Budget 2025 - 2026

FY25 Executive Summary: 

On behalf of the Graduate and Professional Student Assembly (GAPSA), we are pleased to present the consolidated budget for Fiscal Year 2025–2026, covering the period from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026. This budget has been approved by the Office of the Provost and includes both a summary of line-item allocations and a detailed breakdown of projected expenditures.

This year’s budget was developed through extensive collaboration with campus partners and stakeholders, including meaningful input from the General Assembly (GA), the GAPSA Executive Board, G12+ student government leaders, the Graduate Student Center, the Office of the Provost’s Adminis- trative Affairs, and the Office of the Vice Provost for Education. We are especially grateful for the leadership of GAPSA President Ludwig Zhao, Executive Vice President Adam Ziada, Director of Budget Paul Welfer, and former Vice President of Finance Joyce Zhang, who led the Finance Committee during the initial phases of this budget cycle.

GAPSA’s mission is to represent, support, and advocate for the interests of all graduate and professional students. We are dedicated to fostering their academic, professional, and personal success.

This budget was developed during a time of significant uncertainty – for our students, our community, our institution, and the broader higher education landscape. Despite these challenges, we are confident that the FY2026 budget remains aligned with GAPSA’s mission and supports Penn’s strategic priorities for graduate and professional education.

In close partnership with the University, GAPSA has reduced its operating budget by 5% in support of Penn’s broader mission. At the same time, we have prioritized access to funding for student groups and individuals, preserved the agency of student councils, and support the recovery and capacity of G12+ student governments through increased allocations. We have also expanded support for the Emergency Fund and research initiatives, reflecting our continued commitment to student well-being and scholarly advancement, especially around the uncertainty of the future of research funding and international student enrollment.

These outcomes were made possible through targeted restructuring, internal process improvements, and strategic budget adjustments. Throughout, we have upheld our commitments to advocacy, equitable funding, community-building, transparency, and accountability.

We believe this budget puts us in a strong position to navigate what lies ahead and to continue building a vibrant, resilient, and inclusive our graduate and professional community.

Please direct all your questions about the budget to gapsa.budget@gapsa.upenn.edu.