About GPSS
The Graduate and Professional Student Senate (GPSS) represents over 17,000 graduate and professional students at the University of Washington. Our Senators represent academic departments as well as non-academic programs and communities. GPSS hosts events and programming, provides opportunities for a wide breadth of engagement through internal committees and university-wide liaison positions, and offers funding for academic and professional development.
GPSS Mission
With integrity, GPSS amplifies the voices and experiences of graduate and professional students at the University of Washington, builds community, and advocates for the eradication of inequities.
We advocate for the needs and interests of our constituents on campus and at the state and federal levels. We promote professional development and foster a sense of community and connection. We ensure that the University of Washington upholds our shared values by amplifying graduate and professional student voices at all levels of university decision-making. In all that we do, we strive to work towards an equitable and inclusive community within GPSS and the greater University of Washington campus community.
Why encourage GPSS involvement?
Our campus is an ecosystem where all the moving parts are related to each other. We have seen how imperative it is for graduate students to have a representative body in certain delicate circumstances, and for graduate and professional students to have opportunities for social integration, interdisciplinarity, professional development, state and federal advocacy, mental health support, and campus improvements, among others. We are a student-led organization, and as graduate students we have the unique ability to connect closely to other students and identify common connections and struggles. Involvement in GPSS provides professional, personal, and academic opportunities which can benefit students during and after their time at UW.
GPSS Structure
Upcoming Events
Paint & Sip Night
Nutrition Workshop
Karaoke Night
Senators
The Graduate and Professional Student Senate is responsible for identifying and discussing issues affecting the graduate and professional student body at the University of Washington. The Senate elects four officers and all internal GPSS committees, approves the annual budget, votes on resolutions and gives general guidance to the officers and Executive committee on various issues. Each degree-granting department has two Senate seats.
Bylaws
The Bylaws expound on the Constitution by setting out detailed rules of operation, but is subservient to the Constitution if they are in conflict. Amendments to the Bylaws require the approval of a majority of the Senate.
Constitution
GPSS is governed by a Constitution and Bylaws. The Constitution establishes the GPSS and sets down high level rules of operation. Amendments to the Constitution require the approval of two-thirds of the Senate.