Department Senators are student-elected representatives for their respective departments and organize events that cater to individual department needs.

Responsibilities

• Be the point of contact for the students of their respective departments regarding non-academic concerns
• Attend mandatory Council meetings that are scheduled prior to the start of each semester (unless the Executive Vice President is notified beforehand and the absence is excused – maximum of 2 excused absences per semester).
• Vote on proposals that are raised during Council meetings
• Be available to volunteer for/attend VGSA-wide or “signature” events
• Work with & maintain contact with their departments’ graduate-student advisors to promote VGSA events
• Maintain contact with department-specific organizations, i.e., “sub-umbrella organizations” per GSG definition
• Hold at least 1 department-specific event during each semester of service

Eligibility

• Must be an enrolled graduate student of the department. 
• Must contest in the election held at the beginning of the semester and win majority votes.   

Duration

1 semester

Diversity Senators are selected by the VGSA Executive Board and aim to espouse multicultural competency through Viterbi-wide events that educate students and celebrate our diverse community. Diversity Senators are student leaders who are committed to helping address social issues on campus, want to promote greater inclusivity within our Viterbi community, and are vocal advocates against racism and discrimination.

Responsibilities

• Attend mandatory Council meetings that are scheduled prior to the start of each semester (unless the Executive Vice President is notified beforehand and the absence is excused – maximum of 2 excused absences per semester).
• Be available to volunteer for or attend VGSA-wide or “signature” events
• Vote on proposals that are raised during Council meetings
• Assist with VGSA-wide activities
• Hold at least 1 diversity themed/cultural event per semester
• Maintain contact with diversity-related sub-umbrella groups such as SHPE, NSBE, CED, WiSE, etc.

Eligibility

• Must be an enrolled graduate student from any department in Viterbi.
• Must participate in an interview with the Executive Board of VGSA

Duration

1 semester

The VGSA Ambassador role serves to help promote collaboration between Viterbi student organizations and VGSA. Ambassadors will use VGSA as a central hub for planning joint events, sharing tips and ideas, and to help establish open communication between each student organization. One ambassador is allowed per student organization.

Responsibilities

• Must be nominated by a student organization (representing a population of  Viterbi Graduate Students) to serve as a representative within VGSA for that given student organization.
• Attend at least 1 VGSA Council Meeting per month
• Attend a monthly Ambassadors meeting with the VGSA Executive Board

Eligibility

Either:

• Must be an enrolled graduate student from any department in Viterbi.
• Candidates who did not obtain majority votes in the election held at the beginning of the semester  but wish to be involved with VGSA.

Or:

• Interested students may reach out to vgsapres@gmail.com or vgsa.vpcomm@gmail.com to register to be a VGSA Ambassador.

Duration

1 semester

That’s ok! We understand that there will be a learning curve and we can work with you. We are looking for open minded, enthusiastic, committed students for senator positions.

We understand that graduate student schedules are hectic, and as such, there is no strict requirement on how much time you spend per week fulfilling your responsibilities. However, we suggest a minimum average of 2 hours per week.

Look out for a recruitment email at the beginning of each fall and spring semester!

The application will not be long. Most questions will be brief, and there will be 2 short-answer questions at the end.