Much of the policy making at UW is done through committees. Serving on a committee is a great way to pursue an interest, meet people outside your department and build your resume. A description of all committees and an online application form is available in the links to the left. GPSS manages the committee application process, so feel free to call the office if you have questions. If you are interested in serving on a committee, it is important to first understand the distinction between different types of committees, as described below.

Any UW student may serve on one of the hundreds of University Committees, which range from Bicycle Commuting to Campus Master Planning to College Reorganization. Some of the committees meet for a short duration to address a pertinent issue, while others are ongoing and meet on a fairly regular basis. This website contains a list of all University Committees as well as a list of University Committees currently seeking graduate & professional student representatives. To apply for a committee, simply click on the committee you are interested then click the "apply for this committee" link on the left side of the page. You will be asked to upload your resume and give a short explanation regarding your interest in that committee.

GPSS Senators have the option of serving on one of the four GPSS Committees restricted to Senators and Officers including the Executive Committee, the Finance & Budget (F&B) Committee, the Judicial Committee and the Elections Committee. Senators may also serve on ad hoc committees that are created to examine complex issues before the Senate in greater depth. The Executive Committee, F&B Committee and Judicial Committee are formed in the fall. The Judicial Committee will be elected by simple majority at the first senate meeting, while the F&B and Executive Committee members are selected through an application process. To apply, find the committee in the list of open committees, then click the "apply for this committee" link on the left side of the page. Elections Committee members are appointed by the GPSS President in the winter.

There are many other committees on campus including for example, ASUW committees, joint committees, faculty councils and homecoming royalty committees. Some of these committees are open to all students, while others are restricted. Those that are looking for a graduate student representative will be included in the committee lists on this website.