Graduate Students Senate

What is the Graduate Student Senate?
The GSS seeks to create a forum for Graduate Student advocacy while acting as a conduit between students, faculty, and administration at the University of Delaware.  We support campus-wide activities facilitating Graduate Student professionalism and collegiality. We also seek to influence the course of the University:
● Through representation on University Committees,
● By expressing views of the student body to the administration,
● By issuing statements of our position to the media and administration.


What are the benefits of membership in the GSS?
 
Being a member of the Senate is a great way to meet other graduate students outside your program who share common interests.  At our monthly meetings, members have the opportunity to discuss their issues and voice concerns.  Since the GSS benefits from support of the Office of Graduate and Professional Education, members are kept up-to-date on the latest developments around graduate studies, and the GSS gives grad students a real chance to make UD a better place for them.  Not only do we meet regularly to discuss graduate related topics, but we also participate in volunteer activities and organize fun social events.  Being a part of the GSS will help you increase your service portfolio and build your resume while developing your professional and leadership skills.

How do I get involved?


What are the responsibilities of a Senator?
To maintain Active Standing status, Senators are required to attend our monthly meetings and serve on at least one internal or selected external committee.  Most committees generally meet once a month.  Senators are not limited in the number of committees they serve and are encouraged to represent the GSS on external committees.


Who is my Senator?
Check out our Senators.  If your department isn't listed, email our Membership Officer and they can give you more information.


What does the GSS DO at the monthly meetings?
We meet monthly to discuss the progress of the internal  and external  committees, as well as to stay updated on developments and changes to UD policies, services, and programs that affect graduate student life both on and off campus.  Our meetings provide a forum for active discussion on relevant issues.  With that, we invite guest speakers to answer graduate student-related questions (academic, professional, medical, etc.) and to address concerns raised by members regarding campus life.  Past speakers have included the Office of Graduate and Professional Education, Student Health, Parking & Transportation, Public Safety, the Library, and Career Services.


Do I have to be a Senator to come to meetings and events held by the GSS?
No.  Our monthly and committee meetings are open to anyone (graduate, undergraduate, non-student, faculty, etc.) who would like to attend.  We represent ALL graduate students at UD and welcome anyone who would like to participate in our events. 


Where can I find out more?
Take a look at our GSS Handbook and Constitution for more details and to get a better idea of our organizational structure. You may also glance at our New Senator Orientation presentation found here.  Also, feel free to email the Executive Committee at ud.graduatestudentsenate@gmail.com with any questions.

How can I keep informed of the GSS goings-on?
The GSS has several ways of communicating information to our constituents:
You may subscribe to the GSS-members list to receive GSS Update and GSS Monthly Action Items emails directly.
Sign up for the What's Happening Newsletter (visit our What’s Happening page for more info).
Check the GSS Website for updates.
Subscribe to the GSS Google Calendar to keep up on committee meetings and events.
Follow our GSS Blog.
Join our GSS Facebook Group.
Follow us on Twitter.

  • Office of Graduate Students Senate  •   234 Hullihen Hall  •   Newark, DE 19716-1501  •   USA
    General email: gradoffice@udel.edu  •   Admissions contact: gradadmissions@udel.edu
    General: (302) 831-8697  •   Admissions: (302) 831-2129  •   Fax: (302) 831-8745  •   © 2009