The Graduate School Advisory Council (GSAC) is a newly established body that brings together graduate student representatives from each school and college at Syracuse University. The Council provides a direct forum for communication between graduate students and the Dean of the Graduate School, ensuring that student perspectives inform initiatives, programs, and policies that shape the graduate experience.
GSAC members play a meaningful role in identifying priorities for graduate student activity fee funds, offering feedback on Graduate School programs and initiatives, and raising issues that affect the graduate community. Council participation provides valuable leadership experience, opportunities for interdisciplinary engagement, and the chance to make a tangible impact on graduate education at Syracuse University.
Membership is open to any residential graduate student in good academic standing, with representation from each school and college offering graduate programs. Master’s and doctoral students from all backgrounds and stages of study are encouraged to participate. GSAC members serve one-year terms, attending regular meetings throughout the academic year and representing the perspectives of their peers within their academic units.
Application details are distributed each fall. Students with questions about GSAC are encouraged to contact the Graduate School at gradschool@syr.edu for more information.
The Graduate School Advisory Council members as of spring 2026 are:
- Nyree Walrond – Master’s student, College of Arts and Sciences, Biotechnology
- Maya Philipp – PhD student, College of Arts and Sciences, Biology
- Gargi De – PhD student, College of Engineering and Computer Science, Civil Engineering
- Samantha Riedel – Master’s student, College of Engineering and Computer Science, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
- Ashley Robles – PhD student, School of Education, Science Education
- Minla Phillips – Master’s student, School of Education, Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- Arif Rabi Ahamad – Master’s student, iSchool, Information Systems
- Shreyansh Goyal – Master’s student, iSchool, Information Systems
- Eniola Festus – Master’s student, Maxwell School of Citizenship, Public Health
- Carl Friesenhahn – PhD student, Maxwell School of Citizenship, History
- Anand Benegal – PhD student, Whitman School of Management, Business Administration
- Saadullah Kundi – Master’s student, Whitman School of Management, Finance
- Abigail Gioffre – Master’s student, Newhouse School of Public Communications, Public Diplomacy & Global Communication
- Isabelle Sareen – Master’s student, Newhouse School of Public Communications, Advanced Media Management
- Pravalika Kota – Master’s student, Falk College of Sport, Nutrition Science
- A.J. Miller – Master’s student, College of Visual and Performing Arts, Studio Arts