Get Involved
University Council and University Wide Committee Seats
Interested in representing graduate students on a University-wide or University Council committee?
Fill out the form below.
GAPSA is responsible for appointing graduate & professional student representatives to the University Council and University committees, where we shall have the power to make recommendations directly to the University administration. Through these platforms, we shall represent the voices of the students and advocate for the best interest of our constituents.
The University Council and Committee appointment process is coordinated by GAPSA President, Vice President of Advocacy, and the Director of Equity & Access. GAPSA Council Chairs (Research Council, Professional Council, and IDEAL Council), the Director of International Student Affairs, and the Director of Student Wellness shall also monitor the process and recommend representatives to the General Assembly. All appointments must be officially nominated by the General Assembly. More details are outlined in GAPSA Constitution’s Article IX.
Most seats are filled during the early Fall through a nomination system. Please contact GAPSA Vice President of Advocacy and Director of Equity & Access for more information about any of these roles.
Most UC committees meet once a month and at a time determined collectively. This is similar for most Provost's Committees and University-Wide Policy and Advisory Committees. The Social Responsibility Advisory Committee is a Trustee Committee that meets at least twice a year at the behest of a chair. All seats meet in-person and proxies cannot be appointed or attend on your behalf!
UNIVERSITY COUNCIL
The University Council of the University of Pennsylvania is a deliberative and broadly representative forum which exists to consider the activities of the University in all its phases, with particular attention to the educational objectives of the University and those matters that affect the common interests of faculty, staff and students. It may recommend general policies and otherwise advise the president, the provost, and other officers of the University. It is authorized to initiate policy proposals as well as to express its judgment on those submitted to it by the administrative officers of the University and its various academic divisions. It is also empowered to request information through appropriate channels from any member of the University administration.
-
The University Council of the University of Pennsylvania is a deliberative and broadly representative forum which exists to consider the activities of the University in all its phases, with particular attention to the educational objectives of the University and those matters that affect the common interests of faculty, staff and students. The Main Council meets monthly and may recommend general policies and otherwise advise the president, the provost, and other officers of the University. It is empowered to request information through appropriate channels from any member of the University administration.
GAPSA sends 15 students to University Council. Some seats are based on students’ roles within GAPSA, and others are at GAPSA’s discretion to appoint from the graduate student community.
Meetings: Wednesdays, 4-6 p.m., Once per month
Current representatives:
-
The Steering Committee prepares the agenda for Council meetings and may give its advice concerning resolutions that committees elect to place on the agenda. Committee Information is available here. These seats are typically filled by GAPSA leadership.
Meetings: Wednesday, 3-4 p.m.
Current representatives: Adam Ziada (President, BGS) Mehrnaz Zakershahrak (Professional Council Chair, Dental)
-
Committee Information and charges are available here.
Please login to the University Council page and click on Committees to find more information if the link does not open.
The committee addresses issues pertaining to recruitment, admissions, financial aid, he University bookstore, international programs, international students and scholars, foreign fellowships, libraries, recreation, intramural and intercollegiate athletics.
Current representatives: Open
-
Committee information and charges are available here.
The committee oversee University communication platforms, relationship to surrounding communities, analyzing issues related to the campus, student life, buildings, offices, etc.
Please login to the University Council page and click on Committees to find more information if the link does not open.
Current representatives: Karen Phat (SP2), Indrajeet Chavan (Weitzman)
-
The Committee on Community and Equal Opportunity aids Penn in fostering and taking full advantage of the different perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds on campus. The Committee shall advise the Offices of the President, Provost, and the Executive Vice Presidents on ways to strengthen, enrich, and enliven the campus community as well as ways to maintain supportive educational and employment environments on campus. The Committee may review and provide advice regarding the University’s programs and policies related to community and equal opportunity and advise the administration on specific issues that may impact the campus.
https://secretary.upenn.edu/univ-council/committees/community-and-equal-opportunity
Please login to the University Council page and click on Committees to find more information if the link does not open.
Current representatives: Open
-
The Committee on Facilities shall be responsible for keeping under review the planning and operation by the University of its physical plant and all services associated therewith, including transportation and parking. More committee information is available here.
Please login to the University Council page and click on Committees to find more information if the link does not open.
Current representatives: Open
-
The Committee on Honorary Degrees welcomes nominations from faculty and staff members and students for honorary degrees to be awarded by the University at Commencement and at special convocations and submits a slate of nominees for action by the trustees. It may make recommendations to the president regarding Commencement speakers and the conduct of special convocations. More committee information is available here..
Current representatives:
-
The Committee on Open Expression has as its major task: monitoring the communication processes to prevent conflicts that might emerge from failure of communication, recommending policies and procedures for improvement of all levels of communication, investigating alleged infringements of the right of open expression of any member or members of the University community, advising administrative officers where appropriate, and participating in evaluation and resolution of conflicts that may arise from incidents or disturbances on campus. More committee information and charges are available here.
Please login to the University Council page and click on Committees to find more information if the link does not open.
Current representatives: Ilana Cohen (SP2), Melissa Rowe (BGS)
-
This committee oversees the activities within the University Council committees.
Current representative: Adam Ziada (BGS)
OTHER UNIVERSITY COMMITTEES
-
The Academic Planning and Budget Committee meets every other week throughout the academic year to provide advice on academic policies and procedures, interdisciplinary and cross-school efforts, strategic planning issues, research support and regulations, budgetary issues, and such matters as faculty and minority gender equity, early retirement, and personnel benefits. It also advises the Provost on school and center external review recommendations and proposed new academic degrees and new research institutes.
The membership of the Committee consists of the Provost, who serves as Chair; nine faculty members, five selected by the Faculty Senate and four by the Provost; two administrative members named by the Provost; and two undergraduate and two graduate/professional students, nominated by the appropriate undergraduate and graduate processes. Members of the Provost’s staff may also attend for informational purposes.
Current representatives: Adam Ziada (BGS), Mehrnaz Zakershahrak (Dental)
-
The Committee on Manufacturer Responsibility evaluates Penn’s suppliers and ensures that all users of the University’s logos and intellectual property comply with fair labor standards and human rights practices.
Current representative: Open
-
The Provost of the University of Pennsylvania sponsors the Student Health Insurance Advisory Committee (SHIAC) with cross-University representation and health insurance expertise. SHIAC comprises students, faculty and staff from across the campus and is chaired by the Vice Provost for Education. The Committee’s primary responsibility is to review, evaluate and negotiate the renewal of the Penn Student Health Insurance Plan (PSIP) on an annual basis. SHIAC also serves as a forum for discussing issues relevant to the provision of the best possible health insurance plan to meet the needs of the students and the University. Periodically, SHIAC works with other University offices and consultants as appropriate to solicit competitive bids from student health insurance carriers to ensure a plan that is priced appropriately with a rich benefit structure and service structure. Given a rapidly changing health insurance market and regulatory environment, SHIAC continues to evaluate the diverse needs of the student population and advocate for solutions to complex health insurance issues that arise.
Anyone from the Penn community can email their suggestions and questions to SHIAC at shiac@pobox.upenn.edu
Current Representatives: Open
-
The Graduate Council of the Faculties is an advisory body to the Provost. The Council is chaired by the Vice Provost for Education, and its members are elected by the School faculties according to their by-laws, with the following representation: seven members from the School of Arts and Sciences, two members from Biomedical Graduate Studies, and one member from each of the Annenberg School for Communication, School of Design, Graduate School of Education, School of Nursing, School of Social Policy and Practice, School of Engineering and Applied Science, and Wharton School. In addition, three Ph.D. candidates serve on the council, selected by the Vice Provost for Education on the recommendation of the Graduate and Professional Student Assembly.
The Graduate Council assists in the evaluation of graduate programs by participating in or conducing periodic reviews; advises on policy matters related to the well-being of graduate education; advises concerning University-wide admissions and degree requirements for the PhD, AM, and MS degrees; and certifies for the Trustees the candidates for the award of those degrees.
Current representatives:
Savana Hadjipanteli (BGS), Chair of Research Council, GAPSA
Dan Premauden (SAS), President of SASGov and Vice President of Advocacy, GAPSA
Vacant Seat Open - apply at the top of this page.
TRUSTEES’ COMMITTEES
GAPSA holds liaison seats on the University’s Board of Trustees’ standing committees. Representatives are below, and more information about the Trustees and University governance is here.
-
Current Representative: Savana Hadjipanteli (GAPSA Research Council Chair)
Contact: gapsa.research@gapsa.upenn.edu -
Oversees financial stewardship and capital allocation for the University and the University of Pennsylvania Health System (UPHS) — budgets, financial planning, debt, and facilities investment — to ensure long-term financial stability.
Current Representative: Dylan Moon (GAPSA VP of Finance)
Contact: gapsa.finance@gapsa.upenn.edu -
Provides oversight and strategic guidance on Penn's external standing — communications, brand/reputation, government and community relations, and alumni/donor engagement.
Current representative: Dan Premauden (GAPSA VP of Advocacy)
Contact: gapsa.advocacy@gapsa.upenn.edu -
Current representative: Melissa Bleeker (GAPSA VP of Operations)
Contact: gapsa.operations@gapsa.upenn.edu -
Current representative: Adam Ziada (GAPSA President)
Contact: gapsa.president@gapsa.upenn.edu -
The Penn Social Responsibility Advisory Committee (Penn SRAC) shall advise the University Trustees and make recommendations to the Trustee Proxy Voting Subcommittee concerning decisions on Proxy Voting. A Resolution to Establish Procedures for Proxy Voting was passed by the Executive Committee on May 15, 2003 and revised by the Board on June 12, 2026. The work of the committee is guided by the Statement on Responsibility Concerning Endowment Securities adopted by the Board of Trustees.
Current representatives: Open
OTHER COMMITTEES
-
The ultimate goal of the board is one of influencing University policy and developing initiatives that benefit all parties. The board may accomplish this goal by sharing pertinent information and policy recommendations, and/or other actions the board deems appropriate.
Current Representatives: Open
-
The Student Wellness Advisory Group (SWAG) is a space for students to share honest feedback and help shape the future of Wellness at Penn. Meeting 2–3 times each semester, SWAG members offer insight on services, resources, and programming, making sure student voices are not just heard but actively guide how Wellness shows up on campus.
More information is available here.
Current representative: Open
-
This committee oversees and regulates the use of CCTV cameras for safety and security on campus.
Current student representative: Adam Ziada (BGS)
-
SAGE works closely with Penn Sustainability staff and other members of the Environmental Sustainability Advisory Committee (ESAC) on the development and execution of the goals identified in Penn's CSAPs. In addition, SAGE communicates and promotes environmentally focused resources and serves to increase transparency between the student body and administration regarding environmental sustainability initiatives.
Current representatives: Open
-
The Residential Services Advisory Board (RSAB) seeks to connect students that have a vested interest in the workings of university housing and residential aspects of campus life with Business Services and Residential Services, with the ultimate goal of generating discussion and initiatives that benefit all parties.
Current representatives: Open
-
Current representative: Open
-
Information will be uploaded soon.
Current representative: Open