Official Blog | UCGPC

AY 2025-2026 Student Leaders with President Drake at the Student Leadership Summit at University of California Office of the President in Oakland, CA.

UPDATE: New Deadline for Applications is August 31, 2025. See below for more details.

The University of California Graduate and Professional Council is looking for current graduate and professional students in good academic and student standing to run for the position of Council Chair & Secretary. This role includes a small monthly stipend to recognize the contribution of time and resources, though since this role is “voluntary” by nature it is not intended to be compensation for salaried employment. This role is crucial to our operations and the impact we make on the UC community. Please complete the form linked at the end of the document to apply for nomination.  

To be eligible, candidates must be an enrolled student at a UC graduate or professional degree program for the entire term (July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026) in good academic and student standing. After submitting their application, candidates must be nominated by a current member of the UCGPC board in order to be considered for an interview.  Preferred qualifications for the position include leadership experience in a nonprofit organization or UC campus-based student government; strong organizational skills including, but not limited to, communication, time management, and team building skills; proficiency in Robert’s Rules and parliamentarian duties; and experience in student-centered advocacy and political advocacy.

This position serves as a platform to showcase your leadership and advocacy skills, as well as an opportunity for personal growth and development. The UCGPC Board looks forward to the opportunity to collaborate with the next UCGPC Council Chair & Secretary to advocate for students and enact change across the UC system.

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UPDATED August 24, 2025: Timeline of Application Process:

August 20: Call for applications opens

August 31: Application Closes (please note this change)

September 7: Interview invitations sent to nominated candidates

September 13: Candidate Interviews (between 3:00 – 5:00 PM)

September 13: Announcement of new officer via email (by EOD)

September 15: Start date for new officer

Due to unforeseen circumstances, our turn around time is quick. If you are interested in this position, but need accomodations please reach out via email to president@ucgpc501c3.org.

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Position Description: 

The Secretary shall serve as the Chief Administrative Officer of the corporation for matters related to governance and recordkeeping.  The Secretary shall work in close collaboration with the President and Executive Director to ensure that the Corporation’s administrative and procedural functions are executed with integrity, accuracy, and efficiency.  

The additional role of Council Chair is of the utmost importance, as this individual, beyond the responsibilities of Secretary, will be responsible for overseeing council activities.  They will not only resolve procedural questions but also supervise the maintenance of a comprehensive record of the board of directors’ proceedings, its committees, and the corporation’s membership. The candidate will also be entrusted with the task of supervising the giving of necessary notices and the upkeep of the corporation’s minute books.

Expected Time Commitment: 10-15 hours per week

Stipend: $750 per month, with travel reimbursed

Eligibility:

• Must be an enrolled student at a UC graduate or professional degree program for the entire term (July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026) in good academic and student standing
• A nomination must be made by a current member of the UCGPC Board

Preferred Qualifications:

• Leadership experience in a nonprofit organization or UC campus-based student government
• Strong organizational skills including, but not limited to, communication, time management, and team building skills.
• Proficiency in Robert’s Rules and parliamentarian duties
• Experience in student-centered advocacy and political advocacy

Responsibilities:

• Parliamentarian Duties.  Act as parliamentarian over meetings of the Board of Directors, unless otherwise delegated, and serve as a procedural authority by applying Robert’s Rules of Order and resolving parliamentary questions when they arise.  The secretary may additionally assume the duties of presiding officer if delegated by the President.
• Governance and Document Integrity.  Maintain the internal integrity of the Corporation’s governing documents, including the Bylaws, Policy Manual, and coordinate actions related to amendments to such documents.
• Board of Directors Coordination and Support.  Coordinate the activities and operations of the Board of Directors in collaboration with the President, including facilitating communication, initiatives, and scheduling.
•  Committee Appointments.  Work with the President to appoint members to committees and subcommittees, subject to Board approval where required.
• Agenda and Meeting Preparation.  Prepare and disseminate meeting agendas and supporting documents for Council and Board of Directors meetings in a timely manner and in accordance with these bylaws.
• Events and Transitions.  Plan and execute the Corporation’s annual Graduate Summit, oversee the planning of the yearly retreat, and facilitate the transition and onboarding of new Council members.
• Recordkeeping and Minutes.  Supervise the preparation, accuracy, and safekeeping of a complete and permanent record of the proceedings of the Board of Directors and its committees, including minutes and attendance records, in accordance with applicable law.
• Notice and Documentation. Ensure that all notices required by these bylaws, the corporation’s policies, or applicable law are properly given.  Maintain the corporation’s minute books and other official records.
• Additional Duties. Perform such other duties as may be prescribed by the Board of Directors.

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Cover Letter Instructions:

In a personal statement of 250-500 words, explain your motivations for applying for the role of Council Chair & Secretary.  Highlight the relevant skills, qualifications and experiences that make you a strong candidate and align with the responsibilities and goals of this position.

1. Motivation and Vision: In a clear statement, explain what motivates you to serve as the Secretary / Council Chair of the UCGPC. 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 meeting facilitation.

3. Non-Profit Board Experience: If you have experience serving on a non-profit board, describe your involvement, including the organization name(s), service duration, board role, mission contributions, 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 on the board of the University of California Graduate and Professional Council.  If you have any questions or concerns, please email President Stephanie Valadez at president@ucgpc501c3.org or Executive Director Patriccia Ordonez-Kim at patriccia@ucgpc501c3.org. 

 To learn more about this position, see the position description here.

To apply, applicants must submit an application and cover letter here.