Primary Structures

In addition to status as a student organization, the Graduate Student Senate (GSS) is one of the five primary constituent bodies on campus and a premier student governance organization. The GSS is comprised of the General Assembly (GA) and the Senate Executive Council (SEC) formerly the Senate Executive Committee.

General Assembly

The GA is a deliberative assembly comprised of Senators as selected by academic programs/degrees. The GA serves as the primary legislative and representational body for graduate students. The GA meets during the fall and spring semesters and is the nexus between the graduate student body and the university. (A GA meeting pictured left)

Senators are the primary members of the GA. Each program/degree has autonomy over the selection of their Senator. Eligibility for Senator seats are determined by the Graduate College, the Graduate Student Senate's President, and the Graduate Student Senate's Vice President. Senators, and the Representative-at-Large, have speaking, motion, and voting rights during meetings. 

Senate Executive Council

The SEC exists at the behest of the GA and is responsible for the effective execution of operational activities outside of the GA meetings. The SEC is the governing body of the various standing committees, ad hoc committees, and task forces. The SEC serves as the liaison between the GA and university administration and executive leaders. (Some of the 2022-2023 SEC members pictured right)

The SEC is comprised of officers as elected by the GA, as determined externally, and as appointed by the Graduate Student Senate's President and Vice President.