Graduate Student Council

Graduate Student Council – Leaders and Legacy Builders

The Graduate Student Council (GSC) is part of shared governance at The University of Mississippi, and its leaders are dedicated advocates for all graduate students across the institution. From academic concerns to community engagement, the GSC actively works to ensure that graduate students are heard, valued, and empowered. Committed to amplifying graduate student voices and addressing their diverse needs on campus, the GSC champions policies, initiatives, and resources that enhance the overall graduate student experience.

Ibrahim Williams, a third-year Ph.D. student in English, has found the GSC to be a meaningful way to connect with fellow graduate students and an avenue for developing strong leadership skills. As President-Elect and outgoing Vice President, Williams has found his GSC leadership to be an increasingly valuable experience.

 “The most rewarding aspect of being a GSC Executive is knowing that our team’s efforts are yielding positive results that (will) benefit our graduate community on campus,” Williams said.

 Dr. Annette Kluck, Dean of the Graduate School, highlighted some of the results GSC can claim. “Over the years, the GSC leaders effectively advocated for resources like new furniture for graduate students in the quiet area of the JD Williams Library, larger scholarship awards for winning participants in the annual research and creative achievement symposium, and increased stipends,” said Kluck. She noted that the GSC Executive Board also ensures leaders know how changes to campus policies and practices may affect graduate students, often providing data to campus leadership and other shared governance groups.

 The GSC is the central representative organization for graduate students and is critical for ensuring they have a seat at the decision-making table. The council actively advocates for initiatives and policies that enhance the graduate school experience, whether that pertains to academic conditions, financial stability, or overall well-being. The GSC fosters a more supportive and welcoming campus environment by representing graduate student interests to the University administration and serving on various standing committees.

 “As a numerical minority compared to undergraduates, graduate students can easily become a secondary—or even tertiary—concern for the university. The GSC works to ensure that this is not the case. More importantly, it strives to make sure that all graduate students feel genuinely supported, regardless of any factors that might otherwise marginalize or exclude them,” Williams said.

Emily Rasmussen, a third-year PhD. student in Biomedical Engineering and outgoing President of the GSC, highlights the organization’s role as a unifying force for the diverse graduate student body.

 “While we are students, many of us are also instructors, researchers, and graduate assistants. The duality of our nature makes it difficult to fit in any one box of ‘student’ or ‘faculty’ or ‘staff,’ and our needs are as varied and unique as what we study. GSC strives to meet those needs and advocate for change to University administration for the betterment of all graduate students,” Rasmussen said.

In addition to its organizational functions, the GSC provides various opportunities to connect with the graduate school community.

“I have met the most amazing people through GSC, and it has provided me with a community of peers that have been instrumental to my success as a graduate student and my well-being,” Rasmussen said.

The two faculty advisors for the council are Dean Kluck and Dr. Sandra Spiroff, Assistant Dean of Professional Development & Communication. Spiroff shared that “the council engages with graduate constituents across campus through the GSC Senate, which meets monthly each term. The senate is composed of representatives across schools and departments, from the humanities, to STEM, to applied sciences, education, business, accountancy, and more. This comprehensive representation provides a pathway for all graduate student[s] to have their voices heard.”

According to the organization’s constitution, the purpose of the GSC, in brief, shall be to provide a common association among graduate students; to work with the University administration; to promote the improvement of graduate student life; to represent the interests of graduate students in all University activities and governance; to provide a forum for discussion; to facilitate exchange of ideas and resources; to co-sponsor programs with other student organizations, like the Associated Student Body (ASB) and graduate student affinity groups; and to maintain a budget.

The organization hosts several different academic and social events throughout the year. These events allow graduate students to get involved, network, and find a sense of belonging. The most popular GSC events include the annual creative and research symposium, the welcome back series, movie nights, football tailgates, and game nights.

Both Williams and Rasmussen encourage students to get involved with the organization, emphasizing that participation is key to supporting the graduate community and ensuring it thrives. Being a part of the GSC can be a truly transformative experience. It provides a space to connect with peers, advocate for shared concerns, and develop practical leadership skills that benefit campus life and students’ future careers.

Interested in getting involved? Follow and interact with @olemiss_gsc on Instagram, attend any publicized events, or attend office hours that are updated regularly on the GSC website. Students may also nominate themselves and others for leadership roles within the GSC, including executive, senatorial, or directorate levels. Look for the senate elections coming in September. It’s the first step to getting involved.