Graduate Student Senate

1. Graduate Student Senate The GSS is the duly constituted collegiate association of the Graduate College and is the primary representative, administrative, and service organization for the graduate students at the University of Iowa. It serves as the voice of the graduate student population to the university administration, faculty, and to all other organizations at the University, and within the Iowa City community. Furthermore, it assists in the administration of resources designated to graduate students, and works to establish and maintain programs and activities of interest to graduate students.

2. As graduate students form a unique, distinctive, and important segment of the population of the University, it is necessary to have such a body, which draws upon members elected from various graduate departments and programs from around the University, and works to promote the interests and welfare of graduate students, provide input on their behalf in regards to the formation of general University policy, and serves as a conduit of information concerning matters relevant to graduate education.

3. University Organization

4. GSS, GPSS, and COGS • The Graduate Student Senate (GSS) is an advisory body to the Graduate College • The Graduate and Professional Student Senate (GPSS) is, as a constituent of University of Iowa Student Government (UISG), an advisory body to the Division of Student Services • COGS is the bargaining agent for graduate assistants, and is not formally affiliated with the University.

5. UISG

6. Complexities of GSS/GPSS Relationship • From the point of view of Student Services, GSS is a student organization. UISG is responsible for the recognition and funding of student organizations. • However, GSS appoints the graduate student representation to GPSS, and thus effectively has veto power in UISG.

7. Differences between GSS/GPSS • GSS acts as an independent organization; GPSS acts only as a part of UISG • As a result, GSS’s role has been much more proactive; GPSS’s role largely negative. • GSS is mostly dependent on other sources, such as UISG, for funding. • GSS is elected from individual departments; GPSS is appointed by GSS.

8. What does GSS do? • Debates and takes positions on subjects of concern to Graduate Students. • Recommends policies to University Administration. • Serves as a conduit of ideas and information regarding graduate education. • Administers resources and programs for the benefit of Graduate Students.

9. GSS Membership • Every department or program is allotted one full senator and one alternate per fifty students students in that department or program. • The exact method of selection of a representative is at the discretion of the students in a department • Additional alternates may be appointed at the discretion of the Executive Council.

10. Full Senators vs. Alternates • Main Difference: Full Senators have voting rights. • Full Senators are expected to attend general meetings. Alternates are encouraged to do so. • Alternates take the place of Full Senators when they cannot attend meetings.

11. Responsibilities of a Senator • Attend meetings. Any Senator who misses two consecutive meetings will be declared not in good standing. • Serve on Committees. Each Senator should sign up for at least one committee. • Insure that information and resources are distributed to one’s department as necessary.

12. Role of Alternates • Act in the full senator’s place when the senator is absent at a meeting. • Have right of floor at meetings. • Can serve on committees. • Can serve as officers of the GSS.

13. Meetings • Conducted in accord with Robert’s Rules of Order (see handout). • Must be recognized by President to speak. • Follow the agenda distributed ahead of time. • Meetings and minutes are public, unless closed by majority vote.

14. Motions • Most motions relate to the running of a meeting. • Meetings begin with a motion to approve the minutes of the previous meeting and agenda of the current meeting. • Meetings end with a motion to adjourn.

15. Motions, cont. • Other motions relate to debate of legislation or the discussion of issues. • Legislation will have a particular time set aside for discussion. • At the end of the assigned time, someone must motion to extend the debate, postpone or table the legislation, or call the question.

16. Motions regarding Legislation • Legislation may be amended. • To extend the debate adds a specified amount of time to the period for debate of a particular topic. • Postponing and Tabling an agenda item are ways of ending debate on it for the time being, that it might be revisted later. • Calling the Question ends debate on an item and brings it up for a vote.

17. Legislation • Resolutions: State the opinion of the GSS. • Bills: Either constitute or call for action on behalf of GSS or a part of it. • Allocations: Give permission for the expenditure of funds. • Constitution Amendments and Revisions: Alter the GSS Constitution.

18. Executive Council • President • Vice-President • Treasurer • Membership Officer • Executive Associate • Parliamentarian • Graduate Council Representatives

19. Committees • Committee on Committees • Finance Committees • Computer Resource Committee • Forum Committee • Social Committee • Service Committee • Graduate Bulletin Committee • Travel Funds Committee