The Graduate and Professional Student Senate (GPSS) held their election for new GPSS officers for the 2025-26 school year when they met Monday.

The Senate also held a special election for the college chair position for the College of Design, detailed February 2025 allocations and gave executive reports.

The following members of the Senate were elected to their respective positions, all by unanimous consent, for the 2025-26 academic year:

• President: Muhammad Azhan, a continuing graduate in chemistry
• Vice President: Mayyda Mukhtar, a continuing in computer engineering
• Treasurer: Muhammad Hanif Lashari, a continuing graduate in computer engineering
• Senate Engagement Officer: Sourav Das, a continuing graduate in mechanical engineering
• Senate Information Officer: Rakesh Salian, a continuing graduate in apparel merchandising and design
• Wellness Officer: Philip Rockson, a first year graduate in agricultural and biosystems engineering
• Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility (IDEA) Officer: Zarina Wafula, a continuing graduate in education
• Conference Chair: Tahereh Torabi, a continuing graduate in civil engineering

Azhan thanked the senators for their support after being elected president.

“Thank you so much, guys, for electing me and putting your trust for me,” Azhan said. “I really appreciate that. We’re gonna do great things.”

The Senate held a special election under Senate Order SO25-02. Shabnam Hayatgheibi was unanimously named College of Design college chair.

Executive reports

President Wren Bouwman, a continuing graduate in applied linguistics and technology, detailed upcoming events for graduate students, including Lavender Graduation.

“We want to ensure the longevity of this event, so attend and celebrate both your undergrad and graduate LGBTQIA+ peers as they graduate,” Wren Bouwman said.

Each year, graduating LGBTQIA+ students and allies from the Iowa State community take part in a Lavender Graduation.

According to Wren Bouwman, the event has been less publicized this year than it was when it was through The Center.

Other members of the executive board also gave their reports and detailed descriptions of their roles.

Other business

The Senate signed off on last month’s meeting minutes. The Senate also signed off on February allocations under Senate Bill S25-08 under unanimous consent. Four of the five applicants received funding.

“The one group that was not approved has been contacted, and they’ve been able to resubmit,” Treasurer Elijah Bouwman, a continuing graduate in industrial and agricultural technology, said.

The next GPSS meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m. April 28 in the Memorial Union’s Sun Room.