UW Graduate and Professional Student Senate

Much of the policy making at the University is done through committees. Serving on a committee is a great way to pursue an interest, connect yourself to the University Administration, meet people outside your department and build your resume. A description of all committees and an online application form is available on our online list of committees. GPSS manages the committee application process, so feel free to call the office if you have any questions. For a brief 101 on committees, please see below.

University Committees

Any UW graduate and/or professional student may serve on the hundreds of University Committees, which range from Environmental Stewardship to Campus Master Planning. Some of the committees meet for a short duration to address a pressing issue, while others are ongoing and meet on a fairly regular basis. This website contains a list of all University Committees and specifies those seeking graduate & professional student representatives. To apply for a committee, simply click on the committee you are interested in, and then click the "apply for this committee" link on the left side of the page.

Faculty Committees

The Faculty Committees, also known as University Faculty Councils, are standing committees appointed by the Senate Executive Committee and confirmed by the Faculty Senate. These Councils meet regularly during each academic year to provide oversight on the areas within their charges, and to advise the Provost and the Senate Executive Committee. Where warranted, Faculty Councils may also propose legislative changes to the University Faculty Code.

Graduate and Professional students that sit on faculty councils will participate in decision making with University faculty, Administration, and staff at the table. To apply for an available Faculty Council, simply click on the committee you are interested in, and then click the "apply for this committee" link on the left side of the page.

GPSS Committees

GPSS has a variety of internal committees that participate in decision making for the organization. The standing committees of GPSS include the Executive Committee, Judicial Committee, and Finance & Budget Committee. Members of these committees are appointed according to the bylaws. A short description of the committees follows:

• The Executive Committee takes specific actions addressing the issues and concerns identified by GPSS; reviews and recommends an annual budge to GPSS; approves presidential recommendations and appointments to the Services and Activities Fees Committee (SAFC), Student Technology Fee Committee (STF).
• The Judicial Committee addresses concerns regarding interpretations of the Constitution, or Bylaws, or any procedure, officer, or senator of the GPSS. For further information on the committee, please contact the GPSS Secretary at gpsssec@uw.edu.
• The Finance and Budget Committee allocates GPSS special, travel and departmental funding. For further information on this committee contact the GPSS Treasurer, Tim Hulet, at gpsstres@u.washington.edu

If you're looking for more information about committees and the people on them, please see our full committee list.