Simmons Graduate Council

About us

The Simmons Graduate Council (SGC) represents graduate students across all departments in the Simmons School of Education and Human Development. The Council administers funds for graduate student enrichment and professional development including conference travel, workshop and training registration, research-related expenses, and other professional growth opportunities. The maximum support a student can receive per academic year is $1,750.

The Council is made up of 10 student representatives, at least one from each graduate-level program at Simmons, and has been active since 2011.

What funding covers

View Funding Guide (PDF) 


How to apply

  1. Review the Policies and Procedures to confirm your eligibility and allowable expenses.

  2. Check the Application Frequently Asked Questions for common questions.

  3. Submit your request during an open application cycle (see deadlines below).

    Application Deadlines
    • Fall Application Cycle is open from September 14–25
    • Spring Application Cycle is open from February 8–19
    • Summer Application Cycle is open from April 5–16

  4. Applications are reviewed at the Council's next scheduled meeting following the closing of the application cycle, and applicants are notified by email within seven business days of the SGC decision.

Council meetings

The Simmons Graduate Council officers meet monthly to plan professional development opportunities, review funding applications, and plan social events for Simmons graduate students.

  • August 27, 2026
  • September 11, 2026
  • October 2, 2026
  • November 12, 2026
  • December 3, 2026
  • January 29, 2027
  • February 26, 2027
  • March 19, 2027
  • April 23, 2027
  • May 7, 2027

2026–2027 Council Representatives

Department

Representative

Email

Position

Education Policy & Leadership Brittaney Wilson brittaney@smu.edu President
Education Policy & Leadership Barbara Cardenas bcontrerasmora@smu.edu Member
Teaching & Learning Theodora Beauchamp theob@smu.edu Treasurer
Human-Centered Interdisciplinary Studies Rahel Tesfaye rtesfaye@smu.edu Member
Human-Centered Interdisciplinary Studies Rick Grinter rgrinter@smu.edu Member
Counseling Alix Barth abarth@smu.edu Member
Counseling Christy Bridgewater-Feehery cbridgewaterfeehery@smu.edu Member
Teaching & Learning Grace Morison gmorison@smu.edu Member
Applied Physiology & Sport Management Edward Kim kimedward@smu.edu Member
Applied Physiology & Sport Management Ryan Faulkner rfaulkner@smu.edu Member
Simmons School of Education and Human Development Francesca Go fgo@smu.edu Faculty Advisor

Questions? Email your council representative directly or reach the Council at SimmonsGraduateCouncil@smu.edu