Standing Committees

Standing Committees are permanent committees necessary to run essential aspects of GSG. These committees are as follows: 

FINANCE COMMITTEE

The Finance Committee reviews and processes all funding applications submitted to GSG. Committee members ensure that applications comply with GSG funding policies and evaluate the appropriateness of the request regarding its impact on graduate students. Additionally, committee members share feedback on the finance policies and procedures and will provide input, as needed, to develop the GSG budget.

Led by: Roshni Anand, Director of Finance – Approvals – gsgupcfi@usc.edu & Tiffany Chapman, HSC Director of Finance – gsghscfi@usc.edu 

Goals for the 2025-2026 Academic Year

• Review and provide feedback on funding applications submitted by RSOs weekly.
• Audit approved and funded events at the discretion of the Finance Committee.
• Provide feedback on potential enhancements to the finance policies/funding process.

Expected Commitment for Volunteers

~10-12 hours per semester. Senators are expected to attend committee meetings and audit events, as needed and upon request, throughout the academic year. Senators are expected to be a part of the Finance Committee for the entire academic year.

HEALTH SCIENCES CAMPUS RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE

The Health Sciences Campus Research & Development Committee serves student interests on the Health Sciences Campus and acts in an advisory capacity for GSG on all related matters. They also assist with HSC-wide social and volunteer events and develop programming to promote and celebrate diversity on this campus. At least one HSC senator from an HSC student organization must be present; the senator may designate a proxy to attend in their place. Assists the HSC Directors in planning, publicizing, and running events.

Led by: Angela Albanese, Senior Vice President – gsgsvp@usc.edu

Goals for the 2025-2026 Academic Year

• Develop strategies to bring equitable university resources to the Health Sciences Campus, such as the Campus Activities office and resource centers.
• Relay HSC-specific concerns from constituents at monthly meetings. 
• Assist with event planning and advertising.

Expected Commitment for Volunteers

Attend monthly one-hour meetings and volunteer for at least one HSC event (e.g., event set-up/clean-up). Members must also help disseminate GSG information through student channels.

GRANTS REVIEW COMMITTEE

The Grants Review Committee will review hundreds of applications during the Fall and Spring semesters for the Emergency Fund, Caretaker Subsidy, and Neuropsych grants eligibility.

Led by: Abby Ewing, Director of Grants - gsgtgea@usc.edu

Goals for the 2025-2026 Academic Year

• Attend a one-time virtual meeting to receive guidance on how the applications will be distributed among the committee, the review timeline, and the review criteria. This date will be scheduled contingent upon the availability of committee members.
• Review applications remotely.
• All applications will be sent to committee members for review on their own time.
• Application evaluations and determinations will be sent back to the Director of Grants.

Expected Commitment for Volunteers

~5-10 hours per semester. Monthly review of applications during the first two weeks of each month, remotely and on own time.

 

Presidential Strategy & Innovation Committee

Serves as both a quality control body and a forward-looking think tank for the Graduate Student Government. In the short term, committee members review GSG initiatives, policies, and operations to ensure their effectiveness, compliance, and alignment with the needs of graduate students. In the long term, the committee helps lay the foundation for projects, campaigns, and reforms that may extend beyond a single academic year with a vision toward sustainable impact.

The committee may also convene special task forces to address timely issues or opportunities, such as:

• Emergency Response – supporting the development of standard operating procedures and coordinating with USC offices during urgent or unforeseen situations.
• External Partnerships – exploring collaborations with internal USC partners (Office of Research & Innovation, Career Center, Alumni Association, etc.) and community organizations that enhance graduate student and post-grad life.
• Sustainability & Futures – identifying long-term priorities, resource planning, and operational continuity projects that extend toward 2050.

Led by: Janielle Cuala, GSG President – gsgpres@usc.edu

Goals for the 2025–2026 Academic Year

• Review and provide feedback on major GSG initiatives, policies, and operations.
• Pilot or incubate projects that do not fall within other standing committees
• Develop frameworks for long-term strategic initiatives (2025-2050).
• Convene special task forces to respond to urgent issues or opportunities.
• Produce recommendations for sustaining institutional memory and continuity.
  

Expected Commitment for Volunteers
~8–10 hours per semester. Members are expected to attend monthly meetings, review proposals, and contribute ideas toward both immediate improvements and long-term initiatives

A flexible committee that ensures compliance and quality control, incubates long-term strategy, and activates task forces for emergency response, partnerships, and sustainability.