Graduate Student Senate Meetings
Be Heard at Graduate Student Senate Meetings
Graduate Student Senate (GSS) holds open monthly meetings. Any graduate student may address the GSS during the Open Forum portion of the meeting.
JOIN ONE OF OUR MONTHLY GENERAL MEETINGS IN PERSON!
Fall 2025 Times: Monday's 6:30pm-8:00pm the following dates
August 25, September 8, September 22, October 6, October 20, November 17, December 1
Fall Summit: November 3
Join in person in UC 402/403 or via Zoom
Get Involved with the 2025-26 Graduate Student Senate!
If you wish to attend meetings, please contact gss@usfca.edu.
After introductions and approval of the agenda, the meeting moved into the second part of training, where expectations for communication, use of Google Calendar, and access to shared drives were reviewed. The semesters budget was presented, outlining funding eligibility and guidelines for event planning, as well as an overview of the resolution-drafting process. Committee assignments were then distributed, and members transitioned into individual committee meetings to discuss availability and anticipated time commitments for the semester. The meeting concluded with closing announcements and a reminder to stay engaged and communicative throughout the term.
After approving the agenda, the Senate heard a detailed report from the School of Education senators, who highlighted upcoming collaborations, ongoing student support initiatives, and plans for a graduate climate survey focused on international students. Committee updates followed, covering funding releases, progress on appointments, outreach efforts, and ongoing resolution work. The body then moved to approve several appointed senators across the College of Arts and Sciences, School of Law, and School of Management, all of whom were unanimously confirmed. The team discussed preparations for the upcoming Fall Summit, emphasizing representation, mental health, and student inclusivity in shaping the event. The meeting concluded with final announcements, including election reminders, guidance for drafting a statement of solidarity, and reassurance of continued staff support despite earlier scheduling delays.
September 22 - Meeting Minutes
After approving the agenda, the Senate heard updates from the Orange County senator outlining student feedback and planned improvements to campus engagement and amenities. The SOE senators then presented their running slide deck of current projects and upcoming events, prompting encouragement for other schools to adopt similar communication tools. Committee reports followed, highlighting funding updates, planning for guest speakers, outreach efforts, and ongoing resolution development. The body unanimously approved a new School of Law representative before moving into Fall Summit planning, which focused on securing diverse panelists, coordinating invitations, and organizing day-of support. The meeting concluded with final announcements and reminders for upcoming campus events and the next meeting date.
After approving the agenda, the Senate heard a report from the School of Nursing and Health Professions senator, who shared plans for a Narcan education event in collaboration with campus partners and requested support from fellow senators. The meeting then focused on a comprehensive review of communication expectations, funding opportunities, and collaborative processes, with reminders about transparency, event requirements, and proper submission timelines. Senators received guidance on developing resolutions, followed by brief committee updates on funding allocations, guest speakers, outreach, and ongoing resolution work. A new School of Management representative was unanimously approved before final updates on Fall Summit planning. The meeting ended with announcements about upcoming events, guest speakers, and the next scheduled session.
After approving the agenda, the Senate welcomed guest speaker Marcella DeProto, who provided an overview of ISSS services, student feedback themes, and ways GSS can support international students through belonging, communication, and outreach. Senators then shared updates from the School of Law and the College of Arts & Sciences, highlighting student concerns around connection, resources, and upcoming feedback efforts. Committee reports followed, including a mid-semester financial update, ongoing recruitment for vacant senator positions, Fall Summit outreach needs, and resolution planning. The meeting concluded with reminders to continue alumni outreach for the Summit, stay connected with the executive team, and prepare for upcoming events.
After approving the agenda, the Senate welcomed guest speaker Wendy Saccuzzo from Career Services, who reviewed key resources for graduate students, including advising, workshops, resume and cover letter support, LinkedIn strategies, and mock interview preparation. Senators then shared updates, including concerns from the College of Arts & Sciences about limited food access at Lone Mountain. Committee reports followed with reminders about remaining funding, ongoing constitution and bylaw edits, marketing updates, and a new resolution supporting students with disabilities. The Senate unanimously approved a new representative for the School of Nursing and Health Professions, and the meeting closed with advisor announcements regarding Chase Center tickets and upcoming team-building plans.
After approving the agenda, senators shared what they were looking forward to in the spring semester before welcoming guest speaker Bob Just from the Change the World From Here Institute. He introduced leadership programs and workshops available to students, highlighting opportunities for values-based leadership development, emotional intelligence training, and mentorship-focused initiatives. Following a brief Q&A, senators delivered end-of-semester reports reflecting on their fall accomplishments and outlining goals for the spring. Committee updates covered remaining funding availability, ongoing senator appointments, marketing efforts for next semester, and upcoming resolution work. The Senate then approved an attendance exception for Senator Valentina to accommodate a mandatory class conflict. The meeting concluded with advisor reminders regarding Chase Center tickets, the end of fall work hours, and upcoming team-building and spring training dates.
After approval of the agenda and minutes, an administrative overview was provided regarding daily, weekly, and monthly tasks. Each committee outlined their goals for the semester and the budget was covered including what hours are allocated for each member. The meeting concluded with announcements and a reminder to remain communicative within the team.
February 24th- Meeting Minutes
The meeting opened with an overview of the elections period for the next academic year. Each committee provided updates on their progress and current projects. There was an overview of the annual budget for AY 2025-26, strategies to promote GSS events, and membership. Bylaw amendments were passed, including changes to absence policies, voting structures, 1:1 formats, office hours, and GPA requirements. Open forum discussed budget concerns that will affect the Board of Trustees meetings going forward. After announcements the meeting was adjourned.
March 31st- Meeting Minutes
The meeting opened with an in depth overview of the budget for the next academic year. Each committee provided updates on their projects and current initiatives. This was followed by the presentation of a statement that the Mission committee is working on and adjournment of the meeting.
The meeting opened with an introduction of the newly elected members and an overview of the budget for next academic year. This was followed by a reading of a statement presented by two senators that was then voted on and passed. The incoming executives and senators were inducted and the meeting was adjourned.
After approval of the agenda and minutes, overall administration proceeders were introduced. Committee assignments were confirmed followed by a presentation from Shannon Gary, Dean of Students. A short Q&A session was held and outreach strategies were suggested by the team and the meeting was adjourned.
September 30th- Meeting Minutes
After approval of the minutes and agenda, each committee shared individual updates. A suggestion was provided for a graduate student representative to be present on the Food and Dining Committee which will be discussed later. Fall Summit was discussed, a theme was decided, and details will continue to be outlined. After announcements and the introduction of the new School of Management representative, the meeting was adjourned.
After approval of the minutes and agenda, A guest speaker from Career Services came to present about their department. Three resolutions were introduced the Fall Summit was discussed in depth. The meeting concluded with an announcement regarding tabling and the November Chase Center game.
November 25th- Meeting Minutes
After approval of the agenda and minutes, highlights were shared from the Fall Semester. Feedback was then provided on the Fall Summit and communication for future events was emphasized. A conversation regarding meeting dates for the spring and the need for hybrid meeting spaces. After the introduction of proposed changes to the bylaws, the meeting was adjourned.
January Retreat| February | March | April | May
- August 28th: At the first meeting of the Fall semester, the GSS Senate did icebreakers and introductions to everyone and their positions. Then, the Senate reviewed the basics of Roberts's Rule of Order, and the Executive Board introduced themselves and gave their reports. They closed the meeting by discussing Committee Appointments and a possible proposal for budget changes. August 28th Agenda |August 28th Minutes
- September 24th: During September's meeting, the GSS discussed interviews for open positions. The GSS discussed and voted to change multiple bylaws. Some include increasing expected weekly hours for Senators, allowing committee members to appoint new Senators, and extending deadlines for candidates to apply for positions. The meeting concluded with the Executive Board and all present Senators giving an update about their current projects. September 24th Agenda | September 24th Minutes
- October 29th: During this month's meeting, GSS discussed the potential of creating a Graduate Student Lounge where commuters can hang out between classes and hold events. The Senate also discussed creating a USF Journal as a monthly newsletter for graduate students. The meeting ended by welcoming newly onboarded members and reports from the Executive Board and Senators. October 29th Agenda | October 29th Minutes
- November 19th: During November's meeting, GSS discussed their "apparel bag" and feedback on the GSS Newsletter and Survey. The Executive Board and Senators gave their monthly updates and discussed meeting times for the next semester. November 19th Agenda | November 19th Minutes