Graduate and Professional Student Association (GPSA)

The Graduate and Professional Student Association (GPSA) is the graduate and professional student government body of Penn State University Park. The primary goals of the Graduate and Professional Student Association are to represent and support the interests of the University’s current and future graduate and professional student community. GPSA accomplishes this goal by:

  • Providing unified and informed voice representing graduate and professional students to the University’s administration, Board of Trustees, academic units, and other external organizations that make decisions on behalf of students;
  • Creating a forum to address the ideas and concerns of graduate and professional students;
  • Supporting scholarship activities and professional development;
  • Promoting leadership, social, and service opportunities to the graduate and professional student body; and,
  • Planning events and activities to promote a sense of community among graduate and professional students and their families.

The GPSA is officially recognized by the University as the collective voice of the graduate and professional student body pursuant to the Bylaws (Section 5.04) and Standing Orders (Order VII (4)) of the Board of Trustees. GPSA has representation in a number of the University’s governing bodies, including but not limited to the Faculty Senate, Board of Trustees, and University Park Fee Board. GPSA also has representation in many of the University’s advisory committees, the full list of which can be found on GPSA's website Links to an external site..

The GPSA consists of delegates from each college in the University, and the number of delegates per college is determined based on the graduate and professional student enrollment in each college. These delegates form the assembly, who together with the executive board, form the GPSA. Each delegate also serves on at least one of GPSA’s standing committees:

  • Programming: Co-ordinates entertainment, social, involvement, and educational events for the benefit of the graduate and professional students to promote the sense of community within the graduate and professional student body and their families.
  • Professional Development: Develops programs and seminars aimed at promoting professional and job-related opportunities for graduate and professional students.
  • Internal Development: Keeps records of all legislation brought before the Assembly, and is responsible for drafting amendments to the Constitution or Bylaws of the GPSA and improving its policies and procedures.
  • Community Outreach: Works to strengthen community engagement and service among graduate and professional students through offering a variety of ways for students to volunteer or donate their time. Also consists of the Climate Action sub-committee that is responsible for fulfilling the GPSA’s mission as it relates to promoting sustainability initiatives.
  • Advocacy and Diversity: Responsible for improving the graduate and professional student body by advocating for policies or initiatives to outside parties within the University and in the community. This includes addressing student concerns and promoting diversity.

GPSA meetings are open to all graduate and professional students. GPSA is here to serve graduate and professional students and advocate for you, so please feel free to reach out to the GPSA representative of your college with any questions or concerns you may have. The list of representatives can be found on GPSA's website Links to an external site.. If you are interested in becoming involved with GPSA, please email the the organization. GPSA wishes you the best in your studies and welcomes you to Penn State!