Graduate Student Senate (GSS) is comprised of graduate students, for graduate students.

The Graduate Student Senate is the primary representative, administrative, and service organization for graduate students at the University of Iowa and the senators of GSS are the core of the graduate student voice on campus. The Graduate Student Senate also functions as a conduit for information between the Graduate College and the general graduate student population.

Involvement in GSS is a great way to connect with students across campus, connect with leaders in the Graduate College, and make your voices heard. Senators attend monthly general assembly meetings and work with committees to host events for graduate students. Want to get involved? Email us at grad-senate@uiowa.edu

Upcoming GSS Events

Application Deadline: Obermann International Fellowships (Fall 2026) promotional image

Application Deadline: Obermann International Fellowships (Fall 2026)

Saturday, February 14, 2026 (all day)
111 Church Street

The UI Obermann Center for Advanced studies is accepting applications for Fall 2026 Obermann International Fellowships. This program offers dedicated space, time, and funding for interdisciplinary scholars to collaborate on innovative research at the University of Iowa. Up to eight international fellowships will be granted every academic year. Applicants must be active researchers at an accredited institution of higher learning outside of the United States or independent researchers/artists with...

How to Defend Yourself promotional image

How to Defend Yourself

Saturday, February 14, 2026 8:00pm
Theatre Building
In the immediate aftermath of an assault, a group of college students gather for a DIY self-defense class. This setting quickly becomes a space for channeling their anger, anxiety, trauma, confusion, and desire. In navigating these feelings, the group of strangers unites as a community and works to move forward together. Using humor and candor, Liliana Padilla’s How to Defend Yourself asks us to look beyond the labels of 'perpetrator' and 'survivor,' and to examine the complexities that exist in each of us.
Drawing Salon with Robert Caputo promotional image

Drawing Salon with Robert Caputo

Sunday, February 15, 2026 2:00pm to 3:30pm
Stanley Museum of Art

The Drawing Salon focuses on drawing artworks from the museum's collection. Each session will focus on a different artwork. The sessions will begin with an introduction and discussion of the selected work. Participants will be encouraged to pursue their own visions and to take inspiration from the artworks in the gallery.

Pencils and sketchbooks/paper are the only artmaking materials allowed in the galleries. The museum has golf pencils with erasers and clipboards for participants to use. Stools...

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Join GSS and Make Your Voice Heard

General Assembly meetings held monthly