The Graduate Environmental Studies Student Association (GESSA) is the student-run organization for graduate students in FES, and is an associate member organization of the Graduate Students' Association (GSA) at York. Representing over 300 Masters' and Doctoral students, GESSA is one of the largest governance bodies for graduate students at York University.

All graduate students are members of GESSA and are entitled to the use of its services:

• Free fax (long distance charges apply) & telephone; and
• The GESSA office space for speaking with GESSA Executive members or for informal meetings, organizing campaigns, or any other student initiatives. The office is open between the hours of 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, and the office keys are available from the FES receptionist.

The Executive coordinates the general activities of the association and provides information on faculty policy issues and events to the student body. Members also act as liaisons between faculty and students as needed. Elected delegates (elections take place in January each year) represent MES and PhD students on various FES committees and at other levels of governance on campus, such as the Graduate Students' Association. GESSA holds general meetings at which students are encouraged to participate and share ideas.

GESSA sponsors various student run programs such as Undercurrents, an environmental journal, Counter Culture, a cafe serving organically grown vegetarian meals, and the Maloca Community Garden, located in the southwest corner of the York University campus. Each semester, GESSA also sponsors social events and other community building activities. Funding for conferences and research are available through both the GESSA Research and Travel Fund and the GSA.