Students in the M.L.I.S. program are members of the Library and Information Studies Student Association (LISSA) and are urged to participate in the activities of the association. LISSA sends representatives to faculty meetings and departmental committees. LISSA representatives also participate in the governance of the Graduate Student Association, a university-wide organization, and in the University Senate. LISSA receives a portion of student fees to be spent in accordance with student needs. Guest speakers, panels, and workshops often are sponsored by LISSA, as well as trips to the Library of Congress and other important library and information institutions. Wine and cheese parties, potluck suppers, and graduation celebrations are arranged as well. Participation is one of the best ways to meet classmates and future professional peers and to communicate with the faculty and administration.
