About the Graduate Student Assembly

GSA serves as the official graduate student governing body to The University of Texas at Dallas (UTD) administration; the purpose of the organization is to provide a recognized platform from which graduate students may advocate for their interests on campus through representation to university departments and organizations, through initiatives that improve the UT Dallas graduate experience, and through events and programming that meet these graduate students’ educational, professional, and social needs.

GSA Constitution (PDF)
GSA bYlaws (PDF)

Leadership

The GSA Leadership team is formed by the GSA Executive Board and the Representatives.  .  

  • The GSA’s Executive Board consists of a President, Vice President, Vice President for Administration, Vice President for Programming, and Vice President for Public Relations.
  • Apart from the Executive Board, GSA includes a representative body consisting of one elected representative per every 500 enrolled UTD graduate students based on the enrollment at the time of the general GSA election. In addition to these at-large representatives, each school shall have one dedicated school representative.

Events & Initiatives

Diversity, Equality and Belonging

Starting in 2020, GSA committed to pursuing events and generating discussion around topics of diversity, equality and belonging. Our Diversity in Research Seminar Series in collaboration with various offices on campus aims to educate graduate students about different topics including but not limited to race, gender/gender identity, sexual orientation, nationality, and mental health. Additionally, we have been able to nominate graduate student representatives to various University-wide and Academic Senate committees focused on different aspects of this topic.

Philanthropy

Giving back to our university, fellow graduate students, community, and anyone in need is important to GSA. We strive to provide different opportunities for graduate students to pursue philanthropic service through volunteering and donations. These include donating and volunteering to distribute food at the Comet Cupboard, helping our local community with a Point-In-Time Count, and donating blood through Carter Blood Drive.

Professional Development

Graduate students have different needs when it comes to professional development and GSA focuses on providing a number of events and workshops each year. Panel interviews with UTD graduate school alumni, interview tips and tricks, networking events, resume and CVs workshops, and mock interviews are all topics GSA has provided to graduate students over the years.

Social

GSA encourages graduate students to expand their social circle outside the confines of their lab, department, or school through social events. Graduate students have been able to meet other students at GSA-hosted game nights, holiday parties, and happy hours.

Role in Campus Governance

Elected members of the GSA Leadership team actively participate in campus governance. They participate in various meetings/committees such as:

GSA nominates graduate student representatives in various Senate, University-wide and other committees such as: 

A Message from the Dean of Graduate Education

Dear Graduate Student Assembly Member: 

The Graduate Student Assembly (GSA) is the representative body for all University of Texas at Dallas graduate students. Their mission is to embody the views of graduate students to the University and the community at large. UT Dallas is privileged to have such a robust and active graduate student population and count with a dedicated organization that collaborates with the Office of Graduate Education (OGE) to identify our students’ needs and concerns.  In addition, in close collaboration with OGE, GSA discusses and advises on possible changes to University policies related to graduate education. 

Our graduate students represent more than one-third of UT Dallas’ student enrollment and have been central to the University since its founding.  We must strive to create an environment in which each of you will grow and thrive. Both OGE and the GSA are committed to your academic success, and we serve as advocates for your intellectual and professional development. 

As Dean of Graduate Education, I encourage you to actively participate in all GSA activities and to keep in touch with the Office of Graduate Education, either in person (Founders Annex, FA 3.104; see campus map), by phone (972-883-2234), or by E-mail (gradeducation@utdallas.edu). Our team is eager to support you as you pursue your graduate education at The University of Texas at Dallas. 

Sincerely yours, 

Juan E. González, Ph.D. 
Associate Provost and Dean of Graduate Education 
Francis S. Johnson Chair for Graduate Education 
Professor of Molecular Biology