The Graduate & Professional Student Association (GPSA) of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, shall assist graduate and professional students with support for their academic endeavors, advocate on their behalf, and inculcate a sense of camaraderie. Providing an environment conducive to student scholarship and research is the primary goal of the GPSA. The GPSA strives to engender a sense of community among graduate and professional students by furnishing financial support and fellowship.

The GPSA Council is composed of 54 seats, filled by department-appointed representatives from each academic unit on campus. Each department representative has one vote. Representatives serve as the voice and advocate of their respective academic departments within the graduate student government. They act as a conduit for communication between the graduate student body within their department and the larger governing body, GPSA. This involves understanding the concerns, suggestions, and needs of their fellow graduate students, and effectively conveying these to the GPSA leadership. Representatives are expected to engage in discussions, debates, and decision-making processes in matters such as policy changes, funding allocations, and academic affairs. Additionally, representatives are often involved in various committees, collaborations, or working groups within the GPSA and campus-wide. Serving as a representative provides opportunities for networking with fellow graduate students, faculty, administrators, and even external stakeholders.

In pursuit of inclusivity, the Council also has an unlimited number of non-voting seats for members-at-large, where students may serve as a general representative without being tied to a specific department affiliation. Members-at-Large represent the interests of the entire association's membership and bring a diverse set of experiences and viewpoints to discussions and decision-making processes.

The Council convenes regularly and is advised by the elected Executive Board, the GPSA standing and ad hoc committees,& the GPSA Manager and Advisor, and a UNLV Faculty Advisor or the Graduate College Dean. Over the summer, the Council is abbreviated to a summer sessional of 14 seats with at least one representative from each College or School at UNLV (as opposed to each department).

For more information about the GPSA Council and its activities please email gpsa@unlv.edu. To serve as your department representative, complete the Council Representative Registration Form listed below and contact your graduate coordinator, department chair, or program director to confirm your appointment to the position. To find your current department representative or see which seats have vacancies, visit the GPSA Council Members webpage.