Committees

The Graduate Student Senate operates and achieves much of its work and service through committees. Each senator is required by the GSS constitution to be an active member of at least one committee. Each committee is led by chairpeople - sometimes more than one based on the size and reach of the committee. We have two types of committees: Standing and Ad-Hoc. Standing Committees are a permanent part of GSS and are contained within the constitution. Ad-hoc committees are formed to accomplish specific goals and exist until such goals have been achieved. Often ad-hoc committees become standing committees when their purpose has been deemed to have a long term importance (sort of a trial basis committee). A brief description of our current committees is available below.

Academic Mentoring Committee (standing)

The Academic Mentoring Committee is beginning various pilot-programs aimed at providing centralized mentoring services to all students - graduate and undergraduate - at The University of Iowa. There are visions of a mentor/mentee match program as well. A more detailed description and listing of events and meetings can be found on the Academic Mentoring Committee page. Contact committee chair(s) for more information.

Computer Resources Committee (standing)

The Computer Resources Committee provides advice and information to the GSS on computer-related issues. The Computer Resources Committee also allocates computer equipment and software to departments for the use of graduate students and works to improve computer resources for graduate students at the University. A more detailed description and listing of events and meetings can be found on the Computer Resources Committee page. Contact committee chair(s) for more information.

Conference Committee (standing)

The Conference Committee is responsible for the holding the annual James F. Jakobsen Research Conference. The Jakobsen Conference is a university wide, multi-disciplinary conference that recognizes the work of graduate students by allowing them to present their research and performing skills while competing for various awards. A more detailed description and listing of events and meetings can be found on the Conference Committee page. Contact committee chair(s) for more information.

Dean's Graduate Student Advisory Committee (standing)

This committee, the DGSAC, is the direct link between GSS and the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS). Each semester, this committee meets with Dean Linda Maxson in which they discuss important issues affecting graduate students in the CLAS. GSS develops its own agenda and gains the insight of Dean Maxson. As always, this committee doesn't involve itself in questions about collective bargaining (such as stipends and health care) as those are left to COGS. Each semester look for announcements and a call from the Chair for agenda items.

Educational Outreach Committee (standing)

The Educational Outreach Committee will assist all committees and the senate in developing and organizing resourceful and beneficial seminars applicable to graduate students across campus. This committee will develop what were formerly called "Brown Bag Lunches" as part of their duties. It is also envisioned that this committee will develop programs in which GSS goes out to local schools and organizations to promote learning and scholarship as well as teaching others what The University of Iowa can offer them. A more detailed description and listing of events and meetings can be found on the Educational Outreach Committee page. Contact committee chair(s) for more information.

International Student Committee (standing)

The International Student Committee helps to bring the questions and conerns from the international graduate student population to the Senate. They work with other organizations, including OISS (Office of International Student Scholars), to be sure The University is abreast of issues that specifically pertain to international students. The International Student Committee also works closely with other committees to help diversify events and make international involvement and understanding a forefront issue of GSS. A more detailed description and listing of events and meetings can befound on the International Student Committee page. Contact committee chair(s) for more information.

Jakobsen Review Committee (standing)

The Jakobsen Review Committee was organized in May 2008 to help continue positive development of the Jakobsen Conference. This temporary committee will review the survey data, follow up on remaining conference issues, and make recommendations to the next committee for the following conference. A more detailed description and listing of events and meetings can befound on the Jakobsen Review Committee page. Contact committee chair(s) for more information.

Service Committee (standing)

The Service Committee is in charge of planning events of a philanthropic nature for the GSS and the graduate community as a whole. A more detailed description and listing of events and meetings can be found on the Service Committee page. Contact committee chair(s) for more information.

Social Committee (standing)

The Social Committee organizes graduate student social events in the interest of building and maintaining a graduate student community. A more detailed description and listing of events and meetings can be found on the Social Committee page. Contact committee chair(s) for more information.

Travel Funds Committee (standing)

The Travel Funds Committee allocates funds from the Graduate College to graduate student applicants for the purpose of presenting their work at meetings, symposia, conferences, or other professional or academic gatherings. A more detailed description and listing of events and meetings can befound on the Travel Funds Committee page. Contact committee chair(s) for more information.