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Student Governance

As a graduate student, your voice and opinion are important. You can also help make a difference for others. We work directly with two long-standing student government organizations to learn about the ever-evolving needs in the student community, and to collaborate on enhancements that benefit our students. 

The Ph.D. Family Support Policy, the Sixth Year Funding Initiative, transit and housing improvements, and Ask the Dean have emerged from close and direct collaborations with the Graduate Student Assembly and the Graduate & Professional Student Senate.

We encourage you to learn more about these organizations and to get involved. 

The Graduate Student Assembly (GSA) 

For students of the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS)

The GSA is an elected body of graduate students that represent all Ph.D. students and master's students in the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS). The GSA works closely with Yale administrators, including the Dean of the Graduate School, to advocate for and improve graduate students' academic, social, and living experiences at Yale. Being a part of the GSA is a great way to make sure your voice is heard. Elections are held regularly in each academic department or program, so inquire about becoming a GSA representative.

GSA sponsors many important programs for GSAS students, including:

  • Conference Travel Fellowship (CTF)
  • Ask-A-Lawyer, which can help you access legal advice, including meeting with a volunteer lawyer from the New Haven Bar Association for a brief one-on-one consultation
  • the Compass, a publication to help orient new graduate students to life at Yale and in New Haven

Please visit the Graduate Student Assembly website for more information, or feel free to contact members directly via email at gsa@yale.edu.

Graduate & Professional Student Senate (GPSS)  

For all Yale GSAS and Professional School Students

The Senate (GPSS) engages Yale graduate and professional students in community service, organizes social, academic, and professional events, and supports student groups. Senate members also represent graduate and professional students on official university committees. 

There are many ways to get involved and meet other graduate and professional students: