Welcome to the Graduate & Professional Student Association (GPSA) at UNLV! As a graduate or professional student here, you are automatically a member of GPSA, your graduate student government, giving you a voice in our vibrant community. See below to learn about the array of opportunities to get involved—from leadership positions to volunteer activities—and how you can actively shape your experience at UNLV.
Ready to dive in? Fill out the GPSA Interest Form to let us know how you want to get involved.
Why Get Involved?
Engaging with GPSA allows you to enhance your leadership skills, network with peers and faculty, and make impactful changes at UNLV. Whether you're interested in shaping policy by running for an office, supporting your peers in academic ventures, or helping organize campus-wide events, GPSA has a role for you.
Find Your Council Representative
Each academic department has a Council Representative who serves as the liaison between GPSA and their peers. These representatives play a critical role in advocating for your needs and interests. You may also consider joining as a non-voting Member-at-Large. To find out who your representative is or to become one, visit our GPSA Council page.
Volunteer Opportunities
GPSA is involved in a variety of community and campus events throughout the year. From volunteering at local charities to managing booths at university events like Rebel Homecoming or even GPSA's traditional Annual Research Forum, there are numerous ways to contribute. For current opportunities and to get involved, please complete the GPSA Interest Form or contact the GPSA Secretary at gpsa@unlv.edu.
Events & Collaborations
Each semester, the GPSA organizes service opportunities, workshops, town halls, social events, and our large-scale Annual Research Forum held every spring. We actively seek collaboration with other organizations to broaden our network and enrich our programming. If you are part of a Registered Student Organization (RSO) or other campus unit and are interested in partnering with GPSA, or if you wish to know more about our social, professional, and academic events, check out our upcoming GPSA Events on UNLV’s Calendar.
Committees
Committees are an essential part of GPSA’s legislative process. GPSA's Standing Committees focus on many aspects of shared governance from constitutional amendments to financial oversight. Participation can provide you with deeper insight into the workings of student government and university administration, while also offering a way to bolster your recommendation letters and CV. For a detailed description of each committee and to get involved, visit our GPSA Committees page.
The Constitution & Bylaws Committee considers all proposed amendments to the GPSA Constitution and the GPSA Bylaws and makes recommendations to the GPSA Council. This committee also oversees that GPSA operations are in compliance with the Constitution and Bylaws.
Formerly known as Government Relations and active only during years when the Nevada Legislature met, this committee was reorganized in 2021. The Legislative Affairs Committee prioritizes GPSA initiatives, resolutions, and long-term goals. This committee now operates year-round, executing strategies including lobbying efforts, key message development and dissemination, and preparing and submitting correspondence to local, state, and Congressional offices. The chair of this committee works closely with the university’s Office of Government Affairs. It is imperative that graduate and professional students stay actively involved in communicating with the Board of Regents and the Nevada State Legislature. Increasing state funding in support of higher education is crucial to the diversified growth of Nevada’s economy and the betterment of the State’s community members.
NSHE
Stay up-to-date with the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) and receive press releases and Board of Regents meeting agendas via email.
Nevada Student Alliance (NSA): is composed of the leadership from the NSHE student governments. NSA meets on a regular basis to discuss issues that impact higher education.
Civic Engagement
Contact your legislator(s). Express how pursuing your graduate or professional education at UNLV has impacted your life and community.
Use this map to determine your district.
Legislator contact information: State Senate and State Assembly.
Related Links
The Rules & Ethics Committee exists to evaluate the actions of all GPSA officers, committee members, Council members and representatives, employees, and volunteers as well as explore the qualifications for nominees and applicants to various positions within the graduate student government. The Rules & Ethics Committee enhances the student experience as it holds GPSA’s elected and appointed officials accountable for their actions. This committee investigates concerns, complaints, and grievances brought forth by graduate and professional students, the UNLV community, and the community at large. While striving to provide mediation and resolution, this committee also encourages respect, individuality, and camaraderie.
The Sponsorship Committee makes Research and Travel Grant funding recommendations to the Council by reviewing submitted applications against the qualifications set forth by the GPSA Sponsorship Operating Policy. The GPSA allocates its largest programming budget of $175,000 annually to the Research and Travel Grant program. All applications for GPSA sponsorship are deliberated privately by the Sponsorship Committee members, but all recommendations submitted to the Council are available to the public upon request. The Council’s approval of the Sponsorship Committee’s recommendations is delegated to the GPSA Vice President. The Vice President will provide a summary of the Sponsorship Committee’s recommendations at the following Council meeting. These funds can only be awarded to enrolled graduate and professional students (minimum one (1) credit hour) at UNLV.
The Ways and Means Committee represents the Council on matters pertaining to the review and oversight of financial activities within GPSA. The elected GPSA Treasurer assumes the position of chair of this committee upon the start of their term but may delegate the role. The Ways and Means Committee is established for the purposes of preparing the annual GPSA budget in partnership with the GPSA President and GPSA Advisor, serving as financial counsel to GPSA and receiving all requests for funding from Registered Graduate and Professional Student Organizations (RSOs).
Executive Board
While the GPSA Council functions as our legislative branch, the Executive Board serves as the executive branch. GPSA has four elected officers which form the Executive Board. The officer positions include the President, Vice President, Treasurer, and Secretary. If you are interested in serving on the GPSA E-Board, run for election! Declarations of Candidacy are due in early March. Elections are held the first week of April.
President's Cabinet and Divisions
The President’s Cabinet comprises leaders from each of the GPSA's Divisions. Cabinet members are appointed student leaders who work closely with and advise the GPSA President. The Cabinet is a key component of the executive branch and helps steer the Executive Board's strategic initiatives while ensuring we meet the needs of our members. Each Division is staffed by UNLV graduate and professional students, offering ample leadership opportunities within GPSA. Learn more about what each Division does and how they contribute to our mission on the GPSA Divisions page.
Civic Engagement
Your voice matters, both on and off campus. We encourage you to stay informed and engage with local and state legislators to advocate for graduate education and how pursuing your graduate or professional education at UNLV has impacted your life and community. Use this map to determine your district. Legislator contact information: State Senate and State Assembly.
Stay up-to-date with the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) and receive press releases and Board of Regents meeting agendas via email.
Related Links
Stay Connected
Don't miss out on important updates and opportunities! Stay on top of upcoming events and meetings, link the GPSA Public Calendar to your RebelMail or Gmail calendar.