Graduate Student Leadership Council

What is the Graduate Student Leadership Council (GSLC)?

GSLC was formed in 2022 by a resolution passed by ASMSU recognizing that issues impacting graduate students are often different from those of undergraduates. The goal of GSLC is to promote all graduate student voices through service as representatives on university councils that affect policy changes at MSU. GSLC is composed of graduate students who serve on councils, such as Budget, Research, and Graduate Councils, and serve as representatives to ASMSU Senate and Faculty Senate.

Want to provide your feedback to GSLC?

GSLC wants to hear from you! Our goal as the GSLC is to advocate for you to help improve your quality of life as a graduate student at Montana State University. We'd like to hear about any issues you've had such as living conditions, wellbeing, and/or your rights as students. Share your feedback in our anonymous graduate student survey.

Getting involved with GSLC:

Graduate students can get involved by:

Attending regular GSLC Strategic Meetings. Meeting times for the spring 2026 semester are every other Thursday from 12-1:00pm. Feel free to reach out to the Council Co-Chairs to set up an appointment, either during regular meeting times or for a separate time.
Filling open council or representative positions. Open positions are either filled by current GSLC member / staff nomination, or interested students can reach out to the Council Co-Chairs.

For more information, please contact the Council Co-Chairs (see below).

Current GSLC Members:

Anna French

PhD Student in Biological Sciences

Anna is currently serving as co-chair of GSLC. Additionally, through her role on the University Graduate Council, Anna (she/her) works to promote the wellbeing of graduate students and support their basic needs. Outside of her graduate studies, she competes for the US Biathlon team and serves as an Athlete Advisory Council representative, where she advocates for athlete safety and gender equity in sport. Email Anna.

Francis Kawalski

MS Student in Applied Economics

Francis is currently serving as co-chair of GSLC. Email Francis.

Kari Perry

PhD Student in Mechanical Engineering

Kari (she/her) sits on the University Graduate Council. She is passionate about welcoming and supporting graduate students in the many vital roles they fill on our campus.

Akash Gulati

MFA Student in Science & Natural History Filmmaking

Akash serves on the University Graduate Council. Akash is passionate about advocating for graduate student issues, with a special focus on international students and the College of Arts and Architecture.

Taylor Pajunen

MA Student in Native American Studies

Taylor Pajunen (she/they) is the Graduate Student Representative to ASMSU and the Budget Council. They are a master's student in the Native American Studies department and received their undergraduate degree at Loyola Marymount University. Taylor loves trail running, climbing, and organizing in the greater Montana community.

Melisa Carter

Master's Student in Public Administration

Melisa is a graduate student in the Master of Public Administration program and an international student originally from South Africa. Her research focuses on student engagement and student affairs, with particular interest in socialization, belongingness, and the ways students negotiate identity within higher‑education environments. She is committed to fostering inclusive, supportive communities and looks forward to contributing to GSLC through collaboration and student‑centered initiatives. Melisa sits on the Diversity Council.

Mary Farina

PhD Student in Ecology and Environmental Sciences

Mary is the housing liason. Mary is passionate about advocating for graduate students living in campus housing and amplifying their voices regarding housing experiences and concerns.

David Nelson

PhD Student in Mechanical Engineering

David is currently serving on MSU's Research Council. He is passionate about a welcoming, safe, and productive research and teaching environment for the graduate student employees of the University. Outside the University you can probably find him rock climbing.

Past GSLC Events

GSLC Town Hall

Do you have comments about your experience as a graduate student at MSU? The Graduate Student Leadership Council (GSLC) wants to hear from you! The GSLC is hosting a town hall from 4-6pm on Tuesday March 11th, 2025 in Linfield 125. Bring your questions, comments, and complaints and drop in at any time.

GSLC Awareness Forum

The Graduate Student Leadership Council (GSLC) invites all MSU graduate students to an awareness forum on Wednesday November 13th, 2024 at 3pm in SUB Room 235. Join council members for snacks and conversation about the graduate student experience, as well as updates from MSU that affect graduate students. The GSLC wants to find out how they can work to improve the graduate student experience, and needs your feedback!