College of Graduate Studies

Graduate Student Advisory Council

About the Council

The first Graduate Student Advisory Council was formed in November 2021.

The council, made up of students from across the university, meets monthly and shares their experiences; identify and suggests solutions to challenges unique to graduate students, and makes recommendations to the College of Graduate Studies to build a welcoming and inclusive graduate community.

The council meets regularly with the Dean of the College of Graduate Studies to advise on various topics including but not limited to:

Creating a more inclusive and welcoming graduate community
Improving graduate student wellness
Expanding research and scholarship opportunities
Enhancing graduate student culture on campus
Improving graduate student/faculty relationships
Creating competitive stipends/pay for GTA and GRA

Council members are from all disciplines, and consist of full-time, part-time, online, or in-person students. They must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and not have any violations of UCF’s Golden Rule. Members will provide at least two hours each month to prepare and meet with the dean of the college, with activities occurring both in person and in virtual environments.

The inaugural council consists of 14 students and was selected from more than 150 applicants. The council term is for one academic school year.

For more information contact Assistant Vice President for Strategic Initiatives and Communications, Zenaida Gonzalez Kotala at zenaida.kotala@ucf.edu.