Person with arms raised above their head, one with a visible peace sign.

Thinking about getting involved? Step up. Lead the way.

GPSA elections are​ your chance to make an impact. We elect four executive officers—President, Vice President, Treasurer, and Secretary—each April to repres​ent and advocate for graduate ​and professional students.

About the GPSA

The Graduate & Professional Student Association is the student government for all currently enrolled graduate and professional students at UNLV. The GPSA is managed by the GPSA Council, consisting of four elected officers, department-appointed council members, and the GPSA manager (administrative faculty). The four elected officers make up the Executive Board: President, Vice President, Treasurer, and Secretary.

Learn More

Not sure what GPSA does? Attend a GPSA meeting or explore the GPSA Programs that support students through funding, events, and academic initiatives.

For general questions, contact gpsa@unlv.edu or stop by the Graduate Commons, an exclusive space for graduate and professional students managed and operated by GPSA.

Why Participate?

As a GPSA Executive Board Officer, you will gain leadership experience, networking opportunities, and professional development. You will develop skills in public speaking, policy-making, negotiation, higher education administration, and governance—and make a difference.

And vote! Support candidates who share your vision for graduate student advocacy.

How Does GPSA Make a Difference?

Our university system seeks the student voice for major university decisions, including funding allocations, student fees, and academic policies. GPSA is the recognized UNLV graduate student government and represents this voice not only at UNLV, but also to the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE). GPSA works with university leadership to improve the student experience.

GPSA’s programming aims to enrich the graduate student experience. Lead initiatives like the Cap & Gown Program, research grants, tutoring programs, plan major events, or develop new student resources.

Is This Doable? What’s the Time Commitment for Officers?

Training and guidance are provided. Passion is the only requirement. Faculty advisors and past leaders help new officers transition into their roles.

Meetings are scheduled with students in mind. The work is manageable alongside coursework and research. Executive Board members work as a team—no one carries the full burden alone.

Officers should expect to dedicate between 5–10 hours per week to their roles and receive a small stipend to compensate for this service commitment. The Executive Board meets biweekly, and the GPSA Council meets monthly.

What Positions Are Open?

Elections are held annually for four Executive Board positions:

  • President: Leads GPSA, represents students to university leadership, and chairs meetings.
  • Vice President: Manages internal operations and oversees the GPSA Sponsorship Program.
  • Secretary: Maintains records, communications, and ensures transparency.
  • Treasurer: Manages the GPSA budget and financial allocations.

See Position Descriptions for more detail about the expectations of each officer role and its stipend.

Announcements

Eligibility

Anyone serving on the Elections Commission cannot run for GPSA Executive Board. Elections Commission members who decide to run for Executive Board must resign at least 30 calendar days before the filing period begins.

Candidates for the GPSA Executive Board election must meet the following criteria:

  • Enrolled and admitted into a graduate or professional program or graduate-level certificate program at UNLV
  • In good academic standing with the university
  • Cannot have any open student conduct investigations
  • Cannot be on academic probation
  • Must have a minimum 3.0 GPA

Position Descriptions

President: is the chairperson of the GPSA Council and Executive Board. This position is responsible for guiding the organization's vision and works closely with the GPSA Council to set goals for the year to achieve it. The President also represents the GPSA at the Board of Regents meetings and travels to other locations when the meetings are held outside Las Vegas (travel expenses paid by GPSA).  The President sits on a number of campus-wide committees, including the Graduate Council and the Executive Council, and speaks at various student orientations and other engagements. Due to impromptu requests (speaking, serving on committees, etc.) from different entities on campus throughout the year, it is highly recommended that candidates for this position have a flexible schedule. If all duties are fulfilled this position will receive a graduate student tuition wavier of up to 9 credits a semester, a monthly stipend equal to that of a graduate assistant, a GPSA Leadership Scholarship (academic year breakdown: Summer - $4,500; Fall - $2,500; Spring - $2,500) and a GPSA $550.00 stipend for each semester. 

Eligibility:  Enrolled and admitted into a graduate or professional program or graduate-level certificate program at UNLV, in good academic standing, cannot have any open student conduct investigations, cannot be on academic probation, and must have previous experience on the GPSA Council or a GPSA Committee or as a previous executive board member.

Vice President: chairs the Sponsorship Committee which evaluates applications for GPSA sponsored funding. Sponsorship funding is allocated annually through the Ways and Means Committee and is intended to support student academic endeavors including research and conference travel, publications, and professional development. The Vice President serves on several campus-wide committees. The Vice President establishes priorities for sponsorship funding in conjunction with the Committee, the Executive Board, and the GPSA Advisor. This position also conducts a Sponsorship Funding workshop(s) to assist students with successfully applying for GPSA funding. The Vice President attends the Board of Regents meeting in the President’s absence and acts as President if the office becomes vacant. The Vice President also serves on a Graduate College Committee and other campus-wide committees. If all duties are fulfilled this position will receive a GPSA Leadership Scholarship (academic year breakdown: Summer - $3500; Fall - $1500; Spring - $1500) and a GPSA $550.00 stipend for attending Council meetings. In the absence of the President, the Vice President shall chair the Council.

Eligibility: Enrolled and admitted into a graduate or professional program or graduate-level certificate program at UNLV, in good academic standing, cannot have any open student conduct investigations, cannot be on academic probation, and must have previous experience on the GPSA Council or a GPSA Committee or as a previous executive board member.

Treasurer: The Treasurer absorbs the fiscal responsibility of the GPSA. This position works closely with the GPSA Manager and Advisor for the organization's budget transparency. The Treasurer chairs the Ways and Means Committee which are responsible for approving budget appropriations and allocations recommended by the President, reviewing new programming budgets, and oversees the funding process for Graduate Registered Student Organizations (GRSOs). The Treasurer is also required to report on the organization's expenditures and revenues at each Council meeting. This is done through the Statement of Accounts report. The Treasurer serves on a Graduate College Committee and other campus-wide committees. During a Legislative year, it is expected that the Treasurer travel to Carson City to meet with governor and state legislators. If all duties are fulfilled this position will receive a GPSA Leadership Scholarship (academic year breakdown: Summer - $3,000; Fall - $1,500; Spring - $1,500) and a GPSA $350.00 stipend for attending Council meetings. The Treasurer will fill the Vice President’s office in the event of its vacancy.

Eligibility: Enrolled and admitted into a graduate or professional program or graduate-level certificate program at UNLV, in good academic standing, cannot have any open student conduct investigations, cannot be on academic probation.

Secretary: is responsible for preparing and posting the agenda for each Council meeting within three (3) business days prior to the meeting, which is set by the GPSA President. The Secretary records minutes during GPSA Council meetings (and any relevant GPSA Committee meetings) and distributes the minutes to members for approval and public posting. The Secretary also maintains GPSA records and operationally works closely with the GPSA Manager and Advisor. This position is responsible for keeping roll call at the GPSA Council meetings, which determines the representative’s eligibility for their semester scholarship, and should have a strong grasp of parliamentary procedure. The Secretary is expected to have experience with Robert's Rules of Order and Nevada Open Meeting Law (NOML). Additionally, the Secretary is responsible for organizing GPSA events, activities, and communications, including social media, throughout the year. Major GPSA events include Rebel Homecoming (fall) and the Research Forum (spring). The Secretary serves on a Graduate College Committee and several campus-wide committees. If all duties are fulfilled this position will receive a GPSA Leadership Scholarship (academic year breakdown: Summer - $2,000; Fall - $1,000; Spring - $1,000) and a GPSA $350.00 stipend for each semester. The Secretary will fill the Treasurer’s office in the event of its vacancy.

Eligibility: Enrolled and admitted into a graduate or professional program or graduate-level certificate program at UNLV, in good academic standing, cannot have any open student conduct investigations, cannot be on academic probation.

Required Materials to File for Candidacy

  • Declaration of Candidacy: Filing declares a student's intent to run for office. Before your name can be added to the election ballot, submit the online 'File for Candidacy' form.
    • Resume or CV (optional): Applicants may submit a resume or CV (PDF only) to demonstrate their qualifications for an officer role.
  • All declarations submitted will be reviewed for eligibility by the Elections Commission. Eligible students will advance as candidates for election. Candidates will be announced on the GPSA website. Candidate information from the filing packet will be added to a Voter's Guide shared with the student body by the Elections Commission Chair.
  • Questions? Email gpsaelections@unlv.edu
  • Each candidate is expected to attend, in person, the GPSA Council meeting in April. All Council meetings begin at 5:30 p.m. Upcoming Council meetings are posted here.
    • Candidates unable to attend the GPSA Council meeting in person must email gpsaelections@unlv.edu at least three (3) business days in advance so that alternative arrangements can be made (e.g., virtual attendance or submitting a pre‑recorded speech).
  • 3‑minute speech: At the meeting, candidates should be prepared to speak to the Council (three‑minute limit) about their motivations and qualifications to be a GPSA officer. Candidates will be expected to explain why they are interested in serving in the chosen position and discuss the goals they hope to achieve or issues they plan to address. Each speech will be followed by a Q&A with Council members and members of the public present.
  • Candidates should be familiar with GPSA's mission and governing documents.

Campaigning

  • All candidates must review and acknowledge receipt of the GPSA Election Rules. Violations of the Election Rules must be reported in a timely fashion to the Elections Commission at gpsaelections@unlv.edu.
  • The Elections Commission will announce all candidates to the student body.
  • Candidates may campaign on campus during the designated campaigning period. All graphics must be emailed to the Elections Commission for approval prior to public posting. See the Election Rules for more information about campaigning, what constitutes a violation, and how to report related expenditures.

Report Campaign Expenditure

More About GPSA

The GPSA supports graduate and professional students’ academic endeavors. Providing an environment conducive to student scholarship and research is our primary goal. The GPSA strives to engender a sense of community among the graduate and professional students by offering financial support and fellowship.

Programming is provided throughout the year which offers funding, scholarships, various awards, and networking to students. The GPSA represents UNLV graduate and professional students at meetings of the Board of Regents, Nevada Student Alliance, and on campus-wide committees.

The GPSA maintains offices in the Student Union, the Gateway Commons, CHB, as well as a computer lab in the Lied Library known as the Graduate Student Commons.

Events

There are no events at this time. Please check back soon.