Graduate Student Association

Want to Be More Involved in GSA?

The Graduate Student Association Office Board consists of the following positions:

President, Vice President of University Affairs, Vice President of Public Relations, Vice President of Finance, Vice President of Programming, Vice President of Social Change, Secretary, Social Media Correspondent, A.S. University Council Representative, University Senate Representative, and Graduate Council Representative.

Each position along with its roles and responsibilities are listed below.

President:

1. Shall be elected to the GSA by graduate students voting in the regular A.S. General Elections in accordance with the A.S. Elections Code.
2. Oversee the direction of the GSA and ensure the execution of GSA responsibilities and commitments. In the event of removal or resignation of an officer, reassign executive responsibilities on an interim basis.
3. Interact with SDSU graduate students, faculty, and staff in order to keep lines of communication open, and to insure that issues of significant concern to graduate students are brought to the attention of the GSA and other appropriate organizations or individuals.
4. Prepare agendas and preside, or designate a chair for GSA meetings and Executive Committee meetings.
5. Supervise the GSA office and staff (if any).
6. Oversee the operation of the GSA office by interacting with the staff and other officers.
7. Establish, upon their discretion, standing GSA executive committees related to graduate student issues.
8. Represent or find a designee from GSA to all regular meetings of the Associated Students University Council, SDSU Senate, and the Graduate Council.
9. Attend Dean’s Council Meeting at least once per semester.
10. Meet with Dean of Graduate Affairs on a monthly basis.
11. Meet with Assistant Dean of Graduate Affairs twice a month (once at the Dean’s meeting).
12. Revise annual deadline calendar if needed.

Vice President of University Affairs:

1. Be elected to the GSA in accordance with the Election Procedures outlined in this Charter.
2. Chair GSA meetings and Executive Committee meetings in the absence of the President or their designee.  
3. Appoint, subject to GSA approval, GSA representatives to administrative and campus committees.
4. In the event of removal or resignation of the President, assume the duties of the President on an interim basis.
5. Oversee the execution of various GSA academic, social, on-campus, and off-campus activities including but not limited to; Graduate Student Orientation, Annual Retreat, Call for Papers Conference, Awards Gala, and Philanthropic Service. 

Vice President of Public Relations:

1. Be elected to the GSA in accordance with the Election Procedures outlined in this Charter.
2. Keep GSA apprised of system-wide developments of importance to the GSA.
3. Responsible for coordinating the publication of GSA events and activities to faculty, staff, graduate students and potential graduate students, as needs dictate.
4. Publicize to the graduate student body, open GSA representative positions and maintain contact with graduate coordinators for each college to insure that each graduate department is represented on the GSA.
5. In consultation with the Campus Affairs Committee, update graduate student population, at least on a quarterly basis of activities of the Graduate Student Association.
6. Facilitate information flow to and from GSA and SDSU graduate students.
7. Oversee the maintenance of the GSA Web pages at the Associated Students website ensuring links and information posted on the website is correct and up-to-date.
8. Fill in the Social Media Correspondent position if not occupied. 

Vice President of Finance:

1. Be elected to the GSA in accordance with the Election Procedures outlined in this Charter.
2. Chair the Finance Committee.
3. Maintain a clear set of finance procedures in accordance with the financial policies of the Associated Students. In addition, the procedures should be distributed to all elected GSA representatives prior to regular GSA meetings as well as posted either electronically or on paper in a public place.
4. Regularly inform the GSA of the status of the GSA finances and provide evaluations of the budgetary impact of money requests.
5. Implement the budgetary decisions of the GSA.
6. In conjunction with the Associated Students Business Office and the Finance Committee, maintain the GSA financial records. In particular, oversee the recording of the financial allocations of the year.
7. Oversee any fund-raising activities conducted by the GSA in accordance with A.S. and campus policies.
8. Prepare the budget for the next academic year at the end of the current year in accordance with the A.S. annual budget preparation schedule.
9. Periodically review the Financial Bylaws with the Finance Committee. Perform any duties listed therein. 

Vice President of Programming:

1. Be elected to the GSA in accordance with the Election Procedures outlined in this Charter.
2. Prepare and execute the programming for all events hosted by the GSA.
3. Fill out all necessary documentation (Catering waiver, EH&S, etc.) for each event.
4. Reserve all necessary venues for the academic year.
5. Keep google calendar up to date based on events dates, times and venues reserved.

Vice President of Social Change:

1. Be elected to the GSA in accordance with the Election Procedures outlined in this Charter.
2. Gather information from the graduate student body on what issues they are facing and what needs must be addressed on campus.
3. Prepare proposals along with any involved committees of new initiatives to address these issues and needs.
4. Initiate proposals for policy changes that the GSA will advocate for and/or create improved or enhanced services for graduate students

Secretary:

1. Keep up-to-date records on administrative committees, keeping track of those committees with graduate student vacancies as well as a list of graduate students serving on administrative committees.
2. Collect quarterly written reports and minutes from administrative committee representatives.
3. Responsible for taking and posting the agenda and minutes at each GSA meeting in accordance with applicable policies and procedures of the Associated Students and state law.
4. Order supplies necessary for GSA programs and events.

Social Media Correspondent:

1. Maintain all social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter and Instagram) on a daily basis.
2. Organize campaign to increase following and engagement on these platforms.

University Senate Representative:

1. Read and inform GSA of any decisions being made in the University Senate that may require an executive board member discussion prior to Senate meetings.
2. Meet with the Senate Chair to establish a relationship.
3. Attend monthly University Senate meetings on the first Tuesday of the month.
4. Report back to GSA and serve as an informed representative for graduate students.
5. Attend Senate Executive meetings every third Tuesday as needed. 

University Council Representative:

1. Be the liaison between A.S. and the Executive Board.
2. Attend the A.S. Retreat (usually last weekend of August Sunday-Tuesday) prior to beginning the Fall semester.
3. Attend bi-weekly meetings (~2.5 hours)
4. Report meeting minutes and any updates at UC and report back in GSA meetings
5. Attend All Council Meetings (~4 in fall semester/ ~2 hours each)
6. As a council member you must participate in a Senate Committee (usually bi weekly or monthly meetings depending on committee)
7. Review one round of Study Abroad Scholarship Essays (~2 hours)
8. Complete Tabling, RSO meeting attendance and Cultural Event attendance requirement

Graduate Council Representative:

1. Attend Graduate Council monthly, usually the first Thursday of the month.
2. Assist in the development of policy on: graduate programs; graduate student affairs; graduate research and scholarship; and faculty participation in graduate programs.
3. Report Graduate Council information and minutes back to GSA.