GSS is comprised of a variety of committees that do a majority of the work for the organization. These committees are made up of senators and unelected graduate students and have been given specific charges by the GSS President and the bylaws. Click on a committee to learn more and get involved!
The Committee on Access and Engagement shall be responsible for identifying, evaluating, and advocating for issues pertinent to the graduate student experience in matters related to and that promote access and engagement. This includes gathering and presenting all relevant data pertaining to the engagement and accessibility of our campus and the graduate and professional student body; and determining issues and areas of concern that disproportionately impact student groups.
The Communications Committee shall be responsible for promoting the Graduate Student Senate and ensuring effective communication with graduate students, university partners, and the campus community. The committee shall oversee the organization’s public relations efforts, manage official communication channels, including social media and digital platforms, publicize meetings, events, and initiatives, develop promotional materials, and work with other committees to increase awareness of GSS programs, encourage student engagement, and strengthen the visibility and impact of the organization.
The Finance Committee shall oversee the financial affairs of the organization. Its responsibilities include developing the annual budget, monitoring revenues and expenditures, reviewing funding requests, maintaining accurate financial records, ensuring fiscal responsibility, and providing regular financial reports to the Executive Committee and Leadership Team. The committee shall also make recommendations regarding the allocation and stewardship of organizational funds in accordance with the organization’s mission, governing documents, and approved budget.
The Institutional Advocacy and Advisory Committee shall be responsible for advocating for the interests and well-being of graduate and professional students by identifying and addressing issues that affect their academic, professional, physical, mental, emotional, and social experiences. The committee shall gather information on student needs and concerns, collaborate with campus partners and other committees to recommend improvements to university policies and practices, develop legislation and initiatives that support graduate students, and undertake projects or activities assigned by the President that advance the mission and goals of the Graduate Student Senate.
The Committee on International Student Support shall be responsible for working with the Division for Global Engagement and other relevant campus and community partners to advocate for, support, and build community among international graduate students. The Committee shall identify and address issues that impact international graduate students, promote awareness of resources and services available to international students, and facilitate communication between international graduate students and relevant university offices. The Committee shall work to promote opportunities for community building, engagement, inclusion, and meaningful participation within the Graduate Student Senate and the broader University of Tennessee, Knoxville community. The Committee may also gather feedback from international graduate students regarding their needs, concerns, and experiences and provide recommendations to the Graduate Student Senate to improve the overall international graduate student experience.
The Judiciary Committee shall consist of four Senators, appointed from the floor by the President, hereinafter referred to as Justices. Three Justices shall serve as Primary Justices, while the fourth serves as an Alternate Justice. The role of this committee is to determine the validity of measures passed by the GSS, in conjunction with the GSS Constitution and GSS Bylaws. The Judiciary Committee shall also be responsible for receiving appeals of removal and impeachment submitted by elected officers, appointees, and Senators, as outlined in Article V of the GSS Constitution.
The Legislative Steering Committee shall be responsible for guiding the legislative efforts of the Graduate Student Senate by assisting Senators and internal committees in the development and drafting of legislation. The committee shall identify and prioritize both short-term and long-term goals for the organization, assess the needs and concerns of graduate students in collaboration with internal and external committees, review the Constitution and Bylaws and recommend revisions as needed, and coordinate legislative initiatives with the Student Government Association and Faculty Senate to ensure effective collaboration and representation.
The Philanthropy and Community Service Committee shall be responsible for fostering a culture of service and civic engagement among graduate students. The committee shall organize and promote volunteer and philanthropic initiatives, coordinate at least one community service project each month during the academic year, establish partnerships with campus and community organizations, and encourage graduate student participation in activities that positively impact the university and surrounding community.
The Committee on Programming and Events shall be responsible for promoting the GSS, as well as increasing its transparency and its ability to communicate with Students. Any GSS Senator may serve on the Committee on Programming and Events. The Committee is charged with hosting no less than one graduate student social event per academic semester except during summer/mini semesters. The Committee is charged with hosting an annual Town Hall, which will facilitate communication between Students and University administrators. The Committee (in concert with the new Communications Director role) will distribute information concerning GSS events. Information may include, but is not limited to, flyers, posters, online events calendars, social media, emails, and weekly and/or monthly newsletters.
The Research and Assessment Committee shall be responsible for supporting the Graduate Student Senate through data-informed decision-making. The committee shall collect, analyze, and interpret data related to graduate student needs, experiences, and priorities; conduct surveys and other assessments; evaluate the effectiveness of GSS programs and initiatives; and provide recommendations that guide legislation, strategic planning, and organizational decision-making
The mission of the Travel Grant Program is to advance the interests of Students and promote research by easing Students’ financial burden of travel. The Committee on Travel Grants shall be responsible for sustaining, evaluating, and administering the GSS Travel Grant funds at least three times per academic year. Any GSS Senator may serve on the Committee on Travel Grants. The Committee will participate in the travel fund application deliberation process led by the President, Vice President, and/or Chair. The Committee shall be responsible for evaluating issues in allocating grants and catering the evaluation process to best represent the most fair and equitable process possible. The Committee shall work with the Graduate School to administer funds.
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Last Updated: August 25, 2026