GSA Governance
Graduate Student at New Jersey Institute of Technology, Governance Structure
The Graduate Student Association (GSA) is governed through a representative and transparent structure that ensures graduate students actively participate in decision-making processes that affect academic, professional, and campus life. Governance is exercised through the Department Representatives, Executive Board, General Assembly, and Standing Committees, all operating under the GSA Constitution and Bylaws to promote accountability, effective leadership, and the responsible stewardship of student resources.
​
DepRep
Department Representatives are the elected liaisons between each graduate program and the GSA. They advocate for student needs, communicate updates from the General Assembly, and ensure every department’s voice is represented in GSA decisions. DepReps organize feedback sessions, serve on committees, manage departmental engagement funds, and support academic, cultural, and professional initiatives that strengthen the graduate student community.
5
Colleges
16
Departments
32
DepRep
Process to Become a Department Representative (DepRep)
1.- Expression of Interest or Departmental Selection:
A graduate student must submit an email expressing availability and interest in serving as a Department Representative. The position may be filled through a free and open election within the respective graduate department. In cases where no candidates are available, a student may self-nominate. A Department Representative could be removed upon request by members of the represented department as the Department Chair, or by action of the GSA General Assembly, in accordance with the GSA Constitution and Bylaws, Section I (Elections and Vacancies) and Section III (Department Representatives)
2.- Executive Board Review and Eligibility Verification:
The expression of interest is reviewed by the GSA Executive Board and forwarded to the Graduate Studies Office (GSO) to complete the institutional verification process. Eligibility requirements include current enrollment in a graduate program, good academic standing, fulfillment of the minimum GPA requirement, and non-conditional status, as defined in the GSA Constitution and Bylaws, Section I.D (Eligibility)
3.- Appointment and Official Notification:
Upon successful verification and completion of the required protocol, the student is formally notified and recognized as the official Department Representative for their academic program. The appointed representative assumes full responsibilities as outlined in the GSA Constitution and Bylaws, Section III.A (Responsibilities of Department Representatives)
​
​
DepRep Funding
Department Representative (DepRep) Funding is part of the annual General Assembly budget and is reviewed and approved each academic year. Each Department may receive up to USD $1,000 per academic year, subject to fund availability, to support department-level engagement activities, including required feedback sessions or meet-and-greets. All expenditures must comply with the GSA Constitution, established financial policies, and approval procedures, with pre-authorization and post-activity reporting required to ensure transparency and responsible stewardship of graduate student resources.
1.- Submit a brief project proposal by email.
Write a one-paragraph description of the project, including its purpose and expected impact. List the materials or services needed and provide a cost estimate. Send the proposal to gsa-pres@njit.edu.
4.- Acquisition and coordination of required items.
Procurement is supported by the GSA as applicable. Because each project may involve different needs (e.g., supplies, services, event materials), acquisition steps and timelines may vary by project.
2.- Obtain departmental approval before implementation.
The project must be approved by the Department Chair or the appropriate departmental authority prior to execution. Any additional departmental permissions (e.g., room access, internal approvals) are the responsibility of the DepRep.
3.- GSA Executive Board review for feasibility and procurement planning.
Once departmental approval is confirmed, the GSA Executive Board reviews the request to assess feasibility, policy compliance, and the most appropriate approach for acquiring the requested items or services.
5.- Project execution.
The DepRep implements the approved activity or initiative, ensuring it is delivered as described and benefits the department’s graduate students.
6.- Submit a post-project report.
Within a reasonable timeframe after completion, submit a one-page report summarizing the activity, including outcomes, photos (as appropriate), and the number of participants. This report supports transparency and future planning.
The projectors may be used for a wide range of activities, including the presentation of student research and academic projects, departmental meetings, informational sessions, seminars, workshops, board game gatherings, and wellness-focused activities, among other community-building initiatives.
DepRep Responsibilities​
-
Represent the Department
Serve as the official elected representative of the graduate students within their academic department to the GSA General Assembly. -
Advocate for Student Interests
Communicate departmental concerns, priorities, and feedback to the General Assembly and advocate for solutions that improve graduate student life. -
Participate in the General Assembly
Attend General Assembly meetings regularly, engage in discussions, and vote on motions, policies, budgets, and funding requests. -
Facilitate Communication
Disseminate information from the GSA to students in their department, including announcements, opportunities, policy updates, and events. -
Organize Departmental Engagement Activities
Plan and host at least one departmental feedback session or meet-and-greet per semester to gather student input and promote engagement. -
Manage Departmental Funds
Responsibly utilize allocated Department Representative funding to support approved departmental activities, in compliance with GSA financial policies. -
Serve on Committees
Participate in at least one GSA or university committee and report relevant updates and outcomes to the General Assembly. -
Maintain Office Hours
Hold regular office hours or designated availability to address student questions, concerns, and suggestions. -
Report Back to the GSA
Provide summaries of departmental activities, feedback sessions, and committee work to ensure transparency and institutional continuity. -
Uphold GSA Policies and Standards
Act in accordance with the GSA Constitution and Bylaws, NJIT policies, and principles of ethical leadership and accountability.
GSA EBoard
The GSA Executive Board serves as the leadership and administrative body of the Graduate Student Association. It is responsible for guiding the organization’s mission, representing graduate student interests, overseeing operations and finances, implementing General Assembly decisions, and ensuring that all activities comply with the GSA Constitution, NJIT policies, and principles of transparency and accountability.
6
Officers
2400+
Grad Student Represented
25/26Year Budget
$150,000
The GSA Executive Board is the administrative and governing body that leads and represents NJIT’s graduate student community, overseeing academic, social, and financial initiatives. It ensures transparency, collaboration, and advocacy to enhance graduate student life across the university.
GSA Eboard 2025-2026
GSA
Executive
Board25
Office Campus Center 110A, Week Day 11.00 AM to 5 PM
GSA President
Fernando Vera Buschmann
Data Science PhD (S)
4th Year
​
Grad Representative at:
Board of Trustees AARC - Academic Affairs and Research Committee
​
​
Faculty Senate CITLAR-Committee on Information Technology Libraries and Resources
​
​​
GSA Vicepresident
Finances
Mohith Oduru
Information Systems PhD (S)
2nd Year
​
Grad Representative at:​
Faculty Senate CGE - Committee on Graduate Education
​
​​
GSA Vicepresidente
Academic
Deniz Najafi
Electrical Engineering PhD (C)
4th Year
​
Grad Representative at:
Faculty Senate Committee on Academic Assessment
​
​​
GSA Vicepresidente Programming
Durvish Paliwal
Data Science Ms (S)
2nd Year
​
Grad Representative at:
Board of Trustees CLC- Campus Life Committee Meeting
​
​​
GSA Vicepresident
Communications
GSA Vicepresident
Public Relations
GSA Executive Board Responsibilities
-
Provide Organizational Leadership
Lead the Graduate Student Association in accordance with its Constitution and Bylaws, ensuring continuity, accountability, and effective governance. -
Represent the Graduate Student Body
Act as the official representatives of NJIT graduate students in interactions with university administration, faculty, and external partners. -
Oversee GSA Operations and Programs
Plan, coordinate, and supervise academic, social, cultural, and professional initiatives that enhance graduate student life. -
Manage and Administer the GSA Budget
Prepare, monitor, and report on the annual operating budget, ensuring responsible stewardship of graduate student activity fees. -
Review and Approve Funding Requests
Evaluate funding proposals from Department Representatives and graduate student organizations, and present recommendations to the General Assembly when required. -
Support the General Assembly
Convene and facilitate General Assembly meetings, implement Assembly decisions, and ensure compliance with voting, quorum, and procedural rules. -
Maintain Transparency and Documentation
Record and publish meeting minutes, financial summaries, resolutions, and official communications to the graduate community. -
Coordinate Elections and Appointments
Oversee election procedures, manage vacancies, and ensure eligibility requirements are met for all elected and appointed positions. -
Ensure Policy Compliance
Ensure that all GSA activities, expenditures, and decisions comply with NJIT policies, state regulations, and the GSA Constitution and Bylaws. -
Promote Engagement and Communication
Foster active participation among graduate students, Department Representatives, and recognized organizations through regular communication, outreach, and collaboration.
General Assembly (GA)
The General Assembly is the principal legislative and decision-making body of the Graduate Student Association. It is composed of elected Department Representatives and members of the Executive Board, and it is responsible for debating and voting on policies, budgets, funding allocations, and initiatives that directly impact the graduate student community. Through regular meetings and formal voting procedures, the General Assembly ensures representative governance, accountability, and transparent oversight of GSA activities in accordance with the GSA Constitution and Bylaws.