Graduate Student Senate

The Kent State University Graduate Student Senate (GSS) is the representative body for graduate students enrolled in master’s and doctoral programs across all academic departments at Kent State University. GSS works through regular meetings and collaborative initiatives to improve the graduate student experience at Kent State. The Senate advocates for graduate student interests, promotes research and academic engagement, and administers competitive funding opportunities that support graduate student travel, research projects, and professional development.

In addition to governance and advocacy, GSS hosts events that build community and facilitate connection among graduate students. These include social and networking activities such as GradFest, as well as the annual Graduate Research Symposium. On this key platform, students from across disciplines share and celebrate their scholarly work.

Senators serve as liaisons between the Senate and their academic units, ensuring that graduate student concerns and perspectives are communicated to university leadership, committees, and decision-making bodies.

Guided by a commitment to enrich graduate student life, foster academic success, and strengthen community, the Graduate Student Senate plays a crucial role in representing and advancing the graduate student voice at Kent State University.