GPSG Executive Elections

Click HERE to review 2025-2026 Executive Candidates

New GPSG Leaders will be announced on April 28!

When is the next election cycle and timeline?

Elections for the May 2025 – May 2026 GPSG Executive positions will occur in the Spring semester. See details below for the current timeline: 

  • March 27th: Meet and Greet Mixer
    • Prospective candidates will have the opportunity to meet the current Executives and ask questions about GPSG and their respective positions
  • March 28th – April 6th: Nomination Period
    • Nominations will be made through an electronic nomination form sent out via email from GPSG. Self-nominations are permissible.
  • April 8th: Opportunity to speak at the last Senate meeting.
  • April 14th – April 20th: Election Period
    • Election form will be sent through the GPSG Communications email, inviting all professional Master’s and Graduate students to vote.
  • April 28th: Results Announcement
    • Election results distributed through the GPSG newsletter.

How can I learn more about a particular position?

Beyond reading the relevant sections of the bylaws, the best way to learn about a position is by speaking to the individual who currently holds it! You can find a list of this year’s officers here . All of our officers are happy to be contacted directly with questions, and are more than happy to meet for extended discussion.

Who can run? What qualifications are required?

Any individual who plans to be actively enrolled as a graduate or professional student at Duke from Spring Commencement 2025 to Spring Commencement 2026 is eligible to serve, as long as they are willing to perform the duties outlined in the bylaws.

Note that all members of the Executive Board Members are expected to attend Executive meetings, with a maximum of 3 unexcused absences per semester. If you cannot routinely attend meetings please make this clear prior to elections. Failure to attend meetings may result in removal from office.

How do I run? Can I nominate someone else?

To nominate yourself of another individual, please fill out the electronic nomination form sent out via email from GPSG. You may nominate as many individuals you like, including yourself, for as many positions as you like.

Any member of the student body may be nominated for more than one Executive position, but may only run for one Executive position.

If you are nominated for a position, a member of GPSG leadership will reach out to you in advance of the election to confirm your interest and communicate about any required materials prior to April 14th.

If you have difficulty accessing the form or have any questions about using the form, please contact the Chief of Staff. 

What positions are up for election?

The GPSG Executive Branch consists of 8 positions. Below are brief descriptions of the duties for the office as laid out in our Bylaws, as well as the financial resources provided to these individuals to offset the opportunity cost associated with these essential leadership positions.

President

The President is the chief spokesperson for the Government and is the official liaison between the student body and the University. The President directly supervises the Executive members and supervises the Independent Entities alongside the Speaker. The President sets the broad organizational vision for the Government, including policy, advocacy, and major programming objectives.

The President shall:

  1. Give powers and duties of the President to the Vice President as necessary.
  2. Deliver Senate resolutions to the appropriate members of the University community and make every effort to include at least one member who participated in the resolution’s drafting at meetings with administration.
  3. Create Select Committees as necessary, per guidelines in Article III.
  4. Establish direct working relationships with administrators across campus, as well as with DSG, DGSU, and DUU.
  5. Chair Leadership meetings as per Article I.
  6. Write quarterly letters to the Duke University Board of Trustees on the state of graduate and professional student education, scholarship, and affairs.
  7. Meet with the DUU President and the Division of Student Affairs as necessary per duties under Article VI: Student Fees.
  8. Appoint vacant Independent Entity positions for consideration of the Senate.
  9.  Meet with the Staff Advisor and Speaker twice per month.
  10. Serve ex-officio on the following external committees:
    • Graduate and Professional Education and Research (GPER) Committee of the Duke University Board of Trustees
    • University Priorities Committee (UPC)
    •  President’s Council for Black Affairs (PCOBA)
    • Graduate and Professional Student Affairs Council (GPSAC)
    • Student Health Insurance Advisory Committee (SHIAC
Vice President

The Vice-President is responsible for supporting the Directors and works closely with the President. The Vice President shall assist with coordinating the effective operation of the Executive branch.

The Vice President shall:

  1. Perform duties within the President’s power at the discretion of the President.
  2. Appoint student body members to External Committees and task forces in consultation with the President, as well as serve as the point of contact for students appointed to External Committees.
  3. Serve ex-officio on External Committees as requested by the President.
  4. Serve as the point of contact for Duke Graduate/Professional student Campout in conjunction with the Basketball Committee.
  5. Meet regularly with Directors individually to assess areas of support needed.
Director of External Advocacy

The Director of External Advocacy organizes advocacy efforts in state and federal government, as well as promotes collaboration of the Duke Graduate community with advocacy organizations at other institutions. The portfolio of the Director shall be directed and enacted by the External Advocacy Committee and be responsible for the transparent, efficient, and effective execution of the following critical activities:

  1. Work with partners on efforts to promote voting on-campus and in the community, advocacy trips to state and federal legislators, and partner with student organizations on state and national advocacy efforts.
  2. Develop and maintain a comprehensive database of external advocacy groups including student groups at Duke, other campuses, non-student organizations, and relevant lawmakers to facilitate relationships with said groups.
  3. Direct the External Advocacy committee in developing and executing the External Advocacy portfolio.
Director of Durham Relations

The Director of Durham Relations is responsible for connecting Duke graduate and professional students with the broader Durham community and for promoting meaningful engagement with local community organizations around advocacy issues that affect both parties. The portfolio of the Director shall be directed and enacted by the Durham Relations Committee and be responsible for the transparent, efficient, and effective execution of the following critical activities:

  1. Build and maintain relations with local student and community groups, advocacy organizations, and lawmakers, including the development of a comprehensive database of local advocacy groups to facilitate intergroup communication.
  2. Direct the Durham Relations committee in developing and executing the Durham Relations portfolio and co-sponsor events with other campus groups.
  3. Oversee the Duke Graduate/Professional Student Chapter of Durham CAN, including but not limited to annual dues.
Director of Academic Affairs

The Director of Academic Affairs advocates for the academic well-being of all graduate and professional students and responds to student concerns about academic matters. The portfolio of the Director shall be directed and enacted by the Academic Affairs Committee and be responsible for the transparent, efficient, and effective execution of the following critical activities:

  1. Facilitate the Lawyer Assistance Program.
  2. Direct the Academic Affairs committee in developing and executing the Academic Affairs portfolio and determine subcommittees for specific affairs as necessary based on body interest, such as International students, Clinical students, Doctoral students, and Master’s students.
  3. Promote development of academic support resources and liaise directly with Duke administration to advocate on behalf of students on academic issues.
Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

The Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice organizes active efforts to promote diversity and inclusion on campus. The Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice shall pay special attention to anti-racism, anti-sexism, anti-LGBTQ+ discrimination, and the needs of international students and students with disabilities. The portfolio of the Director shall be directed and enacted by the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice Committee and be responsible for the transparent, efficient, and effective execution of the following critical activities:

  1. Direct the DEI committee in developing and executing the DEI portfolio, facilitating the DEIJ MicroAwards, including advertising, awarding, and management of funds.
  2. Develop and maintain a comprehensive database of DEIJ initiatives, student identity, and student affinity groups across and off-campus to facilitate intergroup communication.
  3. Serve as the liaison to all structural centers dedicated to the interests of historically marginalized or underrepresented students on campus.
Director of Environment and Sustainability
The Director of Environment and Sustainability is responsible for advancing environmental justice initiatives and policies on campus. The portfolio of the Director shall be directed and enacted by the Climate Crisis Committee and be responsible for the transparent, efficient, and effective execution of the following Critical events:
  1. Maintain a permanent seat on relevant University-wide Advisory Committees, such as the Executive Committee of the Climate Commitment Advisory Council.
  2. Works closely with student groups and university departments (including but not limited to, Office of Climate and Sustainability, Undergraduate Environmental Union) to facilitate and promote sustainability-related events and initiatives.
  3. Convenes the Climate Crisis Committee to plan sustainability-related events and initiatives that serve the needs of the graduate student community.
Director of Community Pantry

The Director of the Community Pantry is responsible for the organization and operations of the Durham Pantry and its mission of reducing food insecurity. The Director is the official liaison and chief spokesperson between the Pantry and the broader Duke community. The Director will:

  1. Appoint all the Executive Board (“Pantry officer”) positions at the beginning of their term and ensure all necessary Pantry officers complete the Annual Student Organization Training and quiz.
  2. Lead Pantry Executive board meetings at least once a month and provide oversight for the Directors of the Pantry, including but not limited to the Director of Operations, Director of Outreach, and Director of Communication.
  3. Maintain good relationships, updates, and correspondence with all partners, stakeholders, and funders of the Pantry (The Graduate School, Student Affairs, Duke REACH, Duke Dining, Duke Alumni Engagement and Development, Duke Triangle Regional Alumni, etc.).
  4. Oversee the Pantry Budget, including working with the Finance Coordinator to fundraise money for the annual budget from relevant Duke schools/colleges.
  5. Implement and contribute to the Duke Food Security Strategic Plan and serve on the external Food Security Action Team [FSAT] committee.
  6. Oversee upkeep of the Pantry location, improve Pantry programming, and remain current with initiatives regarding food insecurity at Duke and in the community

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