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Graduate Student Advisory Council
Guidelines

1. Purpose / Mission

The Graduate Student Advisory Council (GSAC) serves as a representative body composed of graduate students and designated representatives from the Office of Enrollment Management and Student Life. The GSAC provides a structured forum for communication between students and institutional leadership, advising on issues related to student experience, academic life, student support services, and community engagement. The GSAC ensures that diverse student perspectives are reflected in institutional planning and decision-making processes.

2. Authority

The GSAC operates under the authority of the HJI administration and reports to the President through the Office of Enrollment Management and Student Life. Feedback and recommendations offered by the GSAC help inform institutional decision-making and contribute to continuous improvement efforts related to the graduate student experience.

3. Responsibilities / Duties

The GSAC shall:

          • Provide feedback and recommendations on academic programs, student services and activities, and institutional policies affecting graduate students.
          • Advise on issues related to student recruitment, retention, professional development, and community life.
          • Communicate student perspectives, needs, and concerns to HJI leadership.
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          • Support initiatives that enhance the mission and vision of HJI and contribute to student success.
          • Submit an annual summary of key issues and recommendations to the President.

4. Membership / Composition

The GSAC shall consist of between five (5) and seven (7) members, a majority of whom are master’s and doctoral students. The Council also includes administrative representation from the Office of Enrollment Management and Student Life.

Membership shall ideally include:

          • One (1) representative student from each of the four HJI degree programs.
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          • Additional student representatives to ensure diversity of geographic regions, faith traditions, and cultural backgrounds across the global student body.
          • Up to two (2) representatives from the Office of Enrollment Management and Student Life (ex officio, non-voting).

Student members may be recommended by HJI students, faculty and staff, and shall be appointed by HJI for one-year renewable terms. Vacancies may be filled by HJI administration appointment from the same degree program or geographical region.

5. GSAC Officer Roles and Duties

The GSAC shall elect from among its student members a Chair, Vice-Chair, and Secretary at the first meeting of each academic year. The Chair shall preside over meetings, coordinate with HJI officials, and serve as liaison between the GSAC and the Office of Enrollment Management and Student Life. The Vice-Chair shall assist the Chair and assume responsibilities in their absence.

6. Meetings

The GSAC shall meet at least once per semester with the President and other relevant HJI officials to advise on matters of student life, academic policy, and institutional development. Additional meetings may be convened by the Chair, the Office of the President, or the Office of Enrollment Management and Student Life as needed in response to emerging issues or requests from students or administration.

7. Reporting / Communication

The GSAC shall prepare and submit a summary report following each meeting to document discussion topics, recommendations, and follow-up actions. The summary report shall be submitted to the President and made available to the broader HJI community to promote transparency and accountability.

8. Review / Amendment

These guidelines shall be reviewed every three (3) years by the Office of Enrollment Management and Student Life in consultation with the GSAC to ensure continued relevance to institutional goals, accreditation requirements, and the evolving needs of the graduate student body. Amendments require approval by the President of HJI.

9. Effective Date

This charter shall take effect upon approval by the President of HJI and shall remain in force until amended or rescinded.

Approved:

Dr. Thomas G. Walsh

President

October 2025