Official Blog | UCGPC

Important Dates:

• Applications Open: June 9, 2025
• Application Deadline for Graduate Applicants: June 25, 2025
• Expected Start Date: Late July or early August

The University of California Office of the President seeks two Bonnie Reiss Leading on Climate student fellows (one graduate and one undergraduate) to connect student sustainability efforts and serve as representatives to the University’s Global Climate Leadership Council (GCLC) and Sustainability Steering Committee (UCSSC) for the 2025-26 academic year.

The GCLC advises the President on achieving UC’s ambitious climate goals and provides guidance on integrating the University’s sustainability goals into its teaching, research and public service mission. Student representatives attend the GCLC meetings and help to support its initiatives, such as the Pathways to a Fossil Free UC (decarbonization) Task Force and efforts around equity and climate justice, living labs, and community engagement. Student representatives attend the GCLC meetings and help to support its initiatives, such as UC location decarbonization and sustainable transportation.

UCSSC oversees and directs the implementation of the systemwide Sustainable Practices Policy. They make recommendations to the UC President based on suggestions from the 13 policy working groups, comprised of staff from all UC locations with expertise in each policy area. Student representatives attend the UCSSC meetings and may participate in the policy area working groups. The UCSSC meets virtually twice a year. Working groups meet virtually (monthly or bi-monthly).

As a Bonnie Reiss Leading on Climate Fellow, the student representatives help the UC Office of the President connect students throughout the UC system participating in the Fellowship program at UC campuses, academic health centers, and other locations. Supporting this fellowship program includes helping organize and host fellowship events (e.g., orientations, trainings, the closing symposium), fostering collaboration between fellows (e.g., organizing monthly calls, drafting newsletters, etc.), and gathering student input into UC climate and sustainability initiatives for the GCLC and UCSSC.

Student representatives should anticipate spending a few hours a week on committee and fellowship activities. Occasional travel to in-person fellowship, GCLC, and UCSSC meetings is expected. The role involves some evening and weekend activities. Student representatives will receive a $5,000 stipend for the 2025-26 academic year.

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Questions to Consider in Preparation for Your Application:

• Why are you particularly interested in serving on the Global Climate Leadership Council (GCLC) and/or the Sustainability Steering Committee (SSC)? How do you see your contributions impacting the committees’ goals and initiatives (e.g., Pathways to a Fossil Free UC, equity and climate justice)?
• Graduate and professional student perspectives are crucial for effective decision-making on climate change and sustainability. Explain how your representation would contribute to a more comprehensive and inclusive approach within the GCLC and SSC.
• Describe relevant academic, professional, or civic experiences that demonstrate your ability to effectively represent graduate student interests in systemwide decision-making spaces. How can you leverage your skills and background to benefit the GCLC and SSC?
• Committee Attendance: Can you confidently commit to attending the GCLC and SSC meetings (twice a year virtually, once a year in person)?
• Graduate Student Advocacy: The Bonnie Reiss Fellowship involves reporting on committee activities to the University Graduate and Professional Council (UCGPC) monthly. Are you comfortable with this responsibility as a means to advocate for graduate student interests?
• Required CV/Resume: In addition to your Microsoft Form application, please submit your CV or resume electronically to systemwidecommittees@ucgpc501c3.org.
  • Resumes should be in a format compatible with common word processing software (.docx, .pdf).

Feel free to send any questions you may have to info@ucgpc.org.