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.
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 who’s 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.