The Association aims to represent the interests and needs of natural sciences graduate students and to keep them informed about university and departmental issues. The Association provides a forum for all natural and life sciences graduate students to voice their opinions on matters important to them through monthly meetings: consensus-based decisions are then carried forward by Association-elected and appointed representatives to the relevant university bodies. The Association also seeks to foster interactions, promote and support professional development, and to encourage communication and organization between graduate students on both social and academic levels.