Thank you for your interest in serving as a voluntary officer on the board of our nonprofit organization. Your role as a voluntary officer is crucial to our operations and the impact we make in the community. Please complete the form linked at the end of this document to nominate yourself for a student leadership position. All the information provided will be kept confidential.

The University of California Graduate and Professional Council is looking for current graduate and professional students to run for three voluntary leadership positions. These roles include small monthly stipends to recognize the voluntary contribution of time and resources, although they are not intended to be a full salary. To be eligible, candidates must be enrolled in a UC graduate or professional degree program for the entire term from July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026. They must be nominated by a current member of the UCGPC Board to be fully considered. 

Preferred qualifications for the positions include engagement with a nonprofit organization or UC campus-based graduate and professional student government, leadership roles in student-driven groups or associations, proficiency in Robert’s Rules and resolving procedural questions, organizational development skills, student-centered advocacy (such as advocating for improved student services or policies), and political advocacy experience (such as lobbying for student rights or issues), as well as time management, patience, and relationship-building skills.

If you want to run for a leadership position, this is an opportunity to showcase your leadership skills, and a chance for personal growth and development. Contact the external vice president of your campus’ graduate student association and attend the June 2025 council meeting where final nominations and interviews will occur. This is an excellent opportunity to impact the UC graduate and professional community and further your personal and professional development. 

Watch this video to learn more about what UCGPC Presidents do when they represent UCGPC in systemwide spaces: 

• UCGPC Advocacy Chronicles: Past Presidents Reflect
• UCGPC StARs and President Hayden Schill at University of California Regents Meeting in Los Angeles
• Recent past presidents: Dr. Gwen Chodur (Davis; AYs 2020-2021, 2021-2022), Dr. Hayden Schill Hendley (San Diego; AY 2022–2023), and Ryan Manriquez (Berkeley; AY 2023-2024 & 2024-2025)

Watch this video to learn more about what the Council Chair does in organizing the Grad Summit Conference:

• https://www.youtube.com/live/rq-f5WOtT_s?feature=shared&t=127 
• Recent past council chairs: Dr. Victor Wang (San Diego; AY 2021-2022); Kiley Barton (Irvine, AY 2022-2023); and Dr. Tori Porter (Riverside; AY 2023-2024), Naomi Hammonds (Los Angeles; AY 2024-2025)

Treasurers are involved in fiscally leading the activities that Presidents and Council Chairs endeavor. They are in the background, ensuring student fees are spent wisely and have a meaningful return on investment into student well-being.

• Recent past treasurers: Dr. Valeria Dominguez (Riverside; AYs 2021-2022, 2022-2023) and Mohit Saraswat (Merced; AY 2023-2024 & 2024-2025)

Timeline:

• April 7, 2025 – Self-Nomination Form Open
• May 22, 2025 – Board Review of Self-Nominations/Nominations
• May 27, 2025 – Interview Invitations Sent Out
• June 5, 2025 – Board Interview of Nominees and Appointment of New Officers

Cover Letter Instructions:

In a personal statement of 200-400 words, explain your motivations for applying for the three student officer positions (Treasurer, Council Chair, or President). Highlight your relevant skills and experiences that make you a strong candidate. Be sure to address how your qualifications align with the responsibilities and goals of this position.

1. Motivation and Vision:

In a clear and compelling statement, explain what motivates you to serve as a UCGPC officer (Treasurer, Council Chair, or President). Briefly outline your vision for the organization and what you hope to achieve during your term.

2. Leadership and Experience:

Highlight your relevant skills and experience for this leadership role. Provide specific examples that demonstrate your abilities in areas such as leadership, communication, organization, collaboration, and (for Treasurer) financial management, (for Council Chair) meeting facilitation, and (for President) strategic planning.

3. Non-Profit Board Experience:

If you have experience serving on a non-profit board, describe your involvement, including the organization name(s), duration of service, your board role, contributions to the mission, and any challenges you faced and overcame.

4. Political Advocacy:

If you have prior experience in political advocacy, share details about your activities, the issues you supported, the impact of your efforts, and any foreseen challenges in this UCGPC officer role. Explain how you plan to address these challenges.

Please note: There is no specific word count requirement, but aim for concise and informative answers.

Thank you for your interest in serving as a voluntary officer on the board of our nonprofit organization. If you have any questions, please email Patriccia Ordoñez-Kim at executivedirector@ucgpc.org or Naomi Hammonds at chair@ucgpc.org.