Serving the Needs of Graduate and Professional Students at UCR
Governance
The Graduate Student Association (GSA) at the University of California, Riverside (UCR) operates as the representative body for graduate students. It's structured to effectively address academic and non-academic issues, representing graduate student interests within the university administration. The GSA facilitates communication between graduate students and the university faculty and staff, ensuring their needs and concerns are addressed. This governance body also manages resources and organizes events to enhance the overall graduate student experience at UCR.
Here you will find detailed information about the GSA's decision-making process, meeting schedules, and minutes from past meetings. Additionally, you will find resources and documents pertinent to governance, such as bylaws, policies, and procedural guidelines, providing transparency and guidance for current and prospective graduate students.
General Student Council
The General Student Council (GSC) meets on a monthly basis from October through June. GSC meetings are open to any members of the graduate or undergraduate student body, any member of University related or public media, and any member of the administration or faculty. Exceptions by which a GSC meeting becomes closed can be found in the GSA Constitution, Article II, Section 3, sub-sections ‘a’ and ‘c.’ While GSC meetings are open, voting on items is limited to individuals comprising the GSA executive board and mini-GSA representatives.
Purpose of the GSC
- Represent the general interest of the graduate student body to the University of California, Riverside
- Liaising between graduate students and members of the staff, faculty, and administration at UC Riverside
- Disseminate information to graduate students
- Assist in the resolution of problems pertaining to graduate student affairs
Meeting Schedule
The GSA holds General Council meetings on the first Wednesday of every month from October through June. All students are welcome to join, and comment, and enjoy free food. Meetings are held at 7pm in an online or hybrid format. Check below for details for each meeting. We would love for you to join us!
The meeting link is: https://ucr.zoom.us/j/92401421419
UCR GSA General Council Meeting Schedule:
Wednesday, October 2nd @ 7pm
SSC Multi-Purpose Room 1
Wednesday, November 6th @ 7pm
SSC Multi-Purpose Room 1
Wednesday, December 4th @ 7pm
Wednesday, January 8th @ 7pm
HUB 260
Wednesday, February 5th @ 7pm
SSC Multi-Purpose Room 1
Wednesday, March 5th @ 7pm
SSC Multi-Purpose Room 1
Wednesday, April 2nd @ 7pm
HUB 269
Wednesday, May 7th @ 7pm
SSC Multi-Purpose Room 1
Wednesday, June 4th @ 7pm
SSC Multi-Purpose Room 1
Meeting Agendas and Minutes
Check out the latest Meeting Agendas and Minutes for the current academic year to find out what GSC is currently doing.
Meeting agendas are voted on and approved one week before General Student Council meetings. Students may request adding items to the agenda by emailing a GSA officer.
The GSA Constitution is comprised of the fundamental laws and principles that prescribe the nature, function and limits of the GSA. It provides a basic structure upon which the GSA operates. Amendments and revisions to the constitution require a high level of participation/approval from the membership.
The GSA Bylaws are secondary laws, which rule or govern the internal affairs of the GSA. They expand the articles and sections of the constitution, and describe in detail the procedures and steps that the GSA follows in order to conduct business effectively and efficiently. Since bylaws are more “nuts and bolts” procedures, they are easier to amend and revise than the constitution.
Bylaws Committee Report
January 2, 2025 - The GSA Bylaws Committee has recommended a vote for approval and adoption of the attached proposed amendments to the Bylaws of the Graduate Student Association of the University of California, Riverside, to take place at the Graduate Student Council (GSC) Meeting on January, 8th 2025, at 7:00 pm PT: https://ucr.zoom.us/j/92401421419.
You will find 13 items to be voted on, all of which are procedural adjustments or role specifications within the GSA that the committee has found substantive and warrant a full GSC vote.
Click here to review the proposed amendments.
If you have any questions or comments regarding any of these proposed changes in advance of the meeting and vote, or if you would like to propose any amendments in the future, please contact your departmental or mini GSA representative and Matt Kersting (gsavpia1@gmail.com). If you do not know who your departmental or mini GSA representative is, please contact the Vice President of Academic Affairs (vpaa.gsa@gmail.com).
Everyone is welcome to attend this or any other GSC Meeting, where you may voice any questions or concerns.
Finances
The GSA administers a budget which is approved by the Graduate Student Council. Details of the bylaws governing GSA finances can be found in Section X: Finances of the GSA bylaws. If you have any further questions or comments regarding finances, please contact the GSA financial officer at finance.gsa@ucr.edu.
Financial Forms and Reports
Usage of GSA funds requires submission of either a reimbursement form or requisition form. A requisition form is pre-approval of expenses with a UCR approved vendor. A reimbursement form is not limited to UCR approved vendors and is submitted after the funds are spent. Look through the list below to find the appropriate form.
Departmental / Program GSA Reimbursement Request Form
This form is for Departmental GSA representatives seeking reimbursements for meetings other than conference sponsorship.
Officer Travel Reimbursement Form
This form is for officers seeking reimbursements for travel and travel related expenses.
General Reimbursement Request Form
This form is for reimbursements for general expenses not covered by other forms.
Project Codes and Budget Line Items
Click here for project codes for departmental GSAs
Click here for account and budget line items for all other expenses
- What purchases are allowed for reimbursement?
- Can I submit a reimbursement form without all documents from checklist?
- What if the event does not have an agenda/meeting minutes/sign-in sheet?
- What are the requirements for a sign-in sheet?
- Can the “Explanation of Business Purpose” be for a social gathering?
- Why do I need a separate form for travel expenses and other expenses?