Office of Graduate Affairs

GSA Constitution

GSA logo

Approved Spring 2026

Article I: Objectives and Purposes
Article II: Structure of the Graduate Student Association
Article III: Election Procedures
Article IV: Clubs and Organizations
Article V: Issues of Concern
Article VI: GSA Code of Conduct
Article VII: Removal from Office
Article VIII: Amendments to the Constitution

We, the graduate students of Brandeis University, hereby establish this Constitution for the Graduate Student Association of Brandeis University. This Constitution serves to provide for meaningful address of student concerns through the principle of democratic representation in governance; to exercise our indisputable right to be represented in the affairs of the University; and to protect the individual and collective rights of graduate students.

Article I. Objectives and Purposes

The Brandeis Graduate Student Association (GSA) shall consist of all enrolled graduate students at Brandeis University. GSA Leadership shall be an independent and elected student governmental body consisting of and representing Brandeis graduate students enrolled in one of the four academic schools (SAHC, SBE, SSET, SSSP). GSA Leadership shall represent the voices of graduate students and serve as a bridge for communication between graduate students, administration, and faculty. GSA Leadership shall coordinate academic, social and other activities to engage graduate students and to inspire active participation in community building activities. The GSA Leadership envisions an active and vibrant graduate student community where voices are heard, diversity is celebrated, and concerns are addressed.

 

The objectives and purposes to which the GSA Leadership are dedicated are as follows:

  • To provide forums for discussion of issues of concern to graduate students.
  • To advocate for graduate student interests with Brandeis faculty, staff, and senior administration.
  • To organize, promote, and conduct activities beneficial to graduate student life.
  • To disseminate information of potential interest to graduate students.
  • To help establish, support, and assist graduate student clubs and organizations.
  • To appoint graduate students to University committees.
  • To engage and partner with the members of the Brandeis community.

Article II. Structure of the Graduate Student Association

Section 2.1: Membership

The Graduate Student Association (GSA) shall consist of all enrolled graduate students in each of the four schools of Brandeis University. Leadership of the GSA shall consist of an Executive Board (Eboard) and a Senate. Executive Board members shall be elected by the entire graduate student body every spring semester for the duration of that academic year. Senate members shall be elected by the graduate students enrolled within their respective academic schools, and a student representative from the Graduate Student Workers Union. All graduate students from the four schools are eligible for election to the GSA Leadership and/or can represent graduate student interests on any committee, internal or external. All graduate students, including those enrolled in Rabb/GPS, can participate in all activities of the GSA.

Section 2.2: GSA Executive Board

The Executive Board shall serve as the official elected governing body of the Graduate Student Association, representing graduate students at Brandeis University. Executive Board roles shall be for one academic year; participating members must remain enrolled students for the duration of their time in service. The elected officers of the GSA Executive Board shall be as follows:

President

The President provides leadership and strategic direction for the Graduate Student Association (GSA), representing graduate student interests to University Administration and external bodies, and overseeing all GSA activities to ensure alignment with the organization’s mission. As the primary leader of the GSA, the President is responsible for facilitating GSA Leadership meetings, acting as the spokesperson for the organization, and collaborating with GSA Leaders to support their initiatives. This role requires a strong commitment to advocating for the diverse needs of graduate students at Brandeis University.

Board of Trustees Representative

The Board of Trustees Representative supports the President in leading the Graduate Student Association (GSA), serves as the Graduate Student Representative to the Brandeis University Board of Trustees, and collaborates with the GSA Senators to ensure strong engagement across graduate schools. This position leads the effort to find graduate student representatives for University committees. The Board of Trustees Representative is a key liaison between the GSA and University Leadership, and serves as the President in the President’s absence. This role requires strong leadership, communication, and collaboration skills.

Director of Programming

Creates engaging and diverse programming initiatives that cater to the interests and needs of graduate students, fostering community, personal growth, and academic enrichment within our campus. The Director of Programming coordinates event logistics, working closely with the GSA Advisor, and works with the Director of Treasury and Organizations to manage allocated budget, as well as collaborates with other departments and organizations. They develop and implement outreach strategies, organize networking events, and seek opportunities for collaboration with campus partners. This role requires strong networking skills and the ability to effectively engage with a wide range of stakeholders.

Director of Treasury and Organizations

Manages the financial resources of the organization, providing support and guidance to affiliated student organizations, and ensuring transparency and accountability in all financial matters to uphold the interests and goals of the graduate student community. This role oversees the GSA’s financial operations, develops financial policies, manages budgets, and provides financial support to student organizations. The position also manages the registration and support of graduate student-led clubs and organizations, developing and maintaining policies and procedures for establishing new student organizations, and helping to recruit club leaders and promote membership. This role requires meticulous attention to detail and strong financial management skills.

Director of Public Relations

Enhances the visibility and reputation of the GSA through strategic communication and marketing efforts, managing the GSA’s social media accounts, website, and other communication channels. This role fosters positive relationships with internal and external stakeholders, and promotes the achievements, events, and initiatives of the graduate student community to enhance visibility, engagement, and support. They strengthen community ties by fostering relationships between graduate students and the Brandeis community, including faculty, staff, and administration, as well as with organizations across New England through various outreach strategies. The Director of Public Relations will ensure all GSA communications meet university guidelines and standards.

Section 2.2.1: The Duties of the Executive Board

  • To serve as the governing body representing graduate students’ interests to Brandeis Senior Administration, the GSA Leadership has the duty to create, implement and maintain lines of communication between itself and the rest of the GSA.
  • The GSA Executive Board and Senate shall require all Officers and Senators to comply with all provisions of the GSA Constitution and Bylaws.
  • The GSA Executive Board shall have authority over matters pertaining to the activities of the GSA or any committee thereof, as determined by a majority vote.
  • The GSA Executive Board shall be responsible for reporting the disbursement of their budget to the graduate student community at the end of each semester.
  • The GSA Executive Board shall reserve the right to charter or recognize graduate student clubs and organizations, and to grant said chartered clubs’ funding requests.

Section 2.3: GSA Senate

The GSA Senate shall be the representational body of the GSA Leadership. Senators shall represent their individual school or organization to GSA Leadership and act as a liaison between the two. Working closely with department/program Representatives, Senators shall champion the needs and rights of their graduate student constituents, advocate for policies that enhance their academic and professional experience, and ensure graduate student voices are heard and represented within the University community. They are responsible for developing and implementing advocacy initiatives and campaigns, such as forums to gather student feedback, and meet regularly with the schools’ Deans, GSA Leadership, and other relevant university offices to help resolve issues. Senators shall serve a one-year term, be voting members of the GSA Leadership, contribute to policy discussions and advocacy efforts, and shall assist in organizing and promoting GSA events. Senators serve on at least one University Committee. The roles of the GSA Senate shall be as follows:

Arts, Humanities, and Culture Senator

AHC Senator represents and advocates for graduate students within this unit. They hold regular meetings with department/program Representatives and the rest of their constituents to gather information and learn of any issues that may exist. They attend GSA meetings and serve as a liaison between their unit and GSA Leadership.

Social Sciences and Social Policy Senator

SSSP Senator represents and advocates for graduate students within this unit. They hold regular meetings with department/program Representatives and the rest of their constituents to gather information and learn of any issues that may exist. They attend GSA meetings and serve as a liaison between their unit and GSA Leadership.

Science, Engineering, and Technology Senator

SET Senator represents and advocates for graduate students within this unit. They hold regular meetings with department/program Representatives and the rest of their constituents to gather information and learn of any issues that may exist. They attend GSA meetings and serve as a liaison between their unit and GSA Leadership.

Business and Economics Senator

BE Senator represents and advocates for graduate students within this unit. They hold regular meetings with department/program Representatives and the rest of their constituents to gather information and learn of any issues that may exist. They attend GSA meetings and serve as a liaison between their unit and GSA Leadership.

Graduate Student Workers Union Senator

GSWU Senator represents and advocates for graduate students within the Union. They hold regular meetings with their constituents to gather information and learn of any issues that may exist. They attend GSA meetings and serve as a liaison between the Union and GSA Leadership.


Section 2.3.1: Duties of Senators

  • Provide constituents regular opportunities to meet to discuss interests, issues or concerns.
  • Meet with program/department representatives to better understand interests and needs of students within those areas.
  • Report to GSA Leadership all information/key issues regarding their respective schools and/or University committees roles. 
  • Meet regularly with their respective Schools’ Deans, sharing information they have gathered from both GSA Leadership and their constituents.
  • Report back to their constituents any information from GSA Leadership.

Section 2.4: University Committee Representatives

  • University Committee Representatives shall be graduate students at Brandeis University who sit on various committees on campus in order to represent the voice and perspectives of graduate students.
  • The Board of Trustees representative shall work with the Executive Board, the Senate and the GSA Advisor to assign students to serve as University Committee representatives.
  • Representatives shall serve as liaisons between GSA Leadership, the broader graduate student community, and the committees they sit on. 
  • Representatives are encouraged to attend all GSA meetings.

Section 2.5: The GSA Advisor

  • The GSA Advisor is a Brandeis staff member and shall act in an advisory capacity to GSA Leadership. The Advisor serves as a liaison between the Graduate Student Association and University administration and faculty.
  • The GSA Advisor has a duty to remain unbiased on graduate student issues and best serve the reasonable requests and motives of the members of the Graduate Student Association as a university-wide advocate.
  • The GSA Advisor shall be required and committed to provide space and opportunities for graduate students where their opinions and/or feedback about the University or its members remain private and that core issues are advocated for on behalf of graduate students, to protect anonymity and the truest essence of freedom of expression. However, this role is not a confidential role, so if there is any violation of federally protected categories or concern for students’ safety, the GSA Advisor shall follow guidelines as a responsible reporter.
  • The GSA Advisor shall also help GSA in fundraising and resource mobilization for GSA activities.
  • Each School may also have a GSA Senate Advisor, who works with Senator(s) from their school and provides logistical support.

Section 2.6: Meetings

Section 2.6.1: GSA Leadership Meetings
  • Meetings of the GSA Leadership shall be held in-person at the Graduate Student Center, via Zoom, or at another assigned location a minimum of every other week, unless otherwise directed by the Executive Board. Additional meetings may be scheduled by vote of the Leadership or at the discretion of the President.
  • All members of the GSA Leadership are expected to attend GSA Leadership meetings.
  • Decisions in the GSA and at GSA meetings shall be approved through a majority vote. In the case of a tie, the GSA President shall determine an outcome.
Section 2.6.2: General Assembly Meetings
  • The GSA Leadership shall hold at least one General Assembly meeting for the entire graduate student body each semester.
  • All GSA Leadership shall be expected to attend.
  • All GSA members shall be encouraged to attend and participate.
  • General Assembly meetings shall include reports from GSA Leadership, discussions on key issues, and opportunities for member input.

Article III. Election Procedures

Section 3.1: GSA Leadership Elections

  • Each spring semester, students shall contest and be elected for positions to serve on the GSA E-Board and Senate as defined by the election process in the bylaws.
  • Students can nominate themselves or others.
  • Students shall run for only one position per election cycle.
Section 3.2: GSA Leadership Term Period
  • Executive board members shall serve for a period of one year, beginning the last week of September and ending May 31.
  • There are no term limits; if a Senator or Executive Board member wants to continue in their role, they shall be elected again.

Article IV: Clubs and Organizations

Section 4.1: Delegated Power to Charter New Graduate Student Clubs

The GSA Executive Board shall have the authority to charter or recognize new graduate student organizations and sanction existing graduate student organizations. In making these determinations, the Executive Board shall consider the accuracy and descriptiveness of the organization’s name, the openness of the proposed organization to all members of the Brandeis graduate student community, and the need to encourage diversity among Brandeis organizations and accountability for organizational financial transactions. Upon this review, the GSA Leadership shall ensure that new organizations are unique and distinctive from other existing organizations.

Article V: Issues of Concern

An item or issue of concern can be brought to the attention of the GSA Leadership by any graduate student at Brandeis University. Students can submit concerns via email, website, or by talking with a member of the GSA Leadership. The concern shall be added to the next GSA meeting. During this meeting, appropriate action and relevant participants shall be decided.

Article VI: GSA Code of Conduct

Section 6.1: Expected Behavior

All GSA Leadership members are expected to fulfill the duties of their roles. They shall address others with respect and dignity, and shall not discriminate (against fellow Leadership members, staff, faculty, or other students) based on any federally protected category. All GSA Leadership members are expected, as members of the Brandeis community, to abide by Brandeis policies outlined in Rights and Responsibilities. The GSA Code of Conduct is in addition to Rights and Responsibilities.

Section 6.2: Interim Restrictions

In the event of a violation of the GSA Code of Conduct or Brandeis’ Students’ Rights and Community Standards, the GSA Advisor plus a member of the department of Student Rights and Community Standards shall reserve the right to impose interim restrictions, including temporary removal from office.

Article VII: Removal from Office

Section 7.1: Removing Members of the GSA Leadership

Any Leadership member shall have the right to set forth a motion to remove an Executive Board member or Senator from office if the member’s behavior is deemed grossly detrimental to the function of the GSA Leadership by violating the GSA Code of Conduct.

Article VIII: Amendments to the Constitution

Proposed amendments to the constitution shall be presented during a GSA Leadership meeting for questions and discussion. Amendments shall be approved by two-thirds (66.67 percent) of the Executive Board and Senators at the following Leadership meeting. If any graduate student at Brandeis wants to make amendments to the GSA Constitution, the said graduate student shall notify any member of the Executive Board and that request will appear on the next GSA Leadership meeting agenda.