GPSS strongly encourages students from all schools and backgrounds to consider running. Candidates in their first semester, final semester, and all points in between are welcome. We value a diversity of perspectives and experiences, and all are encouraged to run. Nominations open in late August and elections are conducted in mid-late September for most elections. Senator-at-large elections to fill vacant seats occur in October. Students may always reach out to petition for a vacant seat at other times.

Senators are elected by their graduate or professional school to represent up to 150 students in official Senate activities. Each professional school has at least one Senator. The Graduate School is represented equally across the Humanities, Social Sciences, Life Sciences, and Physical Sciences.

Being a Senator is a time commitment of about 5-10 hours per month (including biweekly meetings). Senators are expected to attend all Senate meetings, share updates with their constituents, and serve on at least one Standing Committee:

• Advocacy: works to resolve issues facing the graduate and professional student population by liaising between the student population and the administration, faculty, and various officers at Yale.

• Community Engagement: upholds a vibrant tradition of commitment to service and charity.

• Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Accessibility & Belonging: central liaison between G&P students and the university administration on issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion (broadly defined). Its mandate is to solicit input from the G&P community and advocate for specific policies, programs, and initiatives to enhance diversity, equity, and inclusion on campus.

• External Affairs: dedicated to facilitating and fortifying local, state, and national-level advocacy initiatives tailored to the unique needs and concerns of our graduate and professional students.

• Funding: supports events, activities, and student groups that are inclusive of all graduate and professional students. GPSS is a major funding source for graduate and professional student organizations; the amount of direct monetary support is dependent on the current GPSS budget.

• Public Relations: coordinates and disseminates information about GPSS and The Gryphon to external parties, including the offices of the university administration, the schools and departments, student organizations, and the Yale Alumni Association. The PR Committee also strives to improve communication between students and GPSS to ensure that all voices are heard.

• Social: strives to foster interactions, bring people together from across the Graduate and Professional schools, and strengthen the sense of community. GPSS organizes numerous social events throughout the academic year. The Social Committee helps plan, organize, and execute these events, often in close association with Gryphon's Pub.

Elections are school-run, typically held in early fall, with some variation (“At-Large” Senators are elected mid-term). Vacancies may be filled year-round. If you're interested in serving, contact a current Senator or a school leader.

All graduate and professional students are welcome to attend GPSS meetings - attendance is not limited to senators! Come see how GPSS is helping the Yale community, share your ideas, and enjoy food provided at every meeting.

If you have any questions about the role, expectations, or the election process, feel free to reach out to the current secretary or president.