Respect Graduate School

Invitation

from the President of the RGS Student Council:

Dear Students,

The Student Council exists to represent your interests, support your experience as a student, and foster a vibrant, inclusive community. I encourage you to get involved, whether by joining a committee, attending events, or simply sharing your ideas with us. Together, we can make Respect Graduate School a place where everyone feels heard and seen. Looking forward to a successful 2025-2026  year ahead!

Student Council meetings will be held on Teams starting in September. More info to come. We hope you will attend our meetings so we can work together to further our collective goals.

 The RGS Convocation will be held on Wednesday, September 16, 2026 from 7:00PM to 8:00PM to formally open the academic year.  This year’s Convocation will center on the Mission and Vision of Respect Graduate School as it moves into its final phase of seeking accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). The RGS Self-Study Report will be submitted to MSCHE by August 31, 2026!  A visit by the Peer Evaluator Team will take place in November and we will be ready to engage with the Team on our experience, our studies, and our hopes for this institution!

At Convocation, President Suleyman Eris Respect will elaborate on where we’ve been, where we are now, and where we are going with God’s blessing and guidance in sha Allah! It’s an exciting time for us all to be part of the history of RGS.  The Deans, Faculty and staff will be present to welcome you. Attend in person or attend online but please realize how momentous this year will be for all of us when RGS hopes to be admitted to the ranks of higher education institutions accredited by MSCHE and recognized by the US Department of Education.

Please feel free to contact me with your own visions and hopes for RGS! 

In peace.

Current Board Members

Meet the dedicated individuals who represent your interests and work tirelessly to improve the student experience:

President

Issa Kabeer

[email protected]

President

Alicia Terzioglu

[email protected]

Vice President

Burak Terzioglu

[email protected]

Secretary & Treasurer

Issa Kabeer

[email protected]

Student Council Constitution

Our Constitution outlines the mission, vision, and operational framework of the Student Council, serving as a guiding document for all activities and governance. It reflects our commitment to enhancing student life and promoting a collaborative environment.

Past Officers

  • Alicia Terzioglu (President, Fall 2025)
  • Burak Terzioglu (Vice President/Secretary & Treasurer, Fall 2025–Spring 2026)
  • Issa Kabeer (President, Spring 2026)
  • Alicia Terzioglu (President, Spring 2025 – Summer 2025)
  • Melisa Ozer (President, Spring 2024 – Spring 2025)
  • Selen Gulfidan (Vice President, Spring 2024 – Spring 2025)
  • Hajer Sabil (Secretary, Spring 2024 – Fall 2024)
  • Alicia Terzioglu (President, Spring 2025)
  • Burak Terzioglu (Vice President/Secretary & Treasurer, Spring 2025)

Student Council Committees

Interested in making a difference? Join one of our committees and help shape the future of our graduate school! Whether you’re passionate about organizing events, advocating for student rights, or engaging with the community, there’s a place for you. Explore the following committees:

  • Student Activities and Clubs Committee –contact Selen Gulfidan, Student Recruitment and Activities Coordinator, at [email protected]
  • Communications Committee—contact Dr. Colleen Keyes, Dean of Students at [email protected]
  • Create your own committee—contact the SC President, Issa Kabeer, at [email protected].

How to Get Involved / Next Election

Want to join the Student Council? Learn how you can get involved, from running for a Student Council position to participating on committees. Our next election is scheduled for November 2026. Please contact me if you would like to run for office (president, vice president, secretary or treasurer). [email protected]

The Student Council is here to support you! Whether you’re on campus or studying online, we want to hear from you! Distance from RGS is no obstacle to participation!

  • Advocacy: Representing student interests in school policy discussions
  • Community Building: Social events, networking opportunities, and more
  • Clubs & Student Activities: Want to start a hiking club? A Cycling club? A film club? An ethnic cooking club?  Student Council has funds to give to support student club activities. Contact us. Ikabeer@respectgs. us

We strive to make your graduate experience as enriching and inclusive as possible.

Services

The Student Council is here to support you! Whether you’re on campus or studying online, we offer a range of services, including:

  • Academic Support: Academic writing, Doctoral program applications, Career Paths…
  • Advocacy: Representing student interests in school policy discussions
  • Community Building: Social events, networking opportunities, and more

We strive to make your graduate experience as enriching and inclusive as possible.

How to Form a New Club

Looking to start a new club? Follow these simple steps to create your own student organization:

  1. Proposal Submission: Draft your club’s mission, objectives, and proposed activities.
  2. Gather Support: Obtain signatures from at least two interested students.
  3. Approval Process: Submit your proposal to the Student Council for review.
  4. Launch: Once approved, start planning your first event and recruiting members!

Achievements and Initiatives

  • Welcoming Event Dinners for  in-person students and professors in January, June, and August 2026.
  • Open House and Respect’s First Convocation, September 19, 2025
  • Respect hosted Dr.  Sertkaya for his book launch on October 1, 2025
  • Gulen Conference on October 3- October 5, 2025
  • Interfaith Environmental Conference on October 29, 2025
  • Schuon Lectures April 2025 & 2026.
  • Represented Student Interests on the RGS Board of Trustees since 2024
  • MC for the Graduation of June 2026

We are proud of these accomplishments and are committed to continuing our efforts to enhance student life here at RGS.

Past and Future Events

We host a variety of events to bring our community together. Check out highlights from our past events and stay updated on future gatherings.

Welcome Event

RGS President; Dr. Suleyman Eris, Academic Dean, Dean of Students, Student Council and other staff members Welcomed the class of Summer 2025 and Fall 2025 along with our new professor - Dr. Ahmad Obiedat. 

Open House

RGS Student Council arranged an Open House Event to Welcome new Students in Fall 2025.

Frequently Asked Questions

Elections are held annually in November. Look out for announcements and submit your candidacy by October 23,2025.

You’ll need a mission statement, objectives, a proposed activity plan, and votes from RGS students.

Keep an eye on our Events Calendar and sign up for committees or volunteer opportunities.

Contact Information and Office Hours

Have a question, suggestion, or concern? We’re here to listen. Reach out to us at [email protected], and follow us on Instagram and What’s App.

Resources and Links

Contact Us

If you need advice on our program or registration, please feel welcome to contact us.