UCGPC, a 501c3 nonprofit organization, is looking for its next Executive Committee members. Officers are 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 four (4) 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 and in good academic and student standing at a UC graduate or professional degree program for the entire term from July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027. 

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 are interested in running for a leadership position, this is an opportunity to showcase your leadership skills, and a chance for personal growth and development. This is an excellent opportunity to impact the UC graduate and professional community and further your personal and professional development. 

Timeline for the Application Process:

April 1, 2026	Self-Nomination Form Open
April 16, 2026 at 5:00 PM	Tentative Webinar with Current Officers
May 1, 2025	Application Close
May 25, 2025	Board Reviews and Votes on Applications
June 1, 2026	Interview Invitations Sent Out
June 20, 2026	Board Interview of Nominees and Appointment of New Officers
July 1, 2026	2026-2027 Term Begins

If you have any questions, please contact the external vice president of your campus’s Graduate Student Association, attend one of the board meetings, or reach out to melanie_girod@berkeley.edu.

Position Descriptions:

PRESIDENT DESCRIPTION:

The President serves as the Chief Executive Officer of UCGPC, which entails supervising and directing the affairs of the corporation and the activities of the officers. Additionally the President acts as the official representative and spokesperson of UCGPC, including making official statements or appearances on behalf of the corporation in public forums, in the media, and through systemwide, statewide, and nationwide advocacy. 

The President maintains formal and ongoing communication with key stakeholders in the University of California system and higher education, including but not limited to: the University of California Office of the President, the Board of Regents, the Council of Chancellors, and the UC Academic Senate. The President oversees the drafting and signing of official written communications of the corporation, including letters, public statements, press releases, and policy positions. They also engage actively with the California state legislature, the federal legislature, and relevant governmental or regulatory agencies on matters affecting the corporation and its Nonvoting Members. 

The president must demonstrate a commitment to cultivating and maintaining strong, collaborative relationships with campus leaders, administrators, student government bodies, and other relevant stakeholders.

VICE PRESIDENT DESCRIPTION:

The Vice President works collaboratively with the President and the Board of Directors to implement the corporation’s mission, vision, and strategic goals. Provide leadership in coordinating cross-campus initiatives, advocacy priorities, and policy development. They provide leadership in coordinating cross-campus initiatives, advocacy priorities, and policy development.

The Vice President is responsible for overseeing internal communications, coordinating internal committees and tracking their progress, and supporting efficient workflow. In addition to the day to day operations, the Vice President is the lead coordinator for major organizational initiatives, including Grad Summit, Advocacy Day in Sacramento, and Day on the Hill in Washington D.C.

In the event of the President’s absence, incapacity, or vacancy in office, the Vice President shall assume the duties and powers of the President until the President resumes duties or a successor is appointed, including, but not limited to, chairing board meetings.

As the second in command, it is important for the Vice President to build strong relationships with external stakeholders and systemwide collaborators including but not limited to the University of California Office of the President, the Board of Regents, the Council of Chancellors, the UC Academic Senate; and other systemwide and external stakeholders as designated. Through these relationships the Vice President serves as a visible ambassador for the organization and its mission and values.

SECRETARY DESCRIPTION:

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

The Secretary acts as parliamentarian over meetings of the Board of Directors, unless otherwise delegated, and serves 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.

The Secretary maintains the internal integrity of the Corporation’s governing documents, including the Bylaws, Policy Manual, and coordinates actions related to amendments to such documents. They also coordinate the activities and operations of the Board of Directors in collaboration with the President, including facilitating communication, initiatives, and scheduling. The Secretary works with the President to appoint members to committees and subcommittees, subject to Board approval where required.

The Secretary must prepare and disseminate meeting agendas and supporting documents for Council and Board of Directors meetings, while also supervising 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.

TREASURER DESCRIPTION:

The Treasurer serves as the Chief Financial Officer of the corporation. The treasurer works in coordination with staff and the Board of Directors to ensure financial transparency, ethical conduct, and accountability in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, and financial policies adopted by the Board.

The duties of the Treasurer include supervising the charge and custody of all funds of the Corporation, providing general oversight of the corporation’s finances, reviewing and presenting quarterly financial reports to the Board of Directors and providing regular updates on the Corporation’s financial position, including income, expenses, assets, and liabilities.

The Treasurer collaborates with the Executive Committee and staff to develop and manage the annual budget, monitor its implementation, and recommend adjustments as necessary to maintain financial health. They also develop, recommend, and implement financial policies and procedures, to ensure proper internal controls to promote ethical practices, risk management, and compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. The Treasurer must attend all Board meetings and provide timely and accurate updates, support fundraising, sponsorship, and grant efforts, serve as the UCGPC Representative on the Council of Student Fees, and oversee the preparation and timely filing of all required financial reports and tax returns, ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

Cover Letter Instructions:

In a personal statement of 200-500 words, explain your motivations for applying for the four student officer positions (President, Vice President, Secretary, or Treasurer). Highlight the 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. 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 President and Vice President) meeting facilitation, and (for President and Vice 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), 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: Please keep responses concise and within the word count limit.

Thank you for your interest in serving as an officer on the board of our nonprofit organization. If you have any questions, please email melanie_girod@berkeley.edu. 

Submit your application here.