Category: News

The Graduate and Professional Student Senate (GPSS) actively participated in the United States Student Association (USSA) Legislative Conference 2025 from March 21-25, playing a key role in the relaunch of the organization. GPSS successfully wrote and passed a resolution to formally join USSA and cast five votes in favor of ratifying the USSA Charter, establishing itself as a founding member. During the conference, GPSS representatives networked with student organizations from 19 states, attended trainings and workshops on federal administration and higher education policy, and engaged with USSA alumni and federal officials. They also took part in an Education Rally near the Capitol on March 24, advocating for student rights. In addition, GPSS met with the UW Federal Relations Team to strengthen collaboration on federal issues and held meetings with key congressional offices, including Representatives Randall, DelBene, Baumgartner, and Newhouse, as well as Senators Murray and Cantwell, to discuss critical topics such as Pell Grants, federal student loans, and free speech on campus. 

The WA State Government is proposing large cuts to public higher education campuses and financial aid.  

Join The Washington Student Association, The Washington Bus, and the Washington Student Engagement Network at the Capitol in Olympia on April 7th for a rally demanding our legislators to make no cuts to financial aid nor increase tuition for students.  

We will follow up the rally with direct action by lobbying legislators in the hallways of the committee chambers, as well as in schedule meetings in their office, and sitting in on committee meetings.  

Currently, financial aid is at risk, as the state is actively looking at cutting programs that help students go to college, such as the Washington College Grant and Graduate Student Loan Program, as well as increasing tuition for students. We cannot allow this to happen! We need to mobilize students and tell our elected officials the importance of higher education and how investing in our future workforce can help us with the current budget deficit the state is facing. 

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Edgar Espino at edgar@washingtonbus.org 

If you need assistance with travel costs, please contact Nancy Canales at executive.director@wastudents.org  

Let’s work together to show our state leaders how important our institution’s role is! 

RSVP at Rally and Day of Action for Financial Aid! 

Run for a GPSS Officer Position – Make a Difference!

Are you passionate about advocating for graduate and professional students? Do you want to lead initiatives that improve student life at UW? Consider running for a Graduate and Professional Student Senate (GPSS) Officer Position for the 2025-2026 academic year!

As a GPSS Officer, you’ll:
✅ Represent graduate and professional students at UW and beyond
✅ Advocate for student needs to the university administration, local and state government
✅ Manage a budget of nearly half a million dollars
✅ Collaborate with faculty, staff, and student organizations to improve student experiences
✅ Build leadership skills while getting paid for 19.5 hours/week, with tuition coverage and health benefits

📅 Election Date: May 7, 2025
📌 Nomination Deadline: May 4, 2025, 5:30 PM

🔗 Learn more & apply: GPSS Elections Form

This is your opportunity to step up, lead, and create meaningful change for students across campus. Feel free to reach out with any questions!

Read the Election guide