All graduate students in the Department of American Studies program are considered members of the Graduate Student Association. At its most active, this organization, optimally meets at least once per semester, raises policy issues about the program; forms discussion groups; and organizes forums on topics such as dissertation writing.

Five graduate students are elected yearly to represent the Association.  The GSA representatives, along with the student members of the Committee of Five, also serve as the graduate student representatives (voting members except those concerning faculty tenure, promotion, and hiring) in the American Studies Advisory Council. The GSA sends one of its members to represent American Studies interests in the Council of Graduate Students (COGS).  The GSA also nominates for the Chair’s approval the two student members of the Committee of Five (usually the elected COGS representative and the Más(s) Color coordinator).  The GSA is at once an academic, social and political organization, and it allows for a collective American Studies graduate student voice.

Más(s) Color exists to promote a positive, supportive, and resourceful environment for students of color in the American Studies Graduate Department.  Focusing on recruitment and retention, Más(s) Color recognizes the disparities in numbers and opportunities for students of color in academia, and seeks to function as an academic and social site of support for minority graduate students.  The Más(s) Color coordinator also serves on the Committee of Five.

The Council of Graduate Students represents all of the graduate students on U of M Twin Cities campus.  Each degree program may select a representative and an alternate.  Students may also volunteer for University-wide committees.  

Graduate students have the right to fundamental fairness regarding complaints.  If students have complaints regarding American Studies faculty or administrative officers, they have several options.  The first is to address the problem directly with the faculty member.  If the problem is still unresolved, students should approach the Director of Graduate Studies and/or the Department Chair.  If the problem remains unresolved, the Chair is authorized to form a grievance committee.  (American Studies Constitution: Section 3: Department Committees).  The GSA can also be an effective organization for mediating individual and collective complaints with American Studies faculty or administrators.  External mediation may be sought by contact with the Student Dispute Resolution Center or the Graduate Assistant Office.   If the grievance cannot be resolved through informal or departmental means, the formal system of grievance procedure should be activated through the University Grievance Policy.