Below are News stories from GSS. GSS is one of the five (5) main governing bodies at UCONN, and is the only body representing graduate students. As such, as we involved in a range of graduate student advocacy some of which are listed below. If you would like to get involved in helping graduate students please fill out our short feedback survey and indicate you wish for GSS to contact you regarding advocacy.
Invitation to Join GSS Committees! – November 11, 2026
The GSS Executive Board is excited to announce an involvement opportunity for graduate students: we are currently seeking volunteers to join four of the GSS committees! Serving on a committee is an excellent way to get involved with graduate student governance and play a role in supporting the needs of the graduate student population.
Our four committees with open positions are listed below:
- the Student Life Committee, chaired by Haritha (GSSVicePresident@uconn.edu)
- the Public Relations Committee, chaired by Zachary (GSSCommDir@uconn.edu)
- the Activities Committee, chaired by Neha (GSSActivitiesDir@uconn.edu)
- the Policies and Procedures Committee, chaired by Akhilesh (GSSParliamentarian@uconn.edu)
For more details about each of these committees, please refer to the Committees page of the GSS Website and review the GSS Bylaws VII, VIII, IX, and X.
All UConn graduate students are eligible to join the committees! We especially encourage participation from students who are not currently serving as GSS Senators.
To become a member of a committee, simply send a brief email to the relevant committee chair expressing interest in joining. Kindly note that availability is limited for all committees, and that positions are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. All interested applicants are strongly recommended to send in their emails as soon as possible.
For inquiries pertaining to a specific committee, please contact the GSS email of the chair of that committee. For general inquiries about GSS and its committees, please contact Zachary at GSSCommDir@uconn.edu.
Thank you for your interest in contributing to the initiatives of GSS! We are looking forward to collaborating with many of you on our committees!
Explore What’s Next: Join the UConn Doctoral Pathways Network – October 20, 2026
What can you do with a doctorate, remaining in higher education but beyond a faculty pathway?
The UConn Doctoral Pathways Network is a new initiative connecting doctoral students with doctoral-trained professionals working in leadership and administrative roles across the university. Whether you are actively exploring career options beyond the faculty track or simply curious about where a doctoral degree can take you, the Network offers an opportunity to learn directly from professionals about their career journeys, experiences, and advice.
Connect. Ask Questions. Explore Possibilities.
As a participant, you will have the opportunity to connect with professionals through 20–30 minute informational interviews.
These conversations are not job interviews, rather an opportunity to ask questions, and gain firsthand perspective on careers in higher education.
Conversations may focus on:
- Career paths and key career decisions
- How doctoral training translates into different professional roles
- Advice for doctoral students considering similar paths
What You’ll Receive
Participating students will receive the Doctoral Pathways Network: Careers in University Administration and Leadership Guide, featuring Connectors and their professional backgrounds. You will also receive resources and guidance to help you make connections, prepare for and make the most of your informational interviews with Connectors.
Who Should Participate?
The Doctoral Pathways Network is open to ALL UConn doctoral students interested in exploring careers within higher education beyond faculty roles.
You don’t need to have your career path figured out. You simply need to be curious about what might be possible.
Ready to Explore What’s Next?
Click the link below and join the Doctoral Pathways Network. Start a conversation that could expand your perspective on where your doctorate can take you.
Student Registration Form Doctoral Pathways Network – Fill out form
Registration is STILL OPENED!
Deadline: October 23, 2026.
GSS Senator Applications Open – August 27, 2026
The Graduate Student Senate (GSS) is now accepting applications for Senator positions for the 2026–2027 academic year. We encourage graduate students who are interested in representing their peers, advocating for graduate student needs, and becoming more involved in university governance to apply.
Senator Positions and Requirements:
- Academic Department Senator: Represents graduate students within an academic department. Approval/signature from the Department Head is required.
- Tier II Organization Senator: Represents an eligible Tier II graduate student organization. The organization must meet GSS eligibility requirements, and approval from the organization leadership is required.
- Senator-at-Large: Represents the broader graduate student population rather than a specific department or organization. Candidates must obtain 25 signatures from graduate students supporting their candidacy.
Application forms are available on the GSS website.
Application Deadline:
Tuesday, September 15, 2026 at 11:59 PM
Mandatory Orientation
All new and returning Senators must attend GSS Senator Orientation on September 16 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM. Attendance is compulsory in order to activate and maintain Senator status.
If you do not attend the mandatory orientation, you will not be eligible to serve as a GSS Senator for the 2026–2027 academic year.
We strongly encourage interested graduate students and eligible organizations/departments to submit their applications before the deadline.
If you have any questions regarding eligibility, the application process, or Senate representation, please contact GSS Communication Director.
We look forward to welcoming new and returning Senators and working together to strengthen graduate student representation at UConn.
Graduate Student Emergency Fellowship – May 27, 2025
GSS is proud to announce the opening of applications for the Graduate Student Emergency Fellowship (GSEF), offered through the UConn Graduate School. GSS worked closely with the Graduate School to ensure graduate students have access to critical support when they need it most. The GSEF provides emergency fellowship funding to active graduate students enrolled in programs administered through The Graduate School.
The Graduate Student Emergency Fellowship (GSEF)
Information on this Fellowship.
- These fellowships are intended to assist with one-time, acute, and unexpected financial needs related to academic or living expenses.
- These fellowships are not intended to replace expected support from your department or PI.
- Awards will rarely exceed $2,000.
- This is not a loan, you are not expected to repay the funds.
- Funding decisions are made on a case-by-case basis, and support is not guaranteed.
GSS aids international students whose Visas temporarily revoked – April 29, 2025
GSS President met with Daniel Weiner (VP for Global Affairs) and Rae Alexander (AVP for Global Affairs) to address the recent visa challenges impacting international graduate students.
Here are the key updates from President Sandip Roy (AY 2025-26) on the matter.
- All Canceled Visas Reinstated: The U.S. State Department has paused visa cancellations and reinstated all 13 UConn student visas that were previously canceled.
- Ongoing Policy Changes: While the State Department is revising how student visas are evaluated, the new process remains unclear. UConn is closely monitoring developments and will keep us updated.
- New Support Task Force: UConn is creating a task force, led by Rae Alexander, to assist any graduate student facing visa issues. She will serve as the main point of contact going forward.
- Contingency Planning: We discussed potential options if visa cancellations recur, such as finishing degrees remotely, transferring to partner institutions, or taking sabbaticals. Each case will be addressed individually, with UConn committed to working closely with affected students.
- Legal Support: While UConn cannot provide legal counsel directly, I advocated for a list of pro bono attorneys and community organizations that may be able to help. This is being explored, and I’ll follow up with updates.
- Asylum Resources: If returning to your home country poses a risk to you, you can contact the UConn Law Asylum and Human Rights Clinic for guidance. They help with asylum claims and filings.