GAPSA MONTHLY
UPDATE

Dear Fellow Doctoral and Research Master's Students,

Welcome back to another exciting academic year! On behalf of the Graduate and Professional Student Assembly (GAPSA), we are delighted to welcome new graduate and professional students to Penn's vibrant community, and to those returning from research, internships, travel, or a well-deserved break – we are glad to have you back. As the university-wide student government, GAPSA represents students across all 12 schools, advocating on your behalf, supporting initiatives and grants, and organizing programming that strengthens our shared community.

This fall, GAPSA's General Assembly will meet biweekly on Wednesdays from 7 – 9 p.m., beginning 9/10 in Huntsman Hall 360. These meetings provide a forum for representatives and community members to raise topics and concerns. Dinner will be provided, and agenda items may be submitted through this form. The full fall schedule, locations and virtual options are available here. We look forward to working with you in the year ahead and building a strong, engaged community together.

Ludwig Zhao

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

GAPSA has issued a formal statement reaffirming its commitment to international graduate and professional students. As scholars, colleagues, and leaders, our international students are integral to our community, to Penn's intellectual, cultural, and social life, and to the broader U.S. research enterprise.

Join us in celebrating the 18th Annual GradFest from September 14 – 20! Be sure to check out the full calendar of events and to mark your calendars for annual showstoppers:

- Grad Fair: 9/17 | 12 PM – 2 PM

- Boat Cruise: 9/19 | 9 PM

Join Our Culture and Affinity Groups to build community, celebrate shared identities, and strengthen graduate student voices across campus! We are recruiting Board Members to help lead and shape programming, welcoming General Members to connect through events and advocacy, and inviting everyone to sign up for our mailing list to stay updated on upcoming opportunities. Be part of a network that fosters inclusion, support, and collaboration – Sign up here!

GAPSA supports students through two major funding opportunities. Individual Grants help cover travel costs for conferences, workshops, internships, and other professional or academic activities. Awards vary depending on whether students are attending or presenting, with higher support available for research students. Apply here by October 1, 5 pm ET.

Student Group Event Funding provides resources for registered graduate student groups to host inclusive, cross-school events that foster community, advocacy, and professional development. Applications are reviewed monthly, and priority is given to collaborative, multi-school initiatives. Apply here today!

Want to make a difference at Penn? GAPSA is seeking students to serve on the University Council 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.

Questions? Reach out to Director of Equity & Access.

GAPSA's IDEAL (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Access, and Leadership) Student Council is home to Penn's graduate and professional student affinity groups, representing communities across all twelve schools. Through academic, professional, cultural, and social programming, IDEAL creates spaces for students to connect, celebrate community, and grow as leaders

Current groups include the Black Graduate and Professional Student Assembly (BGAPSA), Black Graduate Women's Association (BGWA), Lambda Grads (LGBTQ+ students), Rangoli (South Asian students), Chinese Students and Scholars Association (CSSAP), Latin American Graduate and Professional Student Assembly (LAGAPSA), Penn Graduate Women in Science and Engineering (PGWISE), and Pan Asian Graduate Student Association (PAGSA).

Whether you are looking to celebrate your identity, build community, or connect with peers from across Penn, IDEAL is here to welcome you!

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

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