GPSS Executive Board Elections
Executive Board 2026-27 Elections!
The Graduate and Professional Student Senate (GPSS) is excited to announce open positions for the 2026–27 Executive Board elections!
Interested in running? Learn more about each position, including time commitment and responsibilities, by downloading the Election Blurbs. It is also available in your election packet .zip.
📌 Submit your election packet to the Election Officer, Chizoba Obunadike (chizobaobunadike@vt.edu), by April 6 at 11:59 PM.
🎤 Share your vision at the GPSS Senate meeting on April 16 (5:30–7 PM | Room G101A/B, Riverside 4, FBRI, Roanoke + Zoom)
📣 Election results will be announced on April 29.
Step up, lead, and make an impact. Be a part of shaping the graduate student experience at Virginia Tech!
FAQs
All current graduate and professional students at Virginia Tech are eligible. You do not need to be a current GPSS senator.
Yes. They will have to justify how they will complete duties on the Blacksburg campus as most of the events are hosted here.
Yes. Candidates may apply for more than one position but serve only one position once elected.
Yes. The stipend will be split between you.
No prior GPSS experience is required. However, leadership, initiative, and commitment are important.
- President
- Vice President
- Director of Finance and Treasurer
- Director of Advocacy
- Director of Programs
- Director of Events
- Director of Communications
Yes. All elected Executive Board positions receive a $5,000 annual fellowship, split between 9 paychecks in the fall and spring semesters.
Completed election packet, on the GPSS Website, a Statement of Intent (Why you are running and your motivation - max 750 words), and a Platform Statement (What you plan to do and how you will do it - max 750 words)
Email your completed packet to the election officer - Chizoba Obaobunadike at chizobaobunadike@vt.edu
Yes. Updates may be submitted before the deadline at the discretion of the Election Officer.
Candidates present their vision and answer questions on April 16, 2026. If you're not available on Apr 16, notify the Election Officer and submit a video/audio/written statement by April 15, 2026.
The current registered GPSS senators participate in the voting process.
April 29, 2026
Candidates should follow GPSS election guidelines regarding campaigning. Additional instructions may be provided after the application deadline. Candidates may reach out to senators and other graduate students as part of their campaign after they have been officially approved. Outreach should be conducted in a fair and respectful manner. All communication must comply with GPSS campaign guidelines and university policies.
The transition begins after elections, with responsibilities continuing into the 2026-2027 academic year. The payment starts in Fall, however you are expected to work during the summer.
Violations may result in penalties, including removal from the ballot, as determined by the appropriate GPSS committee.
A few weeks before graduation, inform your department graduate coordinator or your department graduate student organization president through their email or other formal medium. You can inform the senate and executive board through the email: gpss@vt.edu