising, 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.

    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

    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 are 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.

    Cherie Singer, Ph.D.
    National Chair, GSA Committee on Student Affairs
    Associate Dean for Student Affairs at the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine

    Member Resources

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    COSA Committee Roster

    Chair
    Cherie A. Singer, PhD (November 2023- November 2026)
    Senior Associate Dean for Student Affairs
    University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine

    GSA National Chair Elect
    Joel Maurer, MD (November 2023– November 2024)
    Assistant Dean for Admissions
    Associate Professor, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology
    College of Human Medicine
    Michigan State University Clinical Center

    Committee on Student Diversity Affairs (COSDA) Representative
    Kristin Powell Reavis, MD, MBS (November 2022 - November 2025)
    Assistant Professor of Family Medicine 
    Assistant Dean for Student Diversity and Inclusion 
    Residency Program Director 
    Director of Maternal Child Health 
    Department of Family and Community Medicine 
    University of Maryland School of Medicine

    Central Region (CGSA) Representative
    Corey (Madura) Koperski, MS (April 2022 – November 2026)
    Student Programs Administrator, Grand Rapids Community Campus
    Michigan State University College of Human Medicine

    Northeast Region (NEGSA) Representative
    Katherine Chretien, MD (November 2021- November 2024)
    Associate Dean for Medical Student Affairs
    Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

    Southern Region (SGSA) Representative
    Jennifer Caceres, MD (November 2023- November 2026)
    Senior Associate Dean for Student Affairs and Admissions
    Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine at Florida Atlantic University

    Western Region (WGSA) Representative
    Stephanie K. Zia, MD, MACM, FAAP, FACP, FHM (November 2022 – November 2025)
    Assistant Dean for Student Affairs
    Clinical Assistant Professor of Internal Medicine, Pediatrics & Medical Education
    Keck School of Medicine of USC
    University of Southern California
    LAC+USC Medical Center

    AAMC Staff Liason
    Irena Tartakovsky, MD, MS
    Association of American Medical Colleges