About GSS

In addition to advocacy and representation, GSS provides a platform for student-led legislation, resolutions, award, funding, and events. We strive to enhance graduate students’ academic and social experiences during their time at BGSU.

Values

We believe in the value of BGSU graduate students. BGSU graduate students are an incredible and diverse community, have positive value, and contribute to the public good. We strive to respect and champion both individual and collective values across campus. As an organization we believe it is our duty and priority to:

• create and sustain an environment of belonging for all graduate students to feel welcome, valued, and able to do their best work;
• serve the values, needs, and interests of all graduate students, and to create opportunities for graduate students to provide service for the campus and external community;
• encourage and support all graduate students as they develop their voice, agency, and individual success;
• be a positive and constructive representational entity that advocates for the benefit of graduate student's experiences;
• protect the rights and due process of all graduate students; and
  
• lead the graduate student body in shared governance and inspire graduate students to take on the responsibilities of leadership.
  

Vision

To become a leading model for all graduate student governance organizations. To be recognized for service and the development of active, exceptional, and altruistic people, professionals, and post-graduates.

Mission

To ensure the greatest benefit, support, and sponsorship for all BGSU graduate students through continual development of meaningful relationships across campus. To build innovative and effective structures through organizational learning and stewardship. To represent and advocate for all BGSU graduate students by participating in the shared governance of the university and through active representation on university committees.

Why Participate In GSS?

Universities are wonderful yet complex places. Decisions are made at BGSU every day that affect graduate students and those decisions must be made whether or not we participate in the governance process. Changes occur all the time and the things that are most important to you as a graduate student are always in jeopardy. When the university listens, we must not be silent; when the univeristy looks, we must not be still. Our voice is strongest when we speak collectivey, in unison, and with university-wide support.

Graduate Student Senate exists to ensure the graduate student voice, when key issues are being addressed, is ever present and always heard. While the GA is the central arena for acquiring and disseminating information, the GSS is also present in the Faculty Senate, Graduate Council, Diversity and Belonging Committee, Center for Faculty Excellence, Public Safety Advisory Council, Academic Honesty Commitee, and the Board of Trustees, and so much more. Successful communication is only possible with the help and support of GSS senators; the departments and organizations they represent; and you, the individual gradaute student.

Opportunities for Representation

Each academic department, program, or degree, as recognized by the Graduate College, is eligible for representation within GSS. Each department, program, or degree can be awarded a Senator within the perimeters outlined in the GSS Constitution and Bylaws.

Both full-time as well as part-time students are eligible to participate in GSS. Academic departments and graduate student organizations are strongly encouraged to elect or appoint their GSS senators at the start of the fall semester. Appointing or electing a proxy, a student who is able to attend in the absence of a senator, is encouraged.

Additionally, there are over a dozen SEC officer positions available to any gradaute student. These positions are elected by the GA. Check with your Senator or with an SEC member if there are any vacancies.

Benefits of Representation

Your representation in Graduate Student Senate allows for:

• programs and departments to be knowledgeable on issues are affecting graduate students;
• the ability to bring individual graduate student departmental needs to the general assembly;
• the ability to vote on issues and concerns;
• exposure to the successes and challenges of other departments;
• the ability to receive professional development funding for all graduate students in your department or program; and
  
• the opportunity for graduate student participants to get "outside the box," enlarge their network, enhance their resume, gain leadership experience, become aware of the institutional structure and how it operates, meet key administrators on campus, and have the ability to affect change.

Contacting GSS

For questions or assistance please contact the Graduate Student Senate's President: