Greetings! I encourage you to explore our Graduate Student Assembly (GSA) website and stay informed on what we are working on. Being one of three student governance organizations on the 40 acres, representing the almost 13,000 graduate students at The University of Texas at Austin, GSA is very influential. Our purpose is to improve the graduate experience for all graduate students. We accomplish this through various efforts: directing student concerns to high-level university administrators, providing funding opportunities for graduate organizations, testifying at the Texas Capital on higher education issues, and speaking with federal legislators on graduate education issues. Simply put, GSA exists to address your concerns whether they are academic or related to your well-being as a graduate student.

If you want to know how to become a part of GSA, your search is over. You already are a member. Graduate students are automatically included as members within the assembly regardless of degree program or years of experience with student governance. As a member, you are able to serve on various committees and represent the graduate student perspective on those committees. If you have an interest in joining a committee or becoming involved with our organization, contact our membership director about getting started. As a graduate student, you bring experience, influence, and knowledge to this campus and I hope you not only apply them toward your academic pursuits but also share them with our entire graduate student community. I implore you to get involved and make sure your voice is heard on any issue that affects you here, as a student.

This year, we will be working on several initiatives that will impact you: addressing graduate student funding, graduate student housing, health insurance for students on fellowships, the graduate student voice on university issues, and the academic support of underrepresented graduate students across the university. Many additional issues will arise throughout the year however these items are some of the main points GSA will be addressing on behalf of the graduate student community.

Thank you for taking an interest in the Graduate Student Assembly by visiting our website. We look forward to working with you and on your behalf this coming year. Please know that you always have strong support from our organization if you are ever in need. Take care and welcome to UT!

Hook ‘em,

Manuel Gonzalez