How to Get Involved
We encourage all graduate and professional students to become active in the GPSO.
Whether you're interested in student advocacy, university governance, or just have anger issues with parking or health care, please consider joining as an elected departmental representative, committee volunteer or campus committee member. Help make the graduate student experience at Indiana University even better and:
- Provide a voice for graduate students in IU's adminstration.
- Network with graduate and professional students outside of your department or school.
- Gain a different, more administrative perspective on a large, research institution.
- Learn communication and consensus skills that will prove to be invaluable on your path to becoming a faculty member.
GPSO Committees and Representatives
Departmental Representatives
At least one Department Rep is elected from each department. These representatives will attend the General Assembly meetings and serve on committees.
Responsibilities of a GPSO Department Representative:
- Attend monthly Representatives meetings (first Friday of each month, 3:30 - 5:00 p.m.).
- Forward pertinent e-mail and correspondence to your school or department.
- Participate in a GPSO working group. Learn more about these groups at the GPSO Committees page.
- Talk with graduate students in your department to actively solicit their opinions in order to accurately represent a consensus view to the GPSO.
- Volunteer assistance for GPSO activities and community service events.
GPSO Committees
The GPSO accepts new members to committees on a volunteer basis. If you are interested in becoming involved in any of the following committees please contact the Committee Chair.
The GPSO Grants Committee is chaired by the Grants Officer and identifies and applies for sources of financial support for the GPSO and GPSO initiatives. If you are interested to serve on this committee please contact the the GPSO Grants Officer.
The GPSO Benefits Committee is chaired by the Benefits Officer and identifies and addresses the benefit needs of student academic appointees (SAAs) and student employees, specifically health insurance, stipends, fee remission structure, and related employment issues. The Benefits Committee forms recommendations to improve the real benefit and compensation policies and services for all graduate and professional students. The Benefits Committee shall cultivate a relationship with the Office of University Human Resources and relevant administrative units. If you are interested to serve on this committee please contact the the GPSO Benefits Officer.
The GPSO Awards Committee is chaired by the Awards Officer and oversees the review of applications and nominations for GPSO awards, including but not limited to Travel Awards, Research Awards, the Pari Prerana "Essence of Inspiration" Award and the Faculty Mentor Award. If you are interested to serve on this committee please contact the GPSO Awards Officer.
The GPSO Sustainability Committee is chaired by the Sustainability Officer and addresses issues related to sustainability within the GPSO and campus communities, such as recycling, carbon emissions, transportation and sustainable growth. The members shall cultivate relationships with Parking Operations and the Office of Sustainability. If you are interested to serve on this committee please contact the GPSO Sustainability Officer.
The GPSO Programming Committee is chaired by the GPSO Operations Coordinator and plans and executes GPSO events, including, but not limited to social, academic and fundraising events. If you are interested to serve on this committee please contact the GPSO Operations Coordinator.
IU Campus Committees
Many Indiana University campus committees have spaces for graduate students volunteers. The GPSO tracks and makes appointments to a number of these. To find out what opportunities are available, please contact the GPSO President.
Contact us for more information on how to become involved.