The Graduate Student Senate’s annual election of Executive Council Members (President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary, and Communications Director) will take place online from April 20, 2026, to April 22, 2024. This serves as an open call for candidates. The elected council members will serve a one-year term from the commencement day on May 17, 2026, to the commencement day in 2027. The duties of all executive council members are outlined in Article III of the GSS Constitution (pdf).

• 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 currently accepting nominations for Executive Council positions: President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary, and Communications Director.

Please note: The nomination deadline has been extended to April 13 at midnight.

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.

How to Apply:
Submit your nomination by April 13 at midnight via the Nomination Form Link.
(Late submissions will not be considered.)

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

We look forward to your participation!

Best regards,

Voting will take place online from April 20 until April 22. Election results will be posted by the Chair of the Election Committee on the Graduate Student Senate website and will also be distributed by the Chair of the Election Committee to the graduate college list serve by the following week. 

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