The Graduate Student Senate’s annual election of Executive Council Members (President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary, and Communications Director)  took place online from April 20, 2026, to April 22, 2024. This will occur annually, so check back for updates on the 2027-2028 election!

• Candidates must be full-time or part-time graduate students for the entire academic year during which they would hold office.
• Candidates must be committed to working diligently, advocating on behalf of all UVM graduate and professional students, and serving as official representatives of the Graduate Student Senate.
• Candidates must also be willing to carry out the duties and responsibilities outlined in the GSS Constitution (pdf).

Each member of the Executive Council will receive a service scholarship for each Fall and Spring semester in which they hold office. The President and Vice President will receive $1000, and the Treasurer, Secretary, and Communications Director will receive $750. The scholarships will be allocated at the end of each semester of service in accordance with the University of Vermont Payments to Students Policy.

The Graduate Student Senate is accepts nominations for Executive Council positions: President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary, and Communications Director. The whole of the graduate sudent body then votes for the nominees in an open election. 

Benefits of serving in the GSS Executive Council:

· Develop leadership and administrative skills
· Enhance the graduate student experience by leading initiatives and advocating for peers
· Connect with UVM leadership and serve as a voice for graduate students
· Receive a stipend ($1,000/semester for President & Vice President; $750/semester for Treasurer, Secretary & Communications Director)
· Enjoy a free parking pass (President and Vice President only)

GSS Executive Council Positions:
President – Lead the GSS, represent graduate students to UVM leadership, and ensure the Senate runs smoothly. This includes working closely with the university President, Provost, and Dean of the Graduate College, serving on key university committees, and overseeing the Executive Council.

Vice President – Meet with university administration, run Senate meetings, assist with agenda setting, and step in for the President when needed. The VP also coordinates graduate student orientation and supports senator engagement.

Treasurer – Manage GSS finances, oversee grants, and ensure responsible budgeting for student initiatives. This role leads the Finance and Elevate Grant Committees.

Communications Director – Keep graduate students informed by managing GSS emails, social media, and weekly newsletters with updates on events, grants, and opportunities.

Secretary – Maintain Senate records, take meeting minutes, and ensure the GSS website is updated with relevant information.

For questions, please contact current GSS President, Saba Rafie at srafiei@uvm.edu.

Election Results

President (266 votes cast; 19 abstentions)  

- Collin Coil — 173 votes (65.0%)  

- Elise Miller — 93 votes (35.0%)  

Elected: Collin Coil  

Vice President (265 votes cast; 20 abstentions)  

- Kush Sharma — 186 votes (70.2%)  

- Natalie Cote — 79 votes (29.8%)  

Elected: Kush Sharma  

Treasurer (248 votes cast; 37 abstentions)  

- Chhayank Srivastava — 248 votes (100%)  

Elected: Chhayank Srivastava  

Secretary (252 votes cast; 33 abstentions)  

- Eliza Beebe — 209 votes (82.9%)  

- Diego Martinez Mayorga — 43 votes (17.1%)  

Elected: Eliza Beebe  

Communications Director (269 votes cast; 16 abstentions)  

- Aviral Chawla — 187 votes (69.5%)  

- Zahra Khadem — 82 votes (30.5%)  

Elected: Aviral Chawla  

Please reach out to gss@uvm.edu with any questions regarding the election process or procedures.

Please use this form to nominate yourself to be a Graduate Student Senator in the 2026-2027 academic year.

If more than three individuals from your graduate program (either a Master's or PhD program) self-nominate, then your department will hold an election to determine the three representatives for that program.

Thank you!