What is the RSA?
The SOAS Research Students’ Association is a student-led organisation, associated with the SOAS Students’ Union, which represents postgraduate research students across the school, communicating our needs with the Doctoral School, and fighting for positive changes in various forums.
The SOAS Research Students’ Association aims to represent the interests of all post-graduate research student at SOAS, campaign on PGR issues and support relevant campaigns that affect PGRs. The RSA additionally provides a social forum for PGRs, peer help and support and encourages students to engage in opportunities of professional development.
If you want to learn more about RSA and what being a board member involves, join us for an online information session on Wednesday 24th April at 3pm.
What are the rules within the RSA?
The RSA is made up of a President, a Vice-President, and a panel of Board members. The President and Vice-President are directly elected, and the Board is comprised of PGR departmental student representatives. Currently, your President is Ekabali Ghosh, your Vice-President is Charlie Oubridge, and your active Board members are Declan Prout, Yingbai Fu, Xinuo Liang and Priya Rowjee-Lewis.
What are some of the things the RSA has achieved this year?
Monthly meetings with the Doctoral School team to raise students concerns; involvement in decision-making at SOAS by participating in boards, panels, committees and working groups; working with the Doctoral School to improve the processing of grants; campaigning on extensions for students whose studies have been affected by COVID-19; supporting Research and Knowledge Exchange activities; launching the Research Community Reading List.
Where does the RSA represent students?
We represent PGRs is in monthly meetings with the Doctoral School and sit on various committees within the university and Students’ Union, including the Senate and Board of Trustees. Through these meetings, we represent the voices of PGR students on matters including Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI), Research and Knowledge Exchange (RKE) and Research Ethics.