Serving in GPSA allows you to:

• Represent the interests of graduate and professional students

• Advocate for improvements across the university

• Develop leadership and professional skills

• Collaborate with students, faculty, staff and university administrators

• Serve on university committees

• Build professional networks across campus

• Leave a lasting impact on future graduate students

GSPA Elections may include openings for:

Senators

• Represent an academic department or program

• Attend Senate meetings

• Vote on legislation, budgets, and policies

• Serve on at least one GPSA committee

College Representatives

• Represent an entire college or the Graduate School.

• Serve on the GPSA Executive Board.

• Coordinate communication between GPSA and students within their college.

• Support Senators and advocate for college-wide graduate student concerns.

GPSA Senators represent graduate and professional students within their academic department or program.

Current Term: August 2026 – May 2027
Senator stipend: 400 per semester; 800 in total

Responsibilities include:

• Attending Senate meetings

• Voting on legislation and organizational business

• Serving on a GPSA committee

• Communicating with constituents

• Bringing student concerns to GPSA

College Representatives serve on the GPSA Executive Board and represent graduate students across an entire college.

Current Term: August 2026 – May 2027
College Rep stipend: 1959.17 per semester; 3918.34 in total

Responsibilities include:

• Attending Executive Board and Senate meetings

• Supporting Senators within the college

• Communicating with graduate students and administrators

• Advocating for college-wide concerns

• Assisting with elections, appointments, and GPSA initiatives

The election schedule is updated each election cycle, but typical election stages include:

• Nomination Period – Students submit nominations for available positions.

• Candidate Verification – Eligibility is reviewed according to the GPSA Constitution and Bylaws.

• Campaign Period – Candidates may introduce themselves and campaign.

• Voting Period – Eligible students vote for candidates representing their academic unit or college.

• Certification of Results – Election results are reviewed and certified by the Internal Affairs Committee.

• Seating of Newly Elected Representatives – Newly elected members begin their terms following certification of the election.

Candidates must meet the eligibility requirements outlined in the GPSA Constitution and Bylaws.

Generally, candidates must:

• Be currently enrolled as a graduate or professional student at Washington State University.

• Meet any position-specific eligibility requirements.

• Remain eligible throughout their term of service.

Please refer to the GPSA Constitution and Bylaws for complete eligibility requirements.

GPSA leaders are expected to:

• Attend required meetings.

• Represent their constituents professionally.

• Communicate regularly with students in their academic unit or college.

• Participate actively in committees and university governance.

• Uphold the values and responsibilities outlined in the GPSA Constitution and Bylaws.

Time commitments vary by position.

Most members should expect to attend:

• Regular Senate meetings (2 hours)

• Committee meetings (at least 1 hour every other week)

• Occasional special meetings or university committee meetings (1 hour)

• College or departmental outreach activities (1 hour)

Additional responsibilities may vary depending on committee assignments and leadership roles.

Serving in GPSA provides opportunities to:

• Gain leadership experience.

• Develop communication and governance skills.

• Build professional relationships.

• Advocate for graduate student needs.

• Learn how university governance operates.

• Strengthen your résumé or curriculum vitae through meaningful service.

Complete the online nomination form during the nomination period.

The nomination form will ask for:

• Your contact information

• Academic program and department

• Position you are seeking

• Candidate statement

• Any additional information required for eligibility verification

Please ensure all information is accurate before submitting your nomination.

Any currently enrolled graduate or professional student who meets the eligibility requirements outlined in the GPSA Constitution and Bylaws may run for office.

Senators represent students within their academic department or program by attending Senate meetings, serving on committees, voting on organizational matters, and communicating with their constituents. (2-4 hours of work per week)

College Representatives serve on the Executive Board and advocate for graduate students across an entire college while supporting Senators and collaborating with university leadership. (8-12 hours a week of work)

The time commitment varies by position but generally includes regular Senate meetings, committee meetings, and occasional outreach or university committee work.

Terms begin after election results have been certified and new members are officially seated according to the GPSA Constitution and Bylaws.