Graduate Student Council
The Graduate Student Council is a student initiative designed to foster a supportive community amongst graduate students and to give them a voice in the department. The Political Science Department believes that both the faculty and students benefit from graduate student input into relevant decisions, and that sustaining a healthy environment for graduate students is essential for their success.
What is the Political Science Graduate Student Council?
The Council is comprised of approximately 10 students in various stages of the program. This Council serves to communicate a student perspective to the department faculty and administration, coordinate the organization of department activities, and represent the department in the campus-wide Graduate Student Association. The hope is that the role of the Council will become institutionalized and develop into an essential part of the department as students and faculty find ways to improve the graduate experience.
What types of activities does the Council organize?
The core activities organized by the Council include social events for graduate students, the Prospective Student Open House, Town Halls where students provide feedback about departmental decisions and actions, volunteering events, and the yearly Staff Appreciation Lunch. Other activities vary by year, and the Council is always open to new opportunities and suggestions.
Why should I help solve this collective action problem?
While the work of the Council strengthens the department at large, there is also significant personal benefit to be gained from getting involved. In addition to the intrinsic benefit of participation, department service work looks great on a CV. Participation on the Council is an excellent signal of your willingness to serve a future department.
So what will I have to do?
Serving on the Council is not a major time commitment for any single Council member and the whole Council usually only meet in person once a year. Obligations depend on the specific position, but most revolve around the organization of a specific event. The majority of communication and “meetings” are handled via email.
How do I get involved?
The Council holds an open nomination process and elections in late October each year. Details will be sent to the poligrad listserve; for specific questions, please reach out to the VP Social Programming.
2024-2025 Graduate Student Council Members
President: Alex ZhaoFaculty Liaison: Theodore Dounias
Social Programming: Catarina Roman, Tereza Petrovicova, and Galina Isayeva
Volunteering: Linh Le
Orientation: Linnea Graham, Yujia Wan, and Galina Isayeva
Recruitment: Callista Chim, Rachel Yu, and Evan Mann
Treasurer: Rachel Yu
GSA Representative(s): Alex Zhao
If you have questions or suggestions please feel free to contact the appropriate council member directly.