GAPSA MONTHLY
UPDATE

Dear Fellow Graduate and Professional Students,

As we move through the heart of summer, we hope this season brings you both rest and inspiration. With the fall semester on the horizon, GAPSA is preparing for a vibrant and impactful academic year. In this issue, we are pleased to share a range of opportunities for engagement, advocacy, and representation — ways for you to connect with fellow graduate and professional students, contribute to shared governance, and shape the community we are all part of.
Below, you will find key updates, open calls, and important announcements to help you stay informed and involved.

Ludwig Zhao

President, Graduate and Professional Student Assembly
gapsa.president@gapsa.upenn.edu

Want to make a difference at Penn? GAPSA is seeking students to serve on the University Council (Learn more at the bottom of this page) and key university-wide committees for the 2025-26 academic year. These roles are a great way to get involved, work directly with campus leadership, and advocate for the grad/professional student experience.
Whether you care about equity, mental health, academics, or student life, there's a seat for you.

Learn more and apply here by August 23!

Questions? Reach out to Director of Equity & Access.

Looking to bring your student group's vision to life this year? Applications for student group funding is opening for the upcoming academic year on August 1. Learn more about available funding opportunities, deadlines, and eligibility requirements at our website. Don't miss your chance to make an impact – apply ASAP and let us support your ideas!

Have questions? Reach out anytime to gapsa.funds@gapsa.upenn.edu – we are here to help.

Interested in leadership experience? Want to get involved on campus? Join us! We are looking for Committee Directors, Deputies, and Members to support student events, advocacy, and fund management. Whether it is your first or tenth time in student government, there is a role for you. Apply here by July 25, 2025.

As we navigate ongoing uncertainty around federal funding, we want to share an update on the GAPSA adjusted provisional budget, which was recently approved by the Provost and will be voted on for ratification at the September General Assembly meeting. This year, the GAPSA executive board has taken the largest reductions to help preserve critical programs and minimize the impact on our broader community. Click here to access the adjusted provisional budget.

We are proud to report that key student support areas remain fully funded, including G12 School Governments, Student Group Event Funding, and Individual Travel Grants.

Now is the time to sign-up for insurance and review wellness options for the 2025-26 academic year!

The deadline to enroll in or request a waiver to avoid a lapse in coverage is JULY 31.

Full-time students, including those on dissertation status, and exchange students in on-campus courses who have not enrolled or submitted a waiver by August 31 will be auto-enrolled in PSIP for the 2025-26 academic year during the month of September.

- Enroll or Waive Penn Student Insurance Plan (PSIP)

- Insurance Requirements, Plans, & Waivers

- Discounted Dental and Other Services

The University Council of the University of Pennsylvania is a deliberative, representative body that addresses all aspects of University life, with a focus on educational priorities and issues impacting the shared interests of faculty, staff, and students. It advises senior leadership – including the president and provost – on general policies and may initiate or respond to policy proposals. The Council is also empowered to request information through appropriate administrative channels.

The UC convenes monthly during the academic year, usually on a Wednesday from 4 - 6 pm. Meetings are open to the public; however, only Council members may speak. Each semester, the Council hosts an Open Forum at which any member of the University community may make statements and raise concerns.

The Council includes 5 standing committees and 2 independent committees, all central to its work. These committees meet regularly throughout the academic year and report their findings and recommendations to the UC at the end of the year.

GAPSA holds 15 seats on the UC, representing the interests of all graduate and professional students. GAPSA also appoints student members to 4 of the 5 standing committees, both independent committees, and the UC Steering Committee.

Interested in knowing more or what to be a representative? Click here!

Graduate and Professional Student Assembly
Questions? Concerns?
Email gapsa.president@gapsa.upenn.edu

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