Serving the Needs of Graduate and Professional Students at UCR
GSA 2026-2027 Elections Are Here!!
Dear UCR Graduate and Professional Students,
GSA Elections will be held during the week of May 18th to May 25th, 2026. During that period, graduate students may vote to elect the 7 GSA Elected Officers. We would like to strongly encourage applicants to apply for the following positions:
President
Vice President of External Affairs (VPEA)
Vice President of Internal Affairs (VPIA)
Vice President of Academic Affairs (VPAA)
Vice President of Public Relations (VPPR)
Finance & Grant Writing Officer
Graduate Student Health Insurance Plan (GSHIP) Officer
If you are interested in running for one of the seven elected positions at the GSA for the 2026–2027 academic year, please:
1) Review the position's description in our Bylaws on the GSA Website.
2) Follow this link to apply: https://forms.gle/zS5YkZ8up3L5fxGi7
3) Contact the current officer to meet with them regarding the requirements of the position.
Visit the GSA website for more information.
Applications to seek election will be due April 13th.
Please feel free to email the Election Committee chair at gsainternalaffairs@ucr.edu with any questions.
In service,
The Graduate Student Association of UCR & the GSA Elections Committee
GSA Elections - AY 2026-2027
Each academic year the Graduate Student Association (GSA) at the University of California, Riverside conducts a general election for our seven elected officer positions. These are highly sought-after, paid positions which provide graduate students with an opportunity to build leadership and professional networking skills, and make an impact through advocacy, representation, and service. Elected officers serve during the following academic year from late September through early June. Check out the information below for details about the fast-approaching 2026-2027 elections.
GSAUCR Elected Officer Roles & Responsibilities: Lead, Advocate, and Elevate the Graduate Experience!
Are you ready to make a lasting impact on your graduate community? The Graduate Student Association of UC Riverside (GSAUCR) is looking for passionate leaders to take on key elected officer positions and drive meaningful change. This is your chance to represent your peers, advocate for student needs, and develop leadership skills that will set you apart!
Why Should You Run?
- Amplify Your Voice – Represent graduate students at UCR and across the UC system.
- Shape Policy – Influence decisions on academic policies, funding, and student well-being.
- Build Networks – Work with university administration, state representatives, and national student organizations.
- Gain Leadership Experience – Develop skills in advocacy, event planning, public relations, and financial management.
- Make an Impact – Ensure that the graduate student experience is equitable, inclusive, and fulfilling.
Key Leadership Positions Available
📢 President
The face and voice of GSAUCR, leading advocacy efforts and managing the organization’s operations.
- Meets with UCR leadership, oversees the budget, and represents graduate students at system-wide and campus meetings.
🤝 Vice President of External Affairs
Represents GSAUCR at UC-wide meetings and works on local, state, and national advocacy for graduate students.
- Engages in policy discussions and ensures UCR graduate voices are heard at all levels.
🏛️ Vice President of Internal Affairs
- Ensures smooth operations and equal opportunity within the organization, acting as the bridge between students, the university, and GSAUCR.
- Coordinates with campus department liaisons, builds resources and supports for graduate students, and strengthens graduate student representation across campus.
🎓 Vice President of Academic Affairs
Works directly with departmental GSAs to advocate for students’ academic concerns, manages internal committees, and ensures GSA membership and involvement.
- Ensures fair policies on funding, research opportunities, and professional development.
📢 Vice President of Public Relations
Leads marketing, outreach, and communication efforts to engage and inform the graduate student body.
- Oversees social media, newsletters, and campus-wide PR campaigns.
💰 Finance & Grant Writing Officer
Oversees budgeting, funding allocations, and grant opportunities for graduate students.
- Ensures financial transparency and assists students in securing research and travel funding.
🩺 Graduate Student Health Insurance Policy Officer
Advocates for student healthcare needs, collaborating with UCR’s Student Health Center to improve policies.
- Ensures graduate students receive fair and accessible health services.
What’s in It for You?
✔ Professional Development – Gain leadership, management, and advocacy skills.
✔ Stipends – Earn compensation while working on initiatives that benefit your peers.
✔ Networking Opportunities – Connect with faculty, administrators, policymakers, and fellow student leaders.
✔ Impact – Be the change you want to see in graduate student life!
🚀 Apply Today! Become a leader who shapes the future of UC Riverside’s graduate community! Make a difference, advocate for your peers, and grow as a leader!