The Department is governed by the Departmental Council. The council has regular meetings called by the Chair of the department. All faculty, staff and students may attend these meetings. Minutes are available for public distribution. Students elect up to two representatives who may vote at council meetings.
All faculty have a vote.
Problems may be discussed privately with the Graduate Director or the Chair, or may be put on the agenda for for. All graduate students in the department are members of the GLSA, which is the student representative body to the department council. The GLSA elects 2 representatives with voting privileges on the Dept. Council. In addition, the GLSA runs many of the activities that enrich department life. Helps with the Maryland Mayfest , and coordinates yearly welcoming activities for new students.