Who We Are
UCGPC (University of California Graduate & Professional Council) is a 501c3 non-profit organization dedicated to advocating for graduate and professional students across the University of California system. Student advocacy is at the core of its mission. UCGPC leverages organizational resources to ensure that graduate and professional student perspectives are represented in systemwide and governmental decision-making processes. As the official systemwide representative body for UC graduate and professional students, UCGPC develops and supports programs , services, and initiatives that enrich the student experience through the University of California.
Our decision‑making process is informed by constituent voices, lived experiences, and evidence-based research.
We are committed to fostering productive relationships and creating a meaningful, lasting impact.
UCGPC is dedicated to uplifting the graduate and professional student community through its advocacy priorities. Education and research are foundational to this work. UCGPC strives to keep the students it represents informed about policies and decisions that affect their academic, professional, and personal lives.
We strive to create an equitable UC system where graduate and professional students’ basic needs are met, mental health is prioritized, and research, teaching, and public service flourish. At the same time, UCGPC elevates student voices in decision-making spaces, ensuring that University leadership understand the priorities, concerns, and fundamental values of the communities they serve. Through advocacy, education, and engagement, UCGPC fosters a stronger, more connected community where graduate and professional students are supported, respected, and empowered to thrive.
Ten Campuses, One System.
UCGPC envisions a University of California where graduate and professional students across the state are connected, supported, and empowered. We strive to foster reciprocal collaboration across the UC system. UCGPC advocates for an equitable and inclusive experience for every graduate and professional student, ensuring that all voices are heard, valued, and represented.
Through an optional UC-Wide student fee, UCGPC provides annual advocacy programming, including Sacramento Advocacy Days, Washington D.C. Day on the Hill, Grad Summit, and Grad Gala. Additionally, UCGPC manages all graduate and professional student applications to systemwide committees, Student Advocate to the Regents (StAR), and Student Observers to the Regents.
Our Mission
To uplift graduate and professional voices through education, advocacy, and community-building so that every UC graduate and professional student can thrive academically and personally.
Our Vision
An equitable UC system where graduate and professional students’ basic needs are met, mental health is prioritized, and research, teaching, and public service flourish.
Our Values
- Equity
- Transparency
- Collaboration
- Evidence-based Advocacy
- Sustainability
- Integrity
History of the Organization
The University of California Student Association (UCSA) has represented UC students since its foundation in 1971. Until 2017, UCSA served as an umbrella organization for both undergraduate and graduate students across the UC system. In 2017, UCGPC was formed in order to address the unique needs of graduate and professional students.
In the graduate students Letter of Intent, addressing their intentions to form UCGPC, student leaders stated:
“Graduate and professional students are a unique population, with distinct needs, issues, and desires from those of undergraduates, faculty, or staff, which are often unrecognized in the general narrative of higher education. It is one of the primary goals of graduate and professional student leaders to establish their constituents as an independent party to all conversations on university policy and higher education legislation, thus advancing advocacy efforts for all graduate and professional students. In furtherance of this goal, delegates from each UC campus convened a UC Graduate and Professional Summit at UC San Diego, the weekend of July 29-30, 2017.“
Becoming autonomous from UCSA, through the creation of UCGPC as a sibling organization to UCSA offered several advantages:
- Each group could design governance structures that best serve their constituents’ needs.
- Both groups would gain separate representation with UC administration.
- The UC system benefits from dual representation rather than trade-off leadership.